Bodyboard

Bodyboard 

It’s easy to imagine that people have been bodyboarding one way or another for millennia using all kinds of objects and materials to enjoy the waves. The fundamentals have not changed – it is the art of riding waves in a prone position, on a buoyant board, close to the ocean surface.   

The modern form was invented in California in 1971 when legend says Tom Morey cut a foam blank for a surfboard in half, laid it on paper and cut out the first bodyboard shape.  There are a variety of foam core types and most bodyboards end up between 32 and 46 inches, rectangular in shape with a square nose, slightly concave tail and channels on the underside.   

The big advantage of bodyboarding is it’s easy to get started – all you need is a bodyboard, and you can catch heaps of waves in waist depth water. If your advancing to ride out of your depth a pair of fins is essential to keep you safe and help you catch waves. Cheaper than a surfboard, bodyboarding is hugely accessible and a great entry into the world of wave riding.  For the more advanced there are aerial tricks, spins and of course, barrel riding – especially in waves to shallow and fast for surfers to tackle.  

On the market, check out Decathlon for some good quality affordable bodyboards. 

On the beach – we advise participating in the red and yellow flags at a RNLI lifeguarded beach. For more on surf safety, see here.