Bodyboards

Bodyboards (also called boogie boards) are shorter, lightweight foam boards you ride while lying down on your stomach or kneeling. They're basically like a smaller, softer surfboard that you don't stand up on. They're super fun and much easier to learn than regular surfing.

What is the Best Bodyboard for a Beginner?

First off, forget about those super cheap foam boards you see at tourist shops - they'll fall apart really quickly and honestly aren't much fun to ride. You want something that'll actually let you catch waves and have a good time!

For your first board, you'll want to look at brands like Morey (they basically invented bodyboards!) or Own the Wave. These make really good beginner boards that won't break the bank. The Morey Mach 7 is kind of like the Toyota Corolla of bodyboards - reliable, good quality, and perfect to learn on.

The most important thing is getting the right size - the board should come up to somewhere between your belly button and your chin when you stand it up. Too short and you'll sink, too long and it'll be hard to control!

By the way, don't forget you'll need a leash too - that's the cord that attaches to your arm so you don't lose your board in the waves. Trust me, you don't want to be swimming after your board all day!

Bodyboarding vs Surfing

Bodyboarding is often considered safer than surfing for several reasons. Think of bodyboarding as the friendlier cousin of surfing. When you're bodyboarding, you're already lying down on the board - no tricky standing up required! This makes a huge difference because:

• You're closer to the water, so balance is easier

• You don't have to learn the challenging "pop-up" (standing up) movement

• The board is shorter and easier to control

• You can catch waves more easily

• It's less intimidating for beginners

• You can start having fun almost immediately

That's why you often see kids starting with bodyboards. You can literally grab a board, head into the waves, and start having fun within your first hour. With surfing, you might spend your first few sessions just learning how to stand up on the board!

But here's something cool - while bodyboarding is easier to learn, it can still be as exciting as you want it to be. Once you get better, you can do tricks, catch bigger waves, and get really good at riding the tube (that's when you're inside the wave).

Buy Bodyboards Online

Shopping for a bodyboard online can be a bit tricky but not impossible. The most important thing you'll want to do is measure yourself - your height and weight are super important for getting the right size board. If you're just starting out, look to spend between $50-150.

Other categories include:

Kneeboards | Paddle Boards | Surfboards