High-performance shortboards have many advantages when surfing:
They enable radical manoeuvres and are suitable for various surfing conditions with special high-performance shapes.
They are suitable for small, medium and large waves.
With a shortboard you can do cutbacks, perform high-speed turns, be very manoeuvrable and ride in the tube.
You can do duck dives with them and they are easy to transport.
The narrow outline of a shortboard enables powerful turns, while the low volume allows high speeds and makes duck diving easier. Surfing on a shortboard is different than on other boards. You take the waves later and the take-offs take place at the steepest point. But you can make radical and vertical manoeuvres, turn quickly and have better control at high speed.
Conclusion Steve (Surfshop Germany):
A shortboard is unbeatable when the conditions are right, and you'll feel the power of your surf Ferrari. However, only choose a pure shortboard if you really have a high skill level. Otherwise, a performance-orientated hybrid surfboard may be more suitable.