Bodyboards
Bodyboards
Average recreational models can cost as little as $30, which will last several summers as long as you take care of them properly. Keep in mind that chlorine in pools has a tendency to eat away at the material, so to prolong the bodyboard's life you should rinse it with fresh water after each use. Also avoid leaving boards out in the sun more than they have to. These are important guidelines to follow if you plan to invest in a really good board. Bodyboards used by serious boarders who enjoy performing tricks and stunts get advanced boards designed for superior performance. Such specialized boards can cost $200 or more.
Details on Choosing a Board
There are several details to look at when choosing a board and it's important to know that these aspects are much more important than the cool graphics a particular model has. Although your board might look cool, it doesn't mean that YOU will look good riding it is it isn't the right one for you. Also note that spending more money on a board isn't always necessary when you are just getting into the sport. However, if you have the basic skills down and are really interested in the sport, you will be better off dishing out for a good board that won't fall apart after one season. Invest your money once and save the hassle of buying again later.
- Length and Width -- Typical length is from 38 to 43 inches and up to 23 inches wide. Women usually use a shorter board (38-40").
| General Sizing Guidelines | ||
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Max Height & Weight |
Board Size |
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5'4", 100lbs |
38" |
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5'7", 140lbs |
40" |
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6'0", 200 lbs |
42" |
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6'4", 240lbs |
44" |
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6'4", 240lbs+ |
46 " |
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- Your Size -- Bodyboards length should be chosen relative to your height. For adults they will come up to about your navel or slightly lower depending on your preferences. For small children, bodyboards may actually seem like surfboards to them because they are so big in comparison. That's okay though, as a kid can always grow into a board over time.
- Your Skill Set -- Some board are designed with the pro in mind. Extra wide bodies help maintain speed through turns and are useful for riding barrels.
- Board Thickness -- Thickness is relative to support and stability, but also flexibility.
- The thicker the board, the more weight it can support. Someone who is heavier will need a stronger, thicker board, up to 3.5 inches thick in some cases.
- For someone who wants a stable board, but who doesn't want an extremely thick board, the best choice is to choose a board with a stronger "slick". This is the bottom portion of the bodyboard that is in contact with the water's surface.
- Materials -- The products used to construct the core, the slick, and for coating the outside will have an effect on both the quality and the price of the board.
- Cores made with heavy-duty polypropylene are the most popular due to their strength and durability. Dow polyethylene is also used for the core.
- The slick should be made of highly resistant heat-bonded plastic that can handle beatings on rocks and reefs.
- The deck (top portion of the board) is usually softer and it might have a rubberized grip material on it to improve control.
- Shape -- Choosing a shape depends on where you are bodyboarding and what types of waves you expect to be in as well as how you ride.
- Wave Type
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Waters with big waves require a board with more
rocker
. Rocker is the curvature of the board from head to tail.
- Flat waters are equally matched with flat boards.
- Riding Style
- For experienced riders who ride on one knee (drop-knee style), you won't need as large a nose as a beginner who will usually lie on their stomach (prone).
- If you want more control and less speed, go for a 60/40.
- If you want to really rip up the waves choose a 50/50.
- Tail -- There are three type to choose from, but they have little effect on the performance of the board. Most people buy according to preference and looks. Crescent, square and bat tails are the options available.
- For comfort go for the crescent. It allows your body (when prone) and leg (when in drop-knee position) to rest in the curve of the tail.
- For more speed, pick a square tail, or more recently what has transformed into a scalloped edge. It will create less drag, but it will also offer less opportunity for fast, sharp cuts.
- For increased maneuverability get a bat tail body board with incorporated channels. It will help slice through the water while keeping the board stable so that you can perform harder tricks.
| Accessories You Will Need To Board Your Best | ||||
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Major Brands
External Links
- 662 Bodyboards -- This is a website dedicated to bodyboarding with a plethora of professional grade bodyboards as well as accessories such as fins, wax, and wetsuits.
- Bodyboarding Magazine -- This website has an article for beginner's on bodyboarding basics and safety. There is also more information on beach and surf conditions in the UK.
- NY Bodyboarding -- Get info on weather and surf conditions in NY and along the east coast.
- Bodyboarding .tv -- The Official site of the United States Bodyboarding Association
- Bodyboarding Magazine -- Bodyboarder Magazine Subscription Site