How to pick a bodyboard?
If you’re riding is mostly bigger waves, consider a bodyboard on the shorter end of your optimal size range. If you are a more of an advanced rider consider a shorter board for maneuverability. If you are a beginner, aim for a longer board in your size range. Larger boards (44” or greater) provide more surface area, which translates to better buoyancy and stability, making them suitable for beginners or heavier riders who benefit from additional support on the waves.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.The board needs to be sized correctly in length, width and thickness to float you on top of the water. The extra foam will help you get into waves, plane through dead spots and give you the speed and performance you need.Soft-Top Surfboards: Soft-top surfboards are a popular choice for new surfers because of their user-friendly design, which features a foam deck that provides stability and buoyancy that’s really useful for someone just starting out.Softer-flex bodyboards (typically EPS and PE bodyboards) are going to be more forgiving and be easier to turn. A soft flex is good for beginners, and riders with lower body weights. Softer-flex bodyboards tend to be a little slower in smaller sized waves but can be helpful in hollow or bigger waves with power.
Are all bodyboards the same?
But beware, an unsuitable board will only hold you back and leave you frustrated in the water. There are lots of variations between manufacturers and their designs, all of which make major differences to how a bodyboard performs. Entry-level bodyboards may lack durability and can break easily, especially if exposed to rough waves and prolonged use. More expensive boards have a stronger cores, often have stringers (strengthening strips of wood running down their length) and are generally much stronger and will last a lot longer.The size of your bodyboard significantly affects how you catch and ride waves. Smaller boards, typically shorter than 40”, offer greater manoeuvrability and are easier for executing sharp turns and intricate moves —ideal for advanced riders who enjoy a technical ride.What Board Thickness? Bodyboards have become slimmer over the years, roughly down from about 55 mm to around 51 mm currently. Thinner boards have less buoyancy and speed but increased maneuverability. Thicker boards boast bigger volume, increasing speed but hindering rail-to-rail riding.Both your height and weight should be considered when deciding on a board size. For example, taller and heavier bodyboarders may want to size up on bodyboard length, as longer or wider and thicker boards offer more volume or floatation.There are lots of boards to choose from, from kids up to 10-12 years old and up to around 50 kgs go for something between 6′ 0 and 7′ 0. The extra length gives more stability but will be tougher to turn but they key here is that your kid has fun, catching more waves = more fun.
Which is better boogie boards or bodyboards?
Most everyone in the surfing community knows that there is no big difference in the terms boogie boards vs bodyboards. The term boogie boarding comes from Morey, coining the bodyboards “Boogie Boards”. Bodyboarding is name for the sport itself but in essence, there is no difference between the two. Boogie Boards” were invented on July 7, 1971 by Tom Morey.Morey had created the object, but he needed a catchy name for it. Inspired by a music movement – boogie-woogie – that became popular between World War I and II, the ingenious engineer came up with the word boogie for his soft board. Boogie swung, and it had a wiggle and a jiggle to it.