Bodyboarding, also known as boogie boarding, is an exhilarating way to experience the power of the ocean. It's a water sport where you lie on a bodyboard and use it to ride the crest, face, and curl of a wave as it moves towards the shore. Bodyboarding builds endurance and provides hours of thrilling fun and excitement at the beach. Here are some key points to help you get started:
Choose the Right Bodyboarding Equipment
Regarding bodyboarding, the right equipment is key to your enjoyment and safety. Along with your bodyboard, investing in quality swim fins or flippers to help propel you through the water is crucial. Wearing fin socks will keep your feet comfortable and ensure a snug-fitting flipper that moves with you, plus the extra piece of mind having fin savers securely looped around the rubber flipper strap. Most bodyboarders wear a rash guard or a wet suit in combination with a wet suit, which is excellent for warmth and protection against chafing. Finally, a bodyboard leash means your board will always stay at a safe distance so you can recover quickly. With the right equipment, you'll be well-prepared and confident to start bodyboarding.
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Learn to Paddle with Your Bodyboard
Paddling is a skill you'll want to master for bodyboarding and other water sports. You can even practice on dry land to get the positioning right. Once you hit the water, you'll be ready to put all that hard work to good use. To begin, lie down on the board with your body weight centred. The tail end of the board should be at your lower belly area. Use both hands to hold onto the top or nose of the board and kick your feet. Once you are in the water, remember to keep your fins below the surface and the nose 25mm to 50mm (an inch or two) above the water. As you paddle out, you will use your arms to paddle as if swimming.
Choosing and Catching a Wave
Choosing and catching a wave is where the real fun begins. When just starting out, look for white water waves approaching the beach. These waves have enough power but are still within your level of experience. Walk out until you are about knee deep, then lie on your board and paddle out. Once you spot a sound wave coming close, this is the time to turn around to face the shore. Start kicking your feet to pick up speed (remember: always keep them below the water for maximum thrust), and you will eventually feel the sheer joy of being carried by the wave.
Riding the Wave
Once you start to feel yourself catching the wave's energy, stop paddling and transfer your weight to the front of the board, keeping the lip slightly raised. Steer the board with your weight and arms. A good tip to remember is to lean your weight in the direction you want to go, leading with your hips. Put your elbow on the upper part of the board while you hold onto the nose on the leading side. Your other hand has the opposite edge. As a beginner, your best bet is to work at riding waves straight back to the shore. This will help you build confidence while you get used to the speed and control of the board.
To progress as a bodyboarder, keep working on strengthening your swimming skills. Choosing an area with a lifeguard to help out if you get into trouble is a brilliant idea, and always make sure you feel confident about the conditions before you head out. The thrill is just beginning; once you experience that fantastic wave-riding feeling, there's no turning back!