Best Bodyboards 2020

Bodyboarding is fun and it is one of the activities for all ages and skill levels. Although similar to surfing, bodyboarding is actually an easy to learn craft for the beachgoers. Enjoying the breeze, getting a tan and walking by the shore is nice, but nothing can beat the sensation riding a wave brings.

Bodyboard, also known as boogie board comes with different sizes, quality, and features. However, you need nothing less than the best bodyboard unless you want it to fall apart by the end of the week.

Bodyboard Vs Boogie Board

What is the difference between bodyboard and boogie board? Although both of them are widely known as the same thing, there is a subtle difference, not in type, but in history. Not that not knowing the difference would hurt you but knowing the history of what you’re riding surely is fun.

The first bodyboard was made by Tom Morey back in July 1971. He assembled some foam, newspaper, iron and came up with a board that can ride through the wave while the rider is lying on his/her belly. He didn’t really have a name for the board at first, but when he decided to produce the board at a larger grade, he took the naming inspiration from his favorite style of Jazz, Boogie Woogie.

Thus, the board got its name Morey Boogie Board. Later a large company named Kransco bought the name and brand. So other companies manufacturing the board came up with the name ‘Bodyboard’ instead of using ‘Boogie Board’ to avoid copyright issues.

In present days, boogie boards are referred to amateur bodyboards, while bodyboards are the name used for all types. However, both of them are actually the same.

Bodyboarding Vs Surfing

To many people, bodyboarding is the ultimate water riding sport. For some, the preference depends on the mood of the sea. Some see bodyboard as an easier way to get into surfing.

There is a debate among people who love spending time on waves. Is bodyboarding somehow inferior to surfing? Why would to ride the wave prone while you can ride it standing? Which one avails a better view?

Fifty years ago, surfing was something entitled to elites. The inventor Tom Morey himself was a hardcore surfer. However, he wanted to bring water sports within the grasp of the masses. When surfboards were handcrafted, bodyboards were being manufactured in a factory. Bodyboarding was somehow seen as a sport for newbies.

Today, bodyboarding isn’t just some mere summer sport. It is a highly technical sport. The technique and variations of riding a wave have evolved so much that surfers are nodding to its acceptance. So, is it a way to learn surfing? Not actually. Competitive bodyboarding has come to a point that requires practice, skill and learning moves.

Bodyboarding allows a better speed sensation. Your eyes and heart are the nearest to the sea. Bodyboarding allows riding on waves like vertical wave faces which surfers technically can’t ride. Bodyboards are cheaper than surfboards, and anyone including children, young and aged persons can use them.

Top Bodyboards Buying Guide

• Size

This is the most important feature you should check before buying a bodyboard. Picking up a wrong size will spoil the fun. If the board is too tall, it will be difficult maintaining it. If the board is too small, you’ll be sitting too low in the water.

The more you gain experience in bodyboarding, the more you’ll realize which is the best bodyboard size for you. A rule of thumb is the board should fit restfully under your arms. It isn’t an exact science, but it should give you a pretty good idea.  You should be able to carry the board under your arms without bending it. Also, you should be able to wrap your fingers around the lower rail.

For making it easier, you can measure the distance between the ground and your belly button. This should be the length of your bodyboard. However, this is a general estimate and should be supported by other factors. I have seen people really tall at their teen ages and this sizing won’t work well for them.

Below is a general bodyboard sizing chart. This isn’t anything carved in stone and the sizing will differ from person to person. Yet, you’ll get a pretty good idea about which size you should purchase.

• Bodyboard Sizing Chart

• Wave Size

Different size bodyboards work well under different conditions. For example, you are going to ride smaller, gentler waves, the right bodyboard to buy is a bigger one. It will give you the stability you need without being thrown around. Larger waves mean you need more control over your bodyboard, thus a smaller sized bodyboard is better.

Beginners should start with bigger bodyboards and smaller waves as they need stability first. After they learn the craft of bodyboarding, they can switch to smaller bodyboards.

• Prone Vs Dropknee

The board that goes well with you depends on the style you like to ride the board. There are two main styles of riding bodyboards, prone and drop-knee. The first one is, of course, a well-known position. You lie down in your bodyboard, on your stomach while maneuvering through the waves. This style is easier to learn and more suitable for beginners.

Dropknee, on the other hand, has a little longer learning curve. That’s why only 5% of the bodyboarders ride in this position. But when you master it, you can control your board better than other positions. Dropknee is a compromise between surfing and bodyboarding. In this position, one foot is flat at the nose of the board, while the knee of the other foot is positioned at the tail.

Now, coming at the structure. Bodyboards have different structures for prone and dropknee positions. Almost 90% of the boards are made for riding in the prone position. The differences between prone and dropknee boards are, the nose is wider and the distance between nose and the wide point is higher for prone bodyboards. Dropknee bodyboards look more like a blend if surfboard and bodyboard.

• Materials

Knowing the materials used on the board is important as they decide the performance of the board in different waters. The main two materials used in bodyboards are Dow Polyethylene And Polypropylene Foam.

Dow is slightly heavy in weight, but it’s an excellent material with superior flex, great projection in cold water. Dow has been used as a material for bodyboards for years and can withstand different waters pretty well.

PP foams are lighter and stiffer than Dow. They can be really stiff in cold water, but their lightness is what makes them ideal for beginners. However, modern bodyboards come with the blend of two. The new 3D cores bodyboards come with now have sandwich-like layers of Dow Polyethylene and PP Foam. 

• Bodyboard Design

Bodyboards come in many different styles, suitable for different positions and stunts. These variations help you maneuver through the water you go regularly.

1. Tails

There are many types of tails. That’s because the shape of the tails determines the stability and control you have while riding waves. The most popular and known tails are Crescent tails and Bat tails, although there are variations like V-shape, square tail and round tail.

Crescent tails are what you will see in most of the boogie boards because it goes well with all types of waves and riders. Crescent tails are wider and provide more stability in the water. The traction and tight feeling that comes with the board makes it a fun experience for everyone.

‘Bat’ tails are rather newer invention and preferred by experienced riders. They are designed for bigger waves and suitable for drop knee bodyboarding. The bat tail comes in wide and normal shapes, which help maneuver and do spins thanks to less traction on the water. They also go faster than normal body boards.

2. Stingers

Stingers are referred to as the spine of a bodyboard, running through the center of the bodyboard along the length. They are usually made of carbon fiber or fiberglass tube. The keeps the boards protected from deformation while big waves come rushing at it. The stinger should be a single unbroken piece. Bodyboards that contain stinger are for specialized and customized use and usually, cost more. However, the increased projection and instant recoil avail a better experience for the rider.

3. Rails

The rail is the edge of a bodyboard. The angle of rails determines how much ‘bites’ and grip you have on the water.

Steep rails come with 60/40 guise, which results in more grip and bites on the water. This is helpful for people who are just starting out and want to have a decent fun on the water. Although this rail decreases the riders drive, more control over the water means a smaller learning curve.

Shallow rails come with 50/50 disguise, resulting in less resistance and more speed on the water. Although the controlling is harder, this rail is preferred by professionals as making different moves is easier.

4. Width And Wide Point

These two terms refer to two different dimensions. The width is the distance of two rails at the widest point. The maneuverability and the floating capacity depends on the width. The wider the board is, the easier to ride it. However, the width makes turning harder. Although the historical boogie boards tended to be wider, over the time we have seen narrower boards that can be maneuvered easily.

The Nose to Wide point refers to the distance between the tip of the board and the widest point between the rails. For prone riders, the distance is higher as they need more space to control the board. For drop-knee riders, the distance is usually smaller which allows them to cover the distance by legs.

5. Thickness of Bodyboard

The thickness of bodyboards has been evolved over the years. Although previous boards used to be thicker, nowadays we see boards of different thickness. The most popular thickness dimensions are 55 mm and 51 mm.

The thicker 55 mm are more stable, suitable to ride smaller waves. Although they are less maneuverable, they don’t stay too low on the water means everyone can ride them.

On the other hand, 51 mm models are maneuverable, lighter and quicker. Professional riders, especially those who like to perform tricks on the water usually opt for this thickness. They are for higher waves.

6. Rocker

Many of you have heard the term ‘Rocker’ for paddleboards and kayaks. Well, the same goes for bodyboards. The term Rocker refers to the upward curve at the nose, the front of the boogie board. The curve controls how much speed and curve you’ll get on the water.

For example, the less rocker the board have, the less resistance it will provide. Thus, the speed will be higher while the controlling will be tougher. The more rocker the board have the more resistance it will provide. The speed will be lower, but maneuverability will be higher.

I suggest you go with pain board or one with less rocker. Unless you are a seasoned bodyboarder, less maneuverability will only cause a nuisance for you.

• Putting It All Together

The features of a bodyboard serve three main purposes, maneuverability, speed, and buoyancy. The general rule is, the more buoyancy, or bite you have the less maneuverability and speed you get. Here are the features at a glance.

• Taking Care Of Your Bodyboards

Many people worry about the price when purchasing bodyboards but worry less about profitability in the long run. If you don’t get a long run, at least a decent one from your bodyboard, it won’t be cost effective. Maintaining your bodyboard in a proper manner is the key to get long and quality service.

First of all, keep it out from saline water. Well, that’s impossible when you’re on the sea, and we are not talking about that either. Rinse your bodyboard with clean water once you’re done for the day. Do not let the salty water dry up on your board.

Secondly, keep it out of extreme heat. Do not leave it exposed under the hot sun. Also, you should refrain from keeping the board in your trunk on a hot day. High temperature can cause reverse rocker which will make your board no good for the water. Also bubbling may form on the surface and the board will start deteriorating slowly if that happens.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What Size Bodyboard Do I Need?

Answer: There isn’t any exact chart that can answer the question. Depending on the physical structure, weight, and riding style, bodyboard suitable for you might differ. The general rule is buying on you can grab with your fingers while keeping it under your arms. If you have to bend your elbow, the board probably is smaller than you need. If you can hold the board hardly or can’t hold at all, then the board is probably bigger than you need.

2. How To Choose A Bodyboard?

Answer: Choosing top rated bodyboards that goes with your requirements needs some research of course. No, you don’t have to go out with a measuring tape and measure it by yourself. What we mean is, the information is available online, you just have to know which dimension you need given your preferences.

If you usually ride on warm water, you need a board that is constructed of stiff materials. As for cold water, using a board made of flex materials is preferred. Also, some riders like to punish their boards against the waves, obviously stiffer materials are better suited for that.

Although a size chart comes with every top bodyboard brands, the size can differ depending on your weight. If you are on the heavier side, go for a wider board, don’t do the classic mistake of buying a ‘longer’ board.

Depending on your style of riding (prone or drop-knee), the nose to wide point distance should be different, smaller for drop-knee, larger for prone. The tail also aids in maneuverability. Bat tails are more suitable for dropknee riding that crescent tails.

Read our in-depth buying guide above if you want to learn more about how to size a bodyboard.

3. How To Use A Boogie Board/ Bodyboard?

Answer: The question can be phrased in a different style. How to ride a Boogie Board? Using a bodyboard is all about riding, isn’t it? Well, bodyboards have a really short and easy learning curve, and you can even learn it within a day? Mastering in tricks and control is, however, a different thing. But everyone has to start from someplace, right?

4. How To Bodyboard?

1. First, choose a calm spot to start practicing. An ideal area would be where waves are lower than 2 feet, the water is calm. A beach free of rocks, large fish boats and tons of bodyboarders is preferable. Having a partner is great for both safety and fun.

2. Wax your board. It will add grip on the board when your body parts are wet. We have discussed the waxing techniques below. You can use fins, like the ones we use for snorkeling. They’ll help with maneuverability. Also, use a leash as getting thrown off of your bodyboard is a common incident.

3. Get into knee-deep water, then ride the board in prone position. Your hips should be touching the tail end, while you grab the nose with your fingers. Keep both of your elbows on the surface.

4. Paddle to board using your hands and fins. Go to the spots where waves are breaking. How to know if a wave is breaking, look for a bulge at the top point of the wave. Do not get overly ambitious and go for larger waves. Start with smaller waves and work your way up.

5. Keep the head of your board facing towards the beach when a wave starts to break. Keep your heads up and your belly attached to the surface of the board. As the wave will come towards the beach, get slightly ahead of the wave, placing yourself in the belly of the wave. Use your hands and fins to paddle towards the shore.

6. As the wave continues to break, you should feel you’re moving ahead effortlessly. Once you get a hang of the basic, you can start practicing tricks like turning, bottom turning, cut back, 360 degrees etc.

5. How To Wax A Bodyboard?

Answer: You might think, what is there to learn about applying wax? Well, applying wax to inappropriate areas will rather slow you down. For examples, professional bodybuilders avoid waxing the chest area as they restrict body movements.

The best places to wax bodyboard is the hand and elbow areas. More specifically, the nose area. Project the area where your hands and elbows rest and apply wax on that. If you are a dropknee rider, apply wax on the spot where your knee is likely to be rested.

You can use paraffin wax that is used to make candles. However, it will be better if you use specialized wax made for bodyboards, they are cheap and available on the market. While applying wax, do not put too much force in order to make the layer thicker. You can always apply additional layers, so start slowly. Gently scrape the deck with the wax in hand with a few strokes. Even if you apply too much wax, there isn’t any difference really. Then, why so serious?

An unconventional trick for new bodyboards is rubbing wet sand on the deck. New boards have a glossy appearance, therefore slippery at first. Rubbing wet sands gently can strip the glossiness off.

Many riders, especially professionals like to use car wax at the bottom part of the board. It helps with increased speed while riding the wave.

Here’s a video that will help you with waxing bodyboard.

6. How To Remove Wax From A Bodyboard?

Getting wax off a bodyboard isn’t a rocket science. However, doing it wrongly might damage the board. The materials used to construct bodyboards are flexible and durable, but they are also delicate.

Many people think that leaving their boards under the blazing sun will help remove the wax. This is a bad idea. Leaving the board for too long under the sun damage the deck and surface. Bubbles start to form and deformation starts to occur. If this incident is done regularly, the days are numbered for your valuable board. The effect is even worse for dark colored body boards as they absorb more lights.

There are two safe ways you can remove wax from your board. Pouring warm water on your board or using a hairdryer. After that, use a plastic scraper and grease remover to finish off the work.

Using Warm Water: The warm water is also a good way to clean salty waters from your board. The water shouldn’t be too hot. Ideally, it should be around 50°C or 122°F. After applying the water, wait for 2/3 minutes and use a grease scraper to scrape off the wax from the board. Afterward, rinse the board with clean and normal water.

Using Hair Dryer: Keep the temperature settings of your hair dryer to the lowest. Start applying the air on the board without focusing too much on one place. Rather, move it constantly and uniformly. Once the wax starts to melt, use a good scraper to remove the wax. Rinse the board with normal, clean water afterward.

Lastly, do not wait until the wax starts to come off. Remove them in every three months and clean them regularly. Here’s a video that’ll help you with the process.

Wrapping It Up

Unlike many other water sports, bodyboarding has a simpler learning curve. Bodyboarding brought water sports within the reach of the masses, people of all ages including children. You can basically learn it within a day, and master it sooner rather than later. While some of the surfboarders might despise bodyboarding, the popularity is only increasing.

The demand for quality bodyboards is also on the rise. It isn’t something you want for a weekend. Rather, people are looking for the Best Bodyboards that’ll serve them for many days to come. However, just remember, no single bodyboard is suitable for all people. Depending on the individual situation, the best one might vary from person to person.

So, before you buy, know which weight, height and expertise category you fall in. Hopefully, this Best Boogey Boards review guide will be of help to you. Happy bodyboarding!!

Also Read :

• 7 Best Game-Changing Tips For Bodyboarding.
• Bodyboarding Fins & Accessories Buying Guide.