While recreational bodyboarders may enjoy leisurely rides on slow-moving waves, extreme riders take a more adventurous approach. Freestyle bodyboarders utilize a flexible board made of high-density foam to execute tricks on high-velocity waves. Wear a pair of flexible swim fins made of rubber to propel your bodyboard through the water.
Forward Spin 360
The forward spin 360 is an intermediate bodyboarding trick that requires advanced balance and board control. Fasten your Velcro wrist leash in place before paddling out to prevent the board from drifting out of control. Kick your fins through the water to navigate toward a breaking wave. Lift the nose of the bodyboard out of the water while dropping into the wave. Lean on your elbow to steer up the face of the wave. Rotate your shoulders quickly as you reach the apex of the wave. New York Bodyboarding recommends lifting your fins out of the water while executing the forward spin. Kick your fins through the water as you complete the 360 rotation to maintain speed.
Drop Knee
The drop knee is a stylish maneuver that involves lifting your stomach off the top deck of the bodyboard. Leaning too far forward will cause you to plummet headfirst into the ocean, so practice on a smaller wave. Pull yourself forward across the deck of the bodyboard as you drop into the wave. Place your dominant foot flat on the deck to form a 90-degree angle with your leg. Lower your opposing knee onto the board for stability. Saltwater Dreaming recommends extending your arms for balance while riding in the drop-knee stance.
Barrel Roll
The barrel roll is one of the more advanced bodyboarding tricks as it requires you to flip upside down for a brief moment. Bodyboards recommends practicing the barrel roll on a steep wave to ensure you have enough air time to complete the full rotation. Lean on your elbow to carve up the breaking wave. Lift your fins out of the water as you reach the summit of the wave. Pull up to allow the underside of the bodyboard to ascend above the wave. Rotate your shoulders sideways to flip upside down. Lower your eyes to the water as you flip around. Bend your elbows as the underside of the bodyboard lands on the wave.
Surf Stance
Surfing a bodyboard is one of the most difficult tricks as it involves standing on the deck of the board. This trick will likely require multiple attempts so don't get discouraged. Pull yourself forward across the bodyboard as you drop into the wave. Lift your torso while keeping your knees flat against the board. Place your lead foot just below the nose of the board. Extend your legs quickly to stand in the surfing stance. Spread your feet about shoulder length apart. Bend your knees to balance your stance. Lean on the opposing edges of the board to glide across the wave.
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