What’s the difference between a bodyboard 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. Bodyboarding is a great way to improve muscle strength throughout the body. Using your arms to paddle out and kicking with fins builds lean muscle in the arms and legs. The paddling motion is a strenuous workout for the legs and glutes. The ride itself works out another group of muscles, the core.As it does not require standing up, beginners often find it more accessible. Lying prone on the board, they can quickly get a feel for the wave’s movement and power. Though simpler at the outset, bodyboarding still offers depth in technique and skill progression, ensuring ongoing challenges and growth for enthusiasts.Learning to bodyboard can be a stepping stone to becoming a surfer, once you are fully proficient in riding waves. Bodyboarders can ride tricky or difficult waves that surfers can’t get to with their boards. There is less chance of having an accident while bodyboarding than when surfing.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 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.
What is the best bodyboard for beginners?
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. To bodyboard at the highest level demands a great degree of skill and fitness, but at a beginner stage it’s one of the quickest and easiest ways to get used to riding waves.Bodyboarding is a fantastic workout that helps you improve your cardiovascular health, muscular strength, and endurance. When you’re paddling and catching waves, you’re engaging in a full-body workout that can help you burn calories and build lean muscle.While bodyboarding may offer an easier initial learning curve, both sports have their unique challenges, joys, and intricacies. The surfer vs bodyboard debate is less about which is easier and more about individual preferences.If you are passionate about riding the waves but crave a different approach than traditional surfing or stand up paddleboarding, stand up bodyboarding could be the thrill you are looking for. This dynamic water sport combines elements of surfing and bodyboarding, offering a fresh perspective on wave riding.Bodyboards offer more stability than surfboards. There are no age limitations for bodyboard, even children can learn it. It is very easy to transport and move a Bodyboard, given its light weight. Bodyboards are very cheap and easy to buy; they are also very flexible and have great resistance for big waves.
How do you choose the right bodyboard?
There are many factors to consider when choosing the right length board for you. 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. Your snowboard size is based on several factors; your height, your weight, and your boot size. You’ll need your height and weight to gauge the length of your board and your boot size to determine the width.General Rule: Beginners should start with a board volume equal to their body weight (kg) in liters (e. As your skill improves, you can reduce the volume to match your growing confidence and ability.There are many factors to consider when choosing the right length board for you. 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.Bodyboard sizing is determined on height & weight. A rough guide is for your board to be from your chin to your knee or about an inch below your belly buttom if it’s next to you standing on the ground.
How do I pick the right bodyboard?
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. Unlike surfing, bodyboarding is a sport that needs more powerful waves to get all its juice and fun.From the conception of the modern bodyboard in 1971, bodyboarding has experienced spurts of rapid growth both as an industry and extreme sport.