A Guide To The Best Body Boards
Bodyboarding appears to be a just modified version of surfing but its fascinating origin notes that this sport is actually older than surfing. The Polynesians started the ancient practice of catching waves using the Alaia Board. In the 18th century, only the privileged community chiefs could ride the waves. It was around during the early modern 20th century when Hawaiians introduced the sport to tourists and the news spread like wildfire in Mainland America. It was, however, a man named Thomas Hugh Morey who modernized and improved the boards to officially make it a legitimate sport.
Bodyboarding involves the epic power of waves going against your boards. Therefore, it is required that the right equipment should match your progression as a rider. Size, core, shape, slicks and many other crucial board features will be discussed in this article. We will help you make an informed choice to make your bodyboard shopping easy breezy.
| Bodyboard | Size | Construction | Price |
| Own the Wave ‘Beach Attack Pack’ – Wave Weapon Super Lightweight Body-Board | 33″ 37” 41” | EPS Core and HDPE Slick bottom | $$ |
| Morey Mach 7 42″ Bodyboard | 42” | HDPE Slick Bottom | $ |
| Hubboards Bodyboard Dubb Pro Plus | 41.5” | polypropylene | $$$ |
| BPS Storm Bodyboard | 33″ 37” 41” | EPS foam Core and Slick Bottom | $$ |
| Wave Rebel Pro Classic Bodyboard | 42 “ | EPS interior, XEPE deck 1 FRP Stringer | $$ |
Own the Wave ‘Beach Attack Pack’ – Wave Weapon Super Lightweight Body-Board
It has weather-resistant, waterproof and shock-absorbing EPS Core, IXPE deck (heat laminated) for impact resistance and durability, high-density polyethylene slick bottom (heat laminated) and comes with a double swivels coiled leash. This bodyboard is perfect for beginners and kids since it is easy to maneuver and control.
The ‘Beach Attack Pack’ comes with one bodyboard, one leash, and two fin savers. The fin savers are convenient because many riders claim that they often lose their fin tethers while they are in the water. This boogie board pack solves that dilemma since it comes with its own fin savers.
Furthermore, these boogie boards are constructed with an HDPE smooth bottom that can help to intensify your overall performance as well as add strength to the board, making it more stable to ride on.
| PROS | CONS |
| Available as a pack with a leash and 2 fin savers | The board is constructed with a softer material than most, making it less durable if left in the sun |
| Rear channels | Quality has been criticized in the past |
| Comes with premium leash, fin harnesses, and instruction booklet |
Morey Mach 7 42″ Bodyboard
No doubt that most riders stay loyal to the classic and timeless pieces of the Morey label. Their boards stay true to its trademark of dependability and style and are the more improved and developed versions of the popular models from 20-30 years ago.
This iconic board has its single power rod stringer run through the middle of the board, providing stability and durability.Alongside its construction of PE core, classic shape, and crescent tail, the bodyboard as a whole is flexible and controllable even in shifting waters.
The Morey Mach 7 42″ Bodyboard features a Dow Core high density closed cell polyethylene core, 8 Lb TC8 polyethylene top skin deck, HDPE High-Density Polyethylene slick bodyboard bottom with channels, a power rod stringer that gives the board solid reinforced strength, a crescent tail bodyboard tail, and is ideal for riders approximately 160 – 180 lbs and less and 5′-9″ – 6′-0″ tall.
Overall, this bodyboard is impressive with its incredible consistency in the surf.
| PROS | CONS |
| Works with prone, drop knee, and stand-up | Bottom seam reported coming apart |
| Has the right blend of weight and stiffness | More expensive than most brands |
| Can ride a wide variety of waves | No leash included |
| Sturdy construction |
Hubboards Bodyboard Dubb Pro Plus
The Dubb Pro Plus is primarily built for drop-kneeing boarders can still be good for prone or stand-up surfing. Coming in versions ranging from 40.5-42.5″, it is reinforced to allow extra weight. The 40.5″ uses a single stringer, while the larger versions have two.
The board has a line contour deck which allows the hands and knees to keep a stable grip at all times.
Its core is made from polypropylene which makes the board lighter, stronger, and faster during turns and maneuvers. Polypropylene is combined with the SSS stringers, you can be certain that projection will be easily achieved.
The Dubb Pro Plus Bodyboard allows you to access the ocean’s power. With the design fully intended for generating speed and superior maneuverability, bodyboarders will be able to draw the lines and control turns at different degrees and speeds.
Although this is considered to be one of the best bodyboards in the market, this particular model may not be suitable for beginners. The art of Drop-knee bodyboarding can be quite extreme and it is regarded to be as the most ultimate bodyboarding skill. Well, practice makes perfect and you have to start somewhere. Once you have mastered this the Drop-knee technique, this board will be worth the investment. You can learn a thing or two about Drop-knee from the various Hubbard Movies.
| PROS | CONS |
| Line contour deck lets hands and knees keep a solid grip | Expensive |
| Superb control, flex, and projection | Not for beginners |
| Mesh wire to help with stability | |
| Uses stringers for durability |
BPS Storm Bodyboard
Storm Bodyboard by BPS is amazingly lightweight with a slick bottom surface and bottom rear channels.
This high-speed board includes fin tethers to protect your fins from water damage. It has 3 different sizes that range from 33 to 41 inches which makes it the ideal brand for families.
The BPS Storm board has a crescent tail that adapts to your body shape and increases the board’s fluidity. Ensured with a high impact strength durability, this bodyboard is available in many colors and the price is a steal.
Storm Bodyboard by BPS can be used by both beginners and experienced riders alike. Along with the 12 months warranty, the board has a simple kit that will make your lightweight and high-speed slick bottom bodyboard become your ideal partner.
| PROS | CONS |
| Bottom slick bulbs, crescent tail, new nose grip lip, nose bumpers, and wave cushion air | Bottom and top layer may experience bubbling |
| Fin tethers included to tie your swim fins together | Poor packaging compromises quality |
| Cheaper than most brands | |
| There are so many sizes to select from |
Wave Rebel Pro Classic Bodyboard
This Pro Classic Bodyboard is designed for advanced riders with its Expanded Polystyrene core that allows ultimate buoyancy qualities and XEPE deck that can increase the amount of control and grip that you have on the board.
The board has a Pro-Slick bottom for a smoother performance. Just ride and glide and take on the waves. Featured with a bat tail design and pro-coiled leash, this baby could be your new best friend.
| PROS | CONS |
| Bat tail design gives the board exceptional maneuverability | More recommended for those of you with advanced skills, given the bat tail design that’s difficult to control for beginners |
| The wider design makes this board suitable for combating larger waves | |
| Expanded Polystyrene core allows for optimal buoyancy |
Bodyboards: A Buyer’s Ultimate Guide
You made it this far which means, you are truly decided to own a board. We are rooting for you and only want the best match for your boarding needs.
- Swim Fins – Fins are extremely important. Without them, you will not be able to paddle to the surf swiftly which might result for you to miss the waves. Fins have rubber foot pockets from size S-XL. Make sure you get the perfect fit to avoid sores and discomfort.
- Size – Two critical variables a rider should take into consideration are the body height and weight. Boards are designed to fit specific body types and build. Use this body calculator for an accurate estimate.
- Shape – Boards come in four shapes:
Prone- The widest point of this board has good support of the rider’s upper body.
Dropknee- It has narrow tapered nose and lower wide point.
Combo- This is the most flexible. A functional fusion of Prone and Dropknee.
Stand-up- Self-explanatory. This board can hold your weight even when you are in a standing upright position.
- Recoil and Flex – These factors determine the projection and speed of board performance. These depend on the type of materials used on the board. Stiff boards are best for riding bigger waves, warmer water, and clean surf. These boards are more difficult to control when used in choppy waters.
- Tail and Nose Width – The width of the nose and the tail are also very important. Wide noses are good for big waves. If used in small to average waves, they push water and slow down the ride.
- Tail Shape – The shape of the tail is also very important to consider when buying one. Crescent tails give a nice grip on the waves. The grip is better enhanced with deeper tail designs and smaller tail pegs. These are most recommended for drop-knee and prone riding. This tail type is also very versatile and more responsive to maneuvering. It also performs great in all wave conditions.
Dance with the Waves
The healing powers of the water is unprecedented. You go into instant zen during that initial step into the ocean.
Bodyboarding balances both your mental and physical wellness by toning up your muscles and freeing your mind from stress.
There is a high level of relief when you expose yourself to the sun and sea. The added advantage of catching the wave and fighting the current will test your endurance and in effect, you overcome your fears and emerge victorious.
So go, breathe and live. The ocean awaits.
