What’s the difference between a Boogie Board and a bodyboard?
Over time, “boogie board” became a widely used term for all wave-riding boards, especially those designed for casual beachgoers and kids. A bodyboard, on the other hand, is the correct term for the sport and the board itself. Most everyone in the surfing community knows that there is no big difference in the terms boogie boards vs bodyboards.Waves for bodyboard: Unlike surfing, bodyboarding is a sport that needs more powerful waves to get all its juice and fun.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.Over time, “boogie board” became a widely used term for all wave-riding boards, especially those designed for casual beachgoers and kids. A bodyboard, on the other hand, is the correct term for the sport and the board itself.
Are bigger bodyboards better?
Skill level and water conditions Beginners should opt for slightly larger boards for additional stability and ease of wave catching. Intermediate and advanced riders might prefer a board closer to the recommended size or even slightly smaller for better manoeuvrability. Whether you’re coming off a foamie or going straight on to a hard board to start your surfing voyage 90% of people fit into the size range of a mini mal (round nosed) style board between 7’2 and 8’6.Longboards are a popular choice for beginners because they are the easiest to ride from day one. Drop through boards are even more friendly to beginners because they lower the ride height for extra stability and easier pushing. When choosing longboard size, it is important to keep your own size in mind.Soft Top Surfboards are the recommended choice for complete beginners. Their buoyancy and durability from bumps and bangs make them a perfect option for your family to take turns on. If you are serious about quickly becoming a good surfer, however then a fiberglass surfboard is the way to go.The Mini Mal surfboard is a great universal board that is well suited to beginners. It is a smaller version of a Longboard in a more forgiving and comfortable size range. Typically Mini Mals will range in size from 7-8ft in length.
How do I pick the right bodyboard?
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. A minimal surfboard is what we recommend for most beginner surfers. It is the mid-range of surfboards lengthwise varying from about 7-8ft and about 2 5/8″ – 3” thick.Experienced surfers opt to go for 17 to 19-inch-wide surfboards, which give them better control in large wave conditions.Longboards for All Levels The 8’0 longboards are always a good point to start and at Sideways we offer a nice range of beginner and performance longboards to cover all types of surfers.A 6-foot surfboard is generally not recommended for beginners. These boards typically have less volume, making them harder to paddle, less stable, and more difficult to catch waves with.Whether you’re coming off a foamie or going straight on to a hard board to start your surfing voyage 90% of people fit into the size range of a mini mal (round nosed) style board between 7’2 and 8’6.
Are cheap bodyboards any good?
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. Core Material: Cheap bodyboards typically use low-density, closed-cell foam cores. These cores are less responsive and provide less buoyancy compared to high-density cores. Deck and Bottom: They often have a slick, low-grade plastic bottom and a soft, easily compressible deck material.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.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.