Bodyboard Guide

Ride waves your way

By Kai Lani | WAHA Surf Shop

Why Bodyboarding?

Bodyboarding gets a bad rap from some surfers, and that's a shame. The truth is, bodyboarding is one of the most accessible and fun ways to ride waves. You can be catching your first wave within an hour of hitting the beach, and the progression from beginner to pulling off barrel rides happens faster than on a surfboard. The lower center of gravity means you can ride waves that would be too steep or too fast for most stand-up surfers. Some of the heaviest waves in the world are regularly ridden by bodyboarders, from Pipeline in Hawaii to The Wedge in Newport Beach.

It's also a fantastic option for days when the surf is too small or too close-out for shortboarding. Grab your board, strap on some fins, and you'll have a blast in conditions that would leave most surfers sitting on the beach. If you're interested in other ways to enjoy smaller waves, our SUP guide covers another great option.

Choosing Your Board Size

Getting the right size bodyboard makes a big difference in how well it performs. Too small and you'll nose-dive constantly. Too big and you'll struggle to control it in the wave face. The general rule is that when you stand the board upright, it should reach somewhere between your belly button and your chin. But your weight matters just as much as your height, because the board needs enough volume to keep you afloat and planing on the wave surface.

If you're a heavier rider, size up by an inch or two from the height recommendation. The extra surface area helps with buoyancy and wave-catching ability. Lighter riders can size down for more maneuverability.

Core Materials

PE (Polyethylene)

Polyethylene is the most common core material and a solid choice for most riders. It's soft, flexible, and holds up well over time. PE boards feel forgiving in the water, which is great when you're learning. They perform best in warm water because the foam stays at the right stiffness level. In cold water, PE can feel a bit sluggish because the material stiffens up.

PP (Polypropylene)

Polypropylene is a step up in performance. It's stiffer and lighter than PE, which translates to more speed down the line and better projection out of turns. PP boards work especially well in cooler water because the material maintains its flex characteristics across a wider temperature range. If you're an intermediate or advanced rider, PP is worth the extra cost.

NRG+ and Kinetic Core

These are premium core materials found in professional-grade boards. NRG+ offers excellent recoil and memory, meaning the board springs back to shape quickly after flex. Kinetic cores combine PP with mesh reinforcement for maximum projection and speed. Unless you're riding regularly and pushing your limits, these cores are more than most people need.

Board Features

Tail Shapes

The tail shape affects how the board handles in different wave conditions. Each shape channels water differently off the back of the board, changing speed, lift, and control.

Rails

Rails are the edges of the board, and their shape determines how the board grips the wave face during turns.

Essential Accessories

A bodyboard alone won't get you far. You need a few additional items to get the most out of your sessions. Swim fins are the most important accessory because they provide the power and control needed to catch waves and navigate the lineup. Without fins, you're just floating around hoping a wave pushes you to shore.

Fin socks are worth mentioning too. They prevent blisters and chafing on the tops of your feet, which is a common problem for bodyboarders who surf regularly. A pair costs very little and saves you days of painful walking. For more on surf accessories, we have a full breakdown of everything you might need.

Basic Techniques

Prone Riding

Lying flat on the board is where everyone starts, and plenty of experienced riders stay right here because it's effective and fun. Position yourself so the nose of the board is just above the waterline. Too far forward and you nose-dive. Too far back and you can't catch waves. When a wave approaches, kick hard with your fins and paddle with one arm while holding the nose of the board with the other. Once you feel the wave pick you up, arch your back slightly and shift your weight to control your direction.

Drop Knee (DK)

One knee on the board, one foot planted on the deck. This is the intermediate step between prone riding and stand-up. DK gives you more power for turns and lets you ride with a more upright posture. It takes practice to find your balance point, but once it clicks, you'll have much more control over your lines on the wave.

Stand Up

Standing on a bodyboard is an advanced technique that requires excellent balance and wave knowledge. The board is smaller and less stable than a surfboard, so everything happens faster. Some riders dedicate themselves to stand-up bodyboarding and get remarkably good at it.

Where to Ride

Bodyboards work in almost any surf conditions, but they really shine in steep, hollow beach breaks where stand-up surfing would be difficult or dangerous. Shore break waves that close out quickly are perfect for bodyboarding. If you're planning a trip to a spot known for heavy shore break, like Sandy Beach in Hawaii or the Wedge in Newport Beach, you'll see bodyboarders charging waves that most surfers avoid.

Safety Tips

Bodyboarding carries its own set of risks. Shore break waves slam you into shallow water with force, and the speed you carry on a bodyboard can make collisions with other riders dangerous. Always be aware of your surroundings and follow proper surf etiquette in the lineup.

Surfboard Guide