Who created bodyboarding?
Anyone who has been involved in the sport of bodyboarding knows that Tom Morey, an inventor, musician, surfer, entrepreneur, mathematician and engineer originally from Michigan crafted the first modern bodyboard, which he called the Boogie (see our blog post about this) in 1971. Here’s why bodyboarding is a breeze, even if you’ve never caught a wave before: You don’t need fancy skills – Just hop on the board and paddle with your hands. The ocean does the rest! Smaller waves = BIG fun – Unlike surfing, you can catch smaller waves and still have a blast.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.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.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.
Is bodyboarding safe for kids?
It’s also widely considered a much safer sport as the boards are made from foam and they avoid the sharp edges and fins synonymous with surfing. What better way to introduce your child to the ocean! Due to the nature of bodyboarding, your child’s lower centre of gravity increases the feeling of speed. A board that is too short in size simply won’t offer enough flotation. This will slow up your riding and make it difficult to catch waves. Simply follow this golden rule. If you’re generally going to ride really small waves choose a bigger board size with extra flotation.The size of your bodyboard affects everything from how easily you catch waves to how stable you feel when riding them. A board that’s too big or too small can make it harder to control your movements, reduce your buoyancy, and even make it more difficult to catch waves.Surfing is much more difficult for the beginner to get to the point where you’re catching waves and noticing improvement overall in how you’re doing with it than bodyboarding is.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.