What is the difference between cheap and expensive bodyboards?
Due to the lower-grade materials and construction, cheap bodyboards are less durable and more susceptible to damage from rough waves, extended use, or exposure to sunlight and saltwater. Flex, design features, length, construction, materials, and price are all important when choosing a bodyboard for a particular ability level.Bodyboarding has a much easier learning curve than surfing and is physically less demanding, partly because you’re prone instead of required to “pop up” into your surf stance and balance standing on a board on a moving wave.Avoid cheap supermarket bodyboards as they are often low-quality, don’t offer a good ride (too much flex), and are not sustainable. Investing in a quality bodyboard will enhance your experience and last longer ensuring your fun lasts!
What’s the difference between a body board and a boogie board?
Bodyboarding is also referred to as Boogieboarding due to the invention of the Boogie Board by Tom Morey in 1971. The average bodyboard consists of a short, rectangular piece of hydrodynamic foam. Bodyboarders typically use swim fins for additional propulsion and control while riding a breaking wave. One of the reasons why (some) surfers (still) hate bodyboarders is because boogie boarders ride anything – even a closeout wave. Fortunately, times are changing, and the oldest and fiercest rivalry in the history of boardsports is fading away.
Are bigger bodyboards better?
Bigger bodyboards are not necessarily better; it depends on your size, weight, and skill level. Larger boards offer more buoyancy and stability but can be less manoeuvrable. If you’re going to be riding big waves primarily, you should choose a shorter bodyboard. A smaller bodyboard will give you more control and agility as more of your body is in the water. If the surf you’re going to be riding are small waves, a longer board will give you more buoyancy and stability in the water.A beginner surfer should begin learning and honing in on their skills on a surfboard that is considered long in length. Any surfboard over 210 cm is ideal. The increased measurement of length makes it so that the other dimensions are also larger, as more foam must go into shaping the beginner surfboard.But as an easy guide when starting out, just like volume, bigger is better. A longer board will hold a better line in the water and the extra surface area will help to feel less shaky once you get to your feet. Wider boards are more forgiving on feet placement and thickness will give you a board with good durability.Wider surfboards are more stable, while narrower boards can carry speeds better and easier to turn. Experienced surfers opt to go for 17 to 19-inch-wide surfboards, which give them better control in large wave conditions.
How to choose the right boogie board?
Simply follow this golden rule. If you’re generally going to ride really small waves choose a bigger board size with extra flotation. Alternatively, if you’re seeking huge waves a smaller board will work much more effectively, you’ll have more of your body in the water which increases control. No Standing Required You’re back in the water. Bodyboarding skips all of that. You’re already lying down, so the minute you catch the wave, you’re in the ride. In Hawaii, where the surf can be bigger and more powerful than you’re used to, having the board do the balancing for you is a huge win.In our latest video, bodyboarding legend Jay Reale shares essential tips on how to sit on your bodyboard with ease and balance! Whether you’re resting between waves or prepping for the next set, mastering this skill is key for all riders. What you’ll learn: ✅ When and why to sit on your board.