How To Bodyboard The Right Way?
When it comes to bodyboarding, there is no specific age limit that you need to follow. Whether you are 10 or just hit 60, you can give this thrilling water activity a go. You may be surprised to know that bodyboarding is considered the most primitive type of surfing that people of all ages have enjoyed for decades. If you have been looking for the right bodyboard tips and tricks to get started, you are in luck because we have them in store for you.
If you have never had the experience of riding waves with a bodyboard under your chest, let’s take an in-depth look at how you can start and bodyboard your way to glory. So without further ado, let us get started with our how to bodyboard guide.
Getting The Right Board Is Vital:
When bodyboarding for the first time, you can never underestimate the huge role a proper bodyboard plays.
So what size or shape should you go for? When buying a bodyboard for the very first time, do follow these steps to get the ideal board according to your body:
Make the bodyboard stand on its tail.
Then stand right next to the board’s body.
The perfect board should reach your belly button.
Alternatively, you can go to a bodyboard calculator online and get the accurate board size that will suit you best.
The Essential Gear:
If you have made up your mind about bodyboarding, you can’t just start in your swimming costume. You should invest in the proper gear to make your experience more worthwhile. You will need the following:
Rash Guard: This is like a swim shirt that helps protect your body against rashes when you ride the bodyboard for a very long time. Since they are a full suit, they also offer UV protection from the sun.
Wet Suit: A wetsuit is an essential gear needed for boy boarding. Not only will one protect you from the sun’s UV rays, but it will make your experience more pleasant when the water is too cold.
Swim Fins: These are flippers that are attached to your ankle. They will allow you to effortlessly paddle your way through the water without having to exhaust your energy against the tides. Swim fins will allow you to have more control of your movement when using a bodyboard.
Don’t Forget Board Wax:
When trying this thrilling activity for the first time, you should always use board wax to enhance your grip. By adding wax to your board, you can ensure that you will not fall off and focus all your attention on maneuvering the board.
The areas you should apply the wax to are the top right and left rails along with the board's nose. You can apply some to the nose grips too.
Secure The Leash:
The easiest and probably the most crucial step is securing the bodyboard leash. It is specially designed to keep your board attached to your body when you get hit by waves. You can strap it to your wrist or around your bicep and then head off to your bodyboarding adventure.
Getting Started:
Now that we have all the basics sorted, let's look at the next steps to enjoying the actual sport:
Make your way towards the water and stop at the spot where the water level is right above your knees.
Place your board on the water and then lie on top of it with your chest placed on the board’s upper second half.
Hold onto the board's nose, and then start kicking with your feet while making sure that your feet stay submerged in the water.
Make use of your arms to paddle correctly; you can use one or both arms to paddle forward.
Always keep a close lookout for the waves to have an idea when the wave is about to break.
Catching An Actual Wave:
Now comes the part that you have been so eagerly waiting for, riding an actual wave. Remember to follow these steps:
Look for a good-looking wave.
When you spot one, turn your board around so that you face the beach.
Start paddling by kicking your feet and also use your hands to get more momentum.
Get in the wave and keep your fins/feet under the water.
The wave will crash, and you will drift off towards the beach.
Conclusion:
There you have it; now you know everything you needed to know concerning bodyboarding. Whether you are confused about what to wear or are looking for the latest bodyboarding tricks to get started, we are sure you know it all.