Longboard surfboards are the biggest type of surfboard. Longboards are ones longer than 8 feet 6 inches.
Longboards are easier to paddle that other boards, because of their increased volume, which makes them more buoyant. This increased buoyancy makes a longboard more stable than other surfboards. Longboards are ideal for beginners as they are easier to stand on that other surfboard types.

Longboards are not just for beginners though. Surfers of all ages and abilities ride longboards. Longboards offer a more relaxed, and often slower surf than the faster shortboard surfboards. Longboards are best ridden when the surf is about waist high. If the waves are any bigger than this a longboard can be too slow to turn to ensure a safe position on the wave. Longboards carry much more momentum than smaller boards. This increases the risk of being hit hard by the board in a wipeout.

Learning to surf with a longboard

Longboards are the best type of surfboard to use when learning to stand-up surf. The increased size makes it easier to find a good stance. The increased buoyancy makes the board easier to paddle and easier to stand up on. Once a learner has stood up on a longboard, the extra stability makes it easier to not fall off.
It is very hard to duck-dive a longboard, therefore surfers have to slide off the board when tackling whitewater. Another technique is to turtle-roll.

Many surfers, having learnt to surf on their longboard, keep the board as it becomes too memorable to sell.
Longboards where used exclusively until the 1960's. The longboards of today are much smaller and lighter than their 15 feet ancestors.

Good points

Easy to paddle
Easier to stand up on
Smooth ride
Hanging 10 !

Bad points

Can be dangerous in big surf
Difficult to transport
They hit harder than smaller boards
Difficult to duck dive