Bodyboarding was first introduced to the public in Hawaii in 1971 by surf legend Tom Morey as a simpler alternative to surfing. Since then, the sport has evolved into an international sensation, complete with a list of tricks and maneuvers on par with surfing. Wave crashing is a style of bodyboarding where shore-breaking waves are ridden straight onto the beach. While the rides aren't as long or as graceful as catching waves out past the shore break, wave crashing is much more intense and can be quite a rush.
Step 1
Attach your board's leash to either your wrist or ankle, depending on what's more comfortable for you.
Step 2
Observe how the waves are breaking and position yourself in an area off the shore that will allow you to catch a wave right before the break.
Step 3
Wait for a wave that looks like it's not going to close out immediately at the break. You can discern these types of waves by looking at the lip of the wave as it starts to curl over. If it's curling over all at the same time, the wave is going to break without giving you any room to catch it. If it's breaking from left to right or vice versa, you should be able to catch the face of the wave and position yourself to ride it.
Step 4
Paddle into the wave facing away from the break on a slight angle to the face. If you are wearing fins, use your legs primarily to catch the wave and position your arms on the sides of the board in preparation for the bottom turn.
Step 5
Lift the outside rail of your board while digging the inside rail into the face of the wave using all of your body weight to perform the bottom turn.
Step 6
Shift your weight to the center of the board once you feel the start of the turn. Place your arms on the outside of the board with your hands on the board's nose. Pull up on the nose to ensure that it doesn't catch an edge, which can result in a savage wipe out.
Step 7
Ride out the wave and hold on tightly as the wave crashes over you and brings you up on shore. Pick yourself up off the sand, head back into the water and continue to shred.
Things You'll Need
- Bodyboard with leash
- Fins, optional
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