Buyers Guide Bodyboard Buyers Guide Back to blog Bodyboard Buyers Guide The Bodyboard UK scene is growing rapidly, if you want to get in on the fun, look no further than our great range of Bodyboards. Bodyboards are great fun for all the family. Whether you need a beginner Body Board to ride slow breaking waves in shallow water or whether you want a higher performance Bodyboard to get barrelled on, check out our buyers guide below to find the perfect Bodyboard for you. How to Choose a Bodyboard? We understand that with so many different options available on the market it can be overwhelming deciding what Bodyboard to purchase, whether you are a beginner or an advanced Bodyboarder, so we have done the hard work for you and have compiled a Bodyboard Buyers Guide to help you purchase the right board for you. Please read on to find out what size bodyboard you need and to learn more about the different construction types and shapes. What size Bodyboard do I need? This is one of the most common questions we get asked at Boardshop when people are choosing their first Bodyboard. To determine what size Bodyboard you need, it is a generally accepted rule of thumb that you should look for a board that, when stood on the floor, reaches your belly button. Another way to size you board is to make sure that when the Bodyboard is held out in front of you it reaches from your knees to your chin. The rule for sizing an adult bodyboard is the same when it comes to sizing a kids bodyboard. Please see our Bodyboard Size Chart below to help you determine what size Bodyboard you need: Board Length (Inches) Rider Weight (Lbs) Rider Weight (Kgs) Rider Height (Ft) Rider Height (Cms) 32"-34" 40-64 18-29 Under 4' 122 36"-38" 65-85 30-39 4'-5' 122-152 39" 86-115 40-52 4'6"-5'2" 137-158 40" 110-130 50-59 5'3"-5'6" 160-168 41"-41.75" 125-170 57-77 5'7"-5'9" 170-175 42" 145-180 66-82 5'9"-6'0" 175-183 42.5" 160-190 73-86 5'10"-6'2" 178-188 43" 170-210 77-95 6'1"-6'3" 185-191 44" 180-230 82-102 6'2"-6'4" 188-193 45" 195-255 88-116 6'3"-6'6" 191-198 46" 220+ 100+ 6'4"+ 193+ Other things to consider when choosing what size Bodyboard to purchase: Small Wave Bodyboarding: If you intend to mainly Bellyboard in white water, small and slow breaking waves then we recommend getting a Body Board slightly taller than the height of your belly button. If you are larger, we would recommend going slightly wider too as extra buoyancy is beneficial on smaller days. Big Wave Bodyboarding: If you will be Bodyboarding in the bigger, faster and more powerful waves out back, you should opt for a slightly smaller Body Board as this will allow you to be more agile and in control of the board. Riding Style: If you want to try some less traditional methods of Bodyboarding such as drop-knee or stand-up Body Boarding you should look for a Bodyboard with a bit more length. Which Bodyboard Should I Purchased Based on my Ability? We have created the simple chart below so that you can easily identify what construction board would be best, and what accessories we would recommend for you based on your ability. Bodyboarding Ability Beginner Advanced Bodyboard Core EPS PP or PE Bodyboard Slick HDPE Surlyn Bodyboard Deck XPE / IXPE PE Bodyboard Tail Cresent Bat Bodyboard Stringer Single Two + Recommended Accessories Leash Wax Swim Fins Bodyboard Bag Beginners & Children’s Bodyboards When starting any new sport, it is important to make sure you get the right gear for your ability otherwise it can hinder your progress and affect your enjoyment. If you are a beginner Bodyboarder, we would recommend purchasing a board with the following features: EPS (Expanded Polystyrene) Core The EPS cores are resilient, floaty and lightweight making them perfect for beginners. This foam is also soft which makes the board very comfortable and helps to avoid irritation on the hips, arms and elbows. HDPE (high density polyethylene) Slicks These durable slicks are best for beginners as they are incredibly durable and offer maximum speed on smaller and broken waves which are perfect for learning on. XPE / IXPE (cross linked PE foam) deck These decks are incredibly durable and water resistant which makes them perfect for beginners and kids who are likely to stand more chance of damaging their board whilst they are still getting the hand of the sport. Single Stringer A single stringer is adequate for beginner bodyboarders, providing a good balance of rigidity when paddling and flex on the wave. Tail: Either a bat or crescent tail is suitable, the differences between these two tail shapes will not be noticeable for beginners as their main purpose is to assist with performance when doing tricks. Accessories We would also recommend purchasing a leash to ensure you don’t become detached from your board whilst you are out catching waves! Other accessories are optional but not necessary for a learner starting out. However, if you enjoy the sport and feel like you want to spend more and more time bodyboarding then it will be worth investing in wax, swim fins and a good quality bodyboard bag. Intermediate to Advanced Bodyboards If you have already put in loads of hours on your beginner bodyboard and you have decided that bodyboarding is the water sport for you, if you want to start performing tricks and improving your style, we recommend investing in a more suitable Bodyboard to match your ability. If you are an Intermediate to Advanced Bodyboarder, we would recommend purchasing a board with the following features: PE (Polyethlene), PP (Polypropylene) or Dual (3D) Cores For cold water bodyboarders we would recommend a PE core and for warm water bodyboarders we would recommend a PP core – see our bodyboard construction section for a more detailed breakdown of the differences between these two construction types. We would also recommend board with Dual Cores, also known as 3D cores, as these combine the best of both the PP & PE cores which creates a board that is both performance oriented and durable. Surlyn Slicks A Surlyn slick on the deck will make the board more responsive and flexible than cheaper HDPE slicks. The Surlyn slick increases the speed of the board, propelling you through the wave and the elasticity of the material allows the board to flex easily to the shape of a wave. PE (Polyethylene) deck PE decks are softer and more flexible than their XPE counterparts which improves the bodyboard’s turning ability. Two or More Stringers Stringers will make your board last longer and help your board return to its shape after you have been bodyboarding and performing tricks in large, powerful waves, whilst also improving the performance. Drop knee riders often prefer boards with 2 stringers. Tail: If you want to try the drop knee riding style then we would recommend a crescent shaped tail board, otherwise, you can choose either shape. The Bat Tail shape is particularly popular with prone riders who regularly perform tricks as this shape gives the board more contact with the face of the wave. Accessories If you are taking bodyboarding seriously, then you will want to invest in some wax, swim fins and a good quality bodyboard bag. Wax will provide your board with much needed extra grip when tackling larger, faster waves. Swim fins will give you extra speed and power needed to propel yourself through a wave and to paddle out on bigger days, whilst a good quality Bodyboard Bag will protect your board and allow you to travel with your board wherever the conditions are looking the best! Bodyboard Shapes & Construction Explained. Bodyboard Shapes Bodyboards tails are very important as the two channels on the tail increase the board’s adherence to the face of a wave, therefore stabilizing your bodyboard. Certain tail shapes can also be very useful when performing tricks. Bodyboards are most commonly found in one of two different shapes – crescent tail or bat tail shapes. It is worth noting that if you're a beginner or intermediate rider, you will hardly notice any difference between a bodyboard with a crescent tail, and bodyboard with a bat tail, the differences are mainly noticeable for advanced bodyboarders when performing tricks. Crescent Tail Bodyboards: This is the most popular bodyboard tail design. Crescent Tail Bodyboards are known for their effectiveness at holding the wave and are very user friendly. This shape is comfortable as it adapts to your body shape and allows you to position your body so that your hips are on the back of the board which is really useful when catching waves. This shape tail has contact with the face of the wave and therefore makes the board more fluid which is useful if you plan on getting barrelled. This tail shape is also often preferred by drop knee riders. Bat Tail Bodyboards: Bat tails, named due to their resemblance to the shape of a bat wing, were designed in the 90s by Bodyboarding Champion Mike Stewart. This shape is most used by prone riders when performing tricks. This shape functions better than crescent tails in weak or unpredictable surf, gives you a little extra flotation at the back of the board and means the board has more contact with the face of the wave which is necessary when you are performing tricks such as spins or backflips. Bodyboard Construction Core The core of a bodyboard is arguably its most important feature. Depending on what core construction you opt for, it can be the difference between you progressing quickly in the sport or it could hinder your progress. Bodyboard cores are made of foam and the different types are suitable for different conditions and affect the performance of the board in different ways. EPS – Expanded Polystyrene Core Expanded Polystyrene Cores (EPS) are most seen on Beginner / Entry level Bodyboards due to the fact that this lightweight but stiff foam provides a great balance of float, flex and durability, perfect for beginners catching their first waves. EPS boards are usually very resilient and water resistant even if you damage your board which can be common for beginners whilst they are still getting the basics down. PE – Polyethylene Core Polyethylene cores are the first cores used to make bodyboards. These cores are heavier than Polypropylene (PP) cores but are more flexible which means the board can bend to the shape of the wave face, allowing the rider to surf larger waves and react faster when performing tricks – perfect for advanced bodyboarders wanting to really push their bodyboarding to the next level. PE core boards are most suitable for cold water bodyboarding in regions such as the UK as they can flex too much in warm water which can negatively impact the performance of the board. PP - Polypropylene Core Polypropylene also known as Polypro (PP) cores are more commonly used by professional bodyboarders in warm water conditions as they are much stiffer, lighter and stronger than their PE counterparts. The extra stiffness helps when bodyboarding in large waves and performing advanced tricks. PP core boards typically last a lot longer than PE core Bodyboards, but it is important to note; if you surf in mainly cold water this construction is not recommended as it will be too stiff resulting in the board being difficult to handle and manoeuvre as well as uncomfortable to ride for long periods of time. Dual Core – PP & PE Dual cores, also known as 3D cores, take the best of PP & PE construction and combine the two to form a durable, high performance core. Slick The slick of the board is the name for the underside of the bodyboard that will be I contact with the water as you are gliding through a wave. The two most common slicks are HDPE and Surlyn slicks. HDPE (high density polyethylene) Slicks These durable slicks are best for beginners as they are incredibly durable and offer maximum speed on smaller and broken waves which are perfect for learning on. Surlyn Slicks A Surlyn slick on the deck will make the board more responsive and flexible than cheaper HDPE slicks. The Surlyn slick increases the speed of the board, propelling you through the wave and the elasticity of the material allows the board to flex easily to the shape of a wave. Deck The deck of a bodyboard is the foam top layer that your body will be in direct contact with when you are bodyboarding. The most common deck types are XPE and PE. XPE / IXPE (cross linked PE foam) decks These decks are very resilient, wate resistant, rigid and hard wearing making them most suitable for beginners. PE (Polyethylene) deck PE decks are softer and more flexible than their XPE counterparts which improves the bodyboard’s turning ability. As they are softer however, they can show pressure marks from elbows more than the XPE decks. Stringers Stringers are tubes or rods located inside the core of the bodyboard to provide them with extra strength and improve their performance. They are usually made from carbon fibre or fibre glass. Stringer types: -Single Stringer (Most common type – found on most beginner boards) -Double Stringer (Perfect for drop knee bodyboarding) -Triple Stringer (Suitable for advanced bodyboarders wanting to master tricks) Stringers help to ensure that your bodyboard returns to its original shape after you have been surfing in big waves or have been performing challenging tricks. Bodyboard Leashes A Bodyboard leash is essential for all Body Boarders to ensure you never lose your board whilst you are out in the water. A high quality Bodyboard leash will ensure you stay attached to your board in even the gnarliest of waves and is also great for safety as it will ensure that you are never left in the water without your board. Leashes are usually worn around the wrist or bicep. A good quality Bodyboard leash is made from coiled polyurethane cord, with marine grade swivels and soft adjustable straps. Click here to shop Bodyboard leashes. Bodyboard Fins Bodyboard Fins are essential for Body Boarders who want to take their Bodyboarding to the next level. They will Swim Fins, also known as Bodyboard Fins or Flippers, propel you through the waves with ease and give you the extra speed and power needed to propel yourself through a wave and assist when paddling out on bigger days. Bodyboards Fins help to control your rail edge as you trim across waves which is a real advantage as you become a more advanced Bodyboarder. Good quality Bodyboard Fins, made from rubber, have softer rubber foot pockets and stiff rubber blades and rails to help keep your fins rigid. It is important that your fins stay rigid throughout each stroke to ensure maximum acceleration and comfort in the water. Click here to shop Bodyboard Fins. Bodyboard Bags A quality Bodyboard Bag is a must have if you want to take your Bodyboard travelling. Bodyboard Bags help to protect your Bodyboard from damage, sun and dirt. As Bodyboard Bags are often padded, they are useful for traveling, but are also perfect for storing your Bodyboards safely in your home. A good quality Bodyboard Bag is typically constructed from durable polyester and they are available in Single, Double Bodyboard Bag, or Triple Bodyboard Bag sizes and in padded or lightweight non-padded options. Bodyboard Bags usually have a double zip closure, dual front pockets with wet gear drainage, a durable carry handle and backpack straps. Most Body Board Bags usually have room for your wetsuit, leash and fins also, making them perfect for travel. If travelling, we recommend a Double Bodyboard Bag or Triple Bodyboard Bag if you want to take more than one Body Board plus a wetsuit and accessories on your surf trip or if you are travelling with friends. Click here to shop Bodyboard Bags. Caring for your Bodyboard: To ensure your Bodyboard lasts for as long as possible it is important to take care of it properly. Please see our tips below to help your Bodyboard last: Keep your Bodyboard out of the heat & direct sunlight This can cause your board to bubble and become misshapen. If you are surfing in warm weather, make sure you put your bodyboard in a bodyboard bag instead of leaving it on the hot sand and never leave your board in a scorching hot car! Rinse your Bodyboard after each session To ensure your board lasts as long as possible, rinse your board with fresh water after each session. Storage Protect your board from damage, dirt and dust by storing it in a high quality padded bodyboard bag and ensuring it is not stored with anything on top of it as this can leave dents in the foam. Repair any damage If your bodyboard gets damaged ensure that you repair this asap using a bodyboard repair kit. Wear your leash Always remember to wear your leash so that your board doesn’t get separated from you in the water – you don’t want your bodyboard washing up the beach and getting damaged or taking everyone out on its way back in! We are stoked to be stocking a great range of top quality Bodyboards. Click here to check out our full range of Bodyboards & Bodyboarding Accessories. We hope our Bodyboard Buyer’s Guide helps you to choose your new Bodyboard! If you are still unsure which Bodyboard would be most suitable for your needs, we will be more than happy to offer you some advice! Drop us an email at [email protected] or give us a call on 01243 674250 and we can help you choose the perfect Bodyboard. Back to blog