Bodyboarding is surfing the ocean waves lying on a board instead of standing on your feet. Bodysurfing is surfing the ocean waves lying on your belly. Bodysurfing is the more difficult of the two and the more demanding. You don't have a board to rest on between sets, so you must tread water until the next promising wave appears. Bodyboarding is great for beginners. Not only is it easier than bodysurfing, it's easier than stand-up surfing. However, safety is a priority in the ocean, and you need to know what you are doing before venturing into the deep.
Bodyboarding Basics
A bodyboard, also known as a sponge, is a rectangular piece of hard plastic that usually measures 39 to 42 inches. It is smaller and lighter than surfboards and cost less as well. According to the To Hawaii website, a decent board for a beginner costs $20 to $80. The only other piece of equipment you need is swim fins. Paddling out to catch the waves can be done by kicking, using your arms or both. You need to know how to duckdive, a technique using your arms and knees that allows you to push the board underwater and duck under approaching waves. When you catch a wave, keep your elbows on the board to eliminate drag. Then enjoy the ride.
Bodyboarding Tips
Use fins with an open heel, since closed fins easily can be pulled off by the current. The right size board for you will come up to your belly button. Avoid surfers, who can run over you and sometimes are territorial. Be cautious during low tide, because you have more chances of running into rocks and cutting yourself. If you are bleeding, leave the water -- before the sharks attack -- and disinfect the cut.
Bodysurfing Basics
if you want to brave the waters with nothing other that fins and a form-fitting Speedo -- it cuts down on drag -- bodysurfing is the closest way to cruise the waves like a dolphin. Even a champion bodysurfer such as Mark Cunningham has trouble explaining what to do when you catch a wave. "It's so hard to describe, or verbalize, but basically you try and make your body like a surfboard, stiff, strong and responsive," he told "Surfer Magazine."
Bodysurfing Tips
Be in good shape if you want to bodysurf. You will spend most of the time treading water and paddling out to catch waves without any kind of support. To get your technique up to speed, watch how other bodysurfers operate. Wait for waves to come to you; don't chase them. Most waves are small and fun to ride. If you wait for the big one, you'll spend most of your time treading water. If you're on the verge of a wipeout, turn your body to the side, so you roll instead of flip. Avoid big dropoffs -- if the ocean is overhead close to shore, the waves may drop you straight down into the sand or rocks near shore. Better yet, take a class for beginners so you will know the ropes before you get in over your head.
Member Comments