What’s the difference between a bodyboard and a Boogie Board?
A Boogie Board is the same as a body board – the only difference is the brand name. Is boogie boarding easier than surfing? The difference between boogie boarding and surfing is that bodyboarding does not require you to stand up, making each “surf” less dangerous, especially if you do not have your core balance worked out.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.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.
What to look for in a boogie board?
Size is the most important element to consider when choosing a new bodyboard. Both height and weight will make a difference to your performance. Even half an inch the wrong way can affect your ability to catch waves and make manoeuvres. 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.As I mentioned before, the learning curve for bodyboarding is much less steep, so you can excel in bodyboarding in the same size waves much faster and have the adrenaline high quicker with it, than with surfing.You may not need bodyboarding fins, but it certainly gives an advantage to catching the best waves just in time. While you can bodyboard without fins, it’s close to surfing without arms — essentially, when bodyboarding, you’re using your legs to propel yourself and catch waves.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.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.
Are bigger boogie boards better?
Suggested Sizing Generally bigger boards are faster, but not as easy to control, and generally suited to smaller waves and beginners. On the other hand smaller boards are a bit harder to generate speed, however, have greater control and are ideal for bigger waves and more advanced riders. A small board provides greater control but less speed, a large board allows you to go quicker and have more projection during maneuvers.
Do you wax a Boogie Board?
The addition of wax helps keep the rider securely in place, particularly in warmer water scenarios. On the flip side, if your board has a textured deck or built-in deck contours, it may not need any wax at all. These features are designed to provide sufficient grip for the rider. If you don’t wax your snowboard, you’ll start to notice several things happen over time; reduced overall performance of your board, namely agility and speed, and a shorter lifespan.You can wax your board before each session if you see fit to do so. Now, with that logic, we highly recommend that you do a full cleaning and re-waxing every two to three months. Unless you surf every day and wax every day, then we recommend cleaning your board slightly more often per season/year.If it feels too slippery, it’s a good sign that some wax could be beneficial. Do note, as bodyboards age, they naturally become more textured, so brand new boards often need more wax compared to their older counterparts. Choosing the correct wax depends on the temperature of the water you plan to bodyboard in.If it feels too slippery, it’s a good sign that some wax could be beneficial. Do note, as bodyboards age, they naturally become more textured, so brand new boards often need more wax compared to their older counterparts. Choosing the correct wax depends on the temperature of the water you plan to bodyboard in.
Is there professional boogie boarding?
Competitive bodyboarding has grown into a global phenomenon, with professional tours and events held in some of the world’s most renowned surf destinations. Competitions are typically divided into several categories based on age, gender, and skill level, allowing riders of all abilities to showcase their talents. 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.
Why do boogie boards bubble?
Bubbling on a bodyboard can occasionally happen when there is trapped air between the board’s core and its outer layer, especially when exposed to significant temperature changes or direct sunlight. This separation, known as delamination, can affect the board’s performance and longevity if not addressed promptly. Air bubbles can form on the top of a board from sand or just being out in the sun too long. Saltwater can be really degrading to boards with sunlight. Once you’re done with this repair, check out some tips on bodyboard care here. Although bubbles are annoying, they don’t cause any damage as long as they remain sealed.