All you need to know about Bodyboards

For many, bodyboarding is the ultimate surfing sport. Boogie boarding enthusiasts might say their sport is another alternative to wave surfing. And for a few, bodyboarding is simply an easier way to get into the waves. But if you have only recently heard the term, I'd like to summarise everything you need to know about this fascinating water activity in this article. 

Thirty years ago, bodyboarders were not always welcome at many of the best surf spots in the world. They did not get the respect they deserved from the other surfers. But over time, bodyboarding slowly changed the way others looked at the sport. People have begun to appreciate the new movement of bodyboarders.

Before we get into the technical aspects of bodyboarding, let us clarify some questions you might have when you get familiar with this type of board.

The difference between a Bodyboard and a Boogie Board

Both words essentially refer to the same thing. Both terms refer to surfing the waves on a foam board while lying on your stomach. But first, let's explore the history of bodyboarding for a better understanding.

The "boogie board" was not actually called that when Tom Morey built the first board in July 1971. While paddling around the Kona coast of the Big Island, Tom worked with some foam, newspaper, a knife, and an iron to create a board that he had not yet given a name for. Tom was a skilled jazz drummer who loved the "boogie woogie" jazz genre. He discovered that his new creation allowed riders to "boogie" on the waves. The word "board" was later added for marketing purposes, but Tom refers to it simply as "the boogie" to this day. It later became so popular that a toy company in California bought up the name, trademarked it, and began mass-producing the boards. In the late 70s, boogie boarding became so popular that other companies started to produce the same boards. But the only way to sell them legally was to call them bodyboards. Sport enthusiasts soon embraced this new term because "bodyboard" more accurately describes the activity than "boogie board".

How to pick a bodyboard that suits you best?

Choosing a bodyboard is not very complicated, but the best bodyboard for you may not be the best bodyboard for your friend. Here are some tips on how to find the best bodyboard for yourself:

Size

When you are standing on the floor, the bodyboard should either fit between your chin and the tops of your knees or when you are holding it in front of you, it should come to around your belly button. Your legs will trail in the water more when the board is shorter, creating drag and slowing you down. It is recommended for heavier riders to select a template with a wider width to increase buoyancy.

Core

Even if you cannot see the core of your bodyboard, you should check this aspect carefully before rushing to buy a board. The type of foam used in each core determines the performance of the bodyboard in the water. Consider the circumstances in which you will use your new board. Take into account the water temperature, wave size, wave type, and your own measurements. There are two types: polyethylene, known as PE, and polypropylene, known as PP. But which one is best for you?

3D core (dual core) - This bodyboard has a core made of layers of PE and PP foam to create a sandwich effect that provides extra durability and superior performance. 

In addition to this foam classification, there are also new approaches to the construction of the bodyboard core. EPS (Expanded Polystyrene), for example, is a stiff but lightweight foam that is perfect for a beginner or novice bodyboard.

Tail

Deck

The deck of a bodyboard is the top layer of foam that your body comes into direct contact with when bodyboarding. The most common types of decks are XPE and PE.

XPE / IXPE (cross-linked PE foam) decks. These decks are very durable, water-resistant, stiff, and hard-wearing and are therefore particularly suitable for beginners.

PE deck (polyethylene). Decks made of PE are softer and more flexible than those made of XPE, which improves the bodyboard's turning ability. However, because they are softer, they may have more pressure points from elbows than XPE decks.

Slick

The slick of the board is the name given to the underside of the bodyboard that comes into contact with the water when you glide through a wave. Slicks made from HDPE and Surlyn are the most common. 

HDPE slicks (high-density polyethylene). These durable slicks are best for beginners as they are incredibly durable and offer maximum speed on smaller and broken waves, perfect for learning.

Surlyn slicks. A Surlyn slick on the deck makes the board more responsive and flexible than cheaper HDPE slicks. The Surlyn slick increases the speed of the board and propels you through the wave. The elasticity of the material allows the board to easily adapt to the shape of the wave.

Stringer

Stringers are tubes or rods located inside the bodyboard to give it extra strength and improve its performance. Usually, they are made of carbon fiber or fiberglass.