Firewire Long Rider
The Firewire Long Rider is Rob Machado’s take on the modern mid-length — a board built for smooth lines, trim speed, glide, and effortless wave catching. It’s designed to sit between a funboard and a high-performance shortboard, giving surfers a fast, flowing, stylish ride without the heaviness or bulk of a traditional longboard.
Whether you're linking long, drawn-out turns, trimming across soft shoulders, or flowing through clean open faces, the Long Rider offers a relaxed yet highly functional mid-length experience. It’s not a nose rider, and it’s not a log — it’s a versatile, performance-leaning mid-length for modern surfing.
Who Is the Firewire Long Rider For?
- Surfers who want a fast, easy-paddling mid-length that glides into waves effortlessly.
- Shortboarders wanting more wave count without switching to a longboard.
- Longboarders looking for something shorter, faster, and more maneuverable.
- Intermediate to advanced riders who enjoy flow-based, stylish surfing.
Design Features
Modern Mid-Length Outline
- Generous outline up front for early entry and smooth trim speed.
- Clean, continuous curve through the middle for stability and flow.
- Refined tail (machado-style squash/rounded) allowing for smoother turns and directional control.
Rocker & Bottom Contours
- Low entry rocker for easy paddling and fast takeoffs.
- Smooth, flowing rocker profile that maintains speed even in softer surf.
- Single to double concave flowing into light vee for easy rail-to-rail transitions.
Rails & Volume
- Medium rails that provide forgiveness and clean hold on the face.
- Balanced volume distribution ensures glide without feeling corky.
- Enough foam to make surfing easier, without sacrificing maneuverability.
Fin Setup
The Long Rider is typically surfed as:
- Thruster – for more control and drive when turning.
- Quad – for maximum speed and smooth, flowing lines.
Ideal Wave Conditions
- Knee-high to overhead surf.
- Soft beach-break shoulders, long point waves, and running open faces.
- Days when you want more wave count and glide, without riding a full longboard.
Sizing the Firewire Long Rider
Size depends on whether you want more glide or more maneuverability:
- For maximum paddle power: choose the larger sizes.
- For a more responsive ride: size slightly shorter if you have experience on mid-lengths.
- Most surfers choose between 6'10" and 7'6" depending on preference.
Need help sizing your Long Rider? Tell us your height, weight, experience, and home break — we’ll dial in the perfect fit.
Compare the Long Rider
- Firewire Groove – Shorter, more performance-oriented Rob Machado design.
- Shop All Mid-Lengths
Shipping & Pickup Options
We ship Firewire surfboards nationwide with live UPS rates displayed at checkout. Typical ranges:
- Under 5'11": $65–$120
- Over 5'11" or 21" wide: $150–$240
Free pickup options:
- In-store pickup at Rider Shack (Los Angeles)
- Free Central Coast pickup in Santa Barbara, Morro Bay, Pismo Beach, and Lompoc
Buying from Rider Shack supports a small, family-run, surfer-owned core surf shop.
Firewire Long Rider FAQ
Is the Long Rider a longboard?
No — despite the name, the Long Rider is a mid-length. It’s shorter, faster, and far more maneuverable than a traditional longboard.
Is the Long Rider meant for nose riding?
No. It’s not a nose rider and not designed as a log. It’s built for trim speed, smooth lines, and flow-based surfing.
Who designed the Long Rider?
The Long Rider was designed by Rob Machado as part of his flow-oriented mid-length quiver.
What wave range is the Long Rider best in?
Knee-high to overhead waves. It especially shines in clean, open-face surf and long running waves.
What fins work best?
Thruster for maximum control and drive; quad for smoother, faster lines and easy trimming.
