Buying Guide Body Boards

Bodyboard Buying Guide

Bodyboarding is a fun and accessible water sport, but choosing the right bodyboard is essential for maximizing performance and enjoyment. Here's a guide to help you select the perfect bodyboard based on your needs:

1. Skill Level

Your experience level plays a key role in choosing a bodyboard:

• Beginner:
  • Look for a durable, affordable board with plenty of buoyancy and stability.
  • Soft materials are safer and more forgiving.
• Intermediate:
  • Focus on boards with a good balance of speed, control, and versatility.
• Advanced:
  • High-performance boards with specific designs for speed, maneuverability, and wave riding.

2. Board Size

The size of the bodyboard is critical for control, performance, and comfort:

• Height:
  • Stand the board on its tail. It should reach your belly button or slightly above.
• Weight:
  • Check the manufacturer’s weight recommendations to ensure proper buoyancy and performance.

General Size Chart:

3. Core Material

The core affects the board's performance, durability, and suitability for specific water temperatures:

• EPS (Expanded Polystyrene):
  • Lightweight and affordable.
  • Best for beginners and casual use.
• PE (Polyethylene):
  • Flexible and durable.
  • Ideal for cooler water and riders seeking better control.
• PP (Polypropylene):
  • Stiff, lightweight, and durable.
  • Best for warm water and high-performance riders.
• Dual-Core:
  • Combines PE and PP for a balance of flex and stiffness.

4. Deck Material

The deck affects comfort and grip:

• Crosslink Decks:
  • Durable and less prone to waterlogging.
• Surlyn Decks:
  • High-quality, flexible, and responsive.
• HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene):
  • Common in beginner boards; affordable but less responsive.

5. Tail Shape

The tail influences speed, control, and how the board performs in waves:

• Crescent Tail:
  • The most common shape.
  • Versatile and stable, good for all skill levels.
• Bat Tail:
  • Wider surface for speed and flotation.
  • Great for small waves and advanced tricks.

6. Rails

The rails (edges) of the board affect grip and control:

• 60/40 Rails:
  • More versatile, suitable for all-around use.
• 50/50 Rails:
  • Evenly split for maximum speed and maneuverability.

7. Slick (Bottom Material)

The bottom of the bodyboard determines speed and durability:

• HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene):
  • Durable and affordable.
  • Common on beginner boards.
• Surlyn:
  • High-performance material that’s responsive and offers better speed.
  • Found on advanced boards.

8. Stringers

Stringers are rods inside the board that add strength and stiffness:

• No Stringer:
  • More flexible, suitable for beginners or small waves.
• Single Stringer:
  • Adds stiffness for medium-sized waves.
• Double Stringer:
  • Ideal for large waves and advanced riders.

9. Wave Conditions

Consider the type of waves you’ll ride:

• Small Waves:
  • Look for wider, more buoyant boards.
• Medium Waves:
  • Versatile boards with balanced flex and stiffness.
• Large/Powerful Waves:
  • Stiffer boards with reinforced stringers for control and speed.

10. Features to Consider

• Leash:
  • Keeps the board attached to you in the water.
  • Wrist or bicep leashes are most common.
• Channels:
  • Grooves on the bottom for better grip and control in waves.
• Contours:
  • Ergonomic deck shapes for better grip and comfort.
• Mesh Layers:
  • Adds durability and reduces the risk of warping.

11. Budget

Bodyboards come in various price ranges:

• Entry-Level (£30–£100):
  • Ideal for beginners and casual use.
  • Typically made of EPS cores and HDPE slicks.
• Mid-Range (£100–£200):
  • Better materials like PE cores and Surlyn slicks.
  • Suitable for intermediate riders.
• High-End (£200+):
  • Lightweight, durable, and high-performance materials like PP cores and Surlyn slicks.
  • Designed for advanced riders and challenging conditions.

12. Brands to Consider

Reputable bodyboard brands include:

• Vision: Affordable, beginner-friendly boards.

Tips for Choosing the Right Bodyboard

1. Match Your Size: Stick to the recommended size chart for your height and weight.
2. Consider Local Water Temperature: Choose a core material (PE or PP) based on whether the water is warm or cold.
3. Try Before You Buy: Rent or borrow a board if possible to test its performance.
4. Consult Experts: Visit a surf shop or ask experienced bodyboarders for advice based on your local waves.

By following this guide, you’ll find a bodyboard that matches your skill level, wave conditions, and style, ensuring a great time on the water!