It could be a common assumption to consider that all of us have at least been familiarized with the term snowboarding or have had some sort of exposure to it.
However, Bodyboarding? What to wear? This is what we’ll be addressing in this article.
The usual gear for bodyboarding consists of; A rash guard, worn alone or in combination with a wet suit, providing warmth and chafe protection for bodyboarders. A bodyboard leash is also included, ensuring that your board remains at a safe distance so you can recover fast.
Before we can discuss the proper attire for this sport, it is imperative that we understand what the sport is about:
What Is Bodyboarding?
Bodyboarding is a water sport similar to surfing in that it includes riding waves while lying down in a prone position. The competitor may also ride the board partially standing in some tournaments, with one knee resting on the board’s surface.
There are a few positions that allow a bodyboarder to ride the board while standing.
The bodyboard is a lightweight rectangular-shaped foam part reinforced with one or two carbon rods, often known as stringers.
Catching a wave and riding it to the beach is the essence of bodyboarding. Bodyboarding, unlike surfing, which requires large, powerful waves, may be enjoyed anywhere; some waves are tube-like.
The most common way to ride the board is to lie your stomach down on it, although a few competitive tricks require different positions.
While many of the perfect areas for surfing are not always suitable for bodyboarding, bodyboarding is a popular pastime in several places across the world.
Now that we know what this sport is all about, let’s learn its origin.
Where Did It Originate From?
Bodyboarding evolved from an old form of riding waves on one’s stomach (surfing).
On their belly, knees, or feet, indigenous Polynesians rode “Alaia” Alaia boards were typically manufactured from Acacia koa wood and came in various lengths and shapes.
The first documented case of bodyboarding came from Captain Cook, who arrived in Hawaii in 1778. He saw Hawaiian natives riding similar boards.
He saw boards that were 3′ to 6′ in length and were ridden “prone” (on the belly) or on the knees.
Bodyboarding has a long history that predates the invention of the new foam-filled board. Only royalty was allowed to stand on a board at the beginning of Hawaiian history.
Tom Morey invented the modern-day bodyboard on July 7th, 1971. He sculpted a block of foam with a hot iron, an electric knife, and sheets of newspaper while residing in Kailua, Hawaii’s Big Island.
He chopped the rails at a 45-degree angle, then brought his new gadget to the beach to surf Honors, and thus the sport of bodyboarding was formed!
What You Should Know Before Bodyboarding
Improve your swimming technique
Being a skilled swimmer is essential for bodyboarding success. If your board ever gets away from you, you’ll want to know ahead of time if you’ll be comfortable swimming to retrieve it or making your way back to shore.
Be mindful of the forecast
Bodyboarding is similar to surfing, kitesurfing, or windsurfing in terms of the equation. Security is a combination of timing and knowledge. For each session, knowing about weather forecasts and conditions is vital.
The wind is significant!
Even when there is no wind, wind direction is essential and will affect your bodyboarding workouts.
Wind, in a similar fashion to tides, sets the rules almost all of the time. In other words, if the wind is blowing in the wrong direction, the waves will be messed up.
Warm-up before initiating
Before plunging into the waves, make sure you’re prepared and warmed up. Once you’re in the water, you should always expect the unexpected; in such a dynamic environment, you’ll want to make sure your body is prepared for anything.
The right wave
Choose safety above striving to outperform people around you as a beginning. Beginner bodyboarding advice is to avoid being lured by waves that are too big or too fast and instead focus on learning to ride “rideable” waves that run straight to the shore.
When you’re ready to return to the beach, simply beat your feet in that direction while paddling hard, and attempt to position yourself so that you can glide in on the front of a wave with minimal work and maximum delight!
What To Wear?
Nothing beats customization when it comes to bodyboarding! When the bodyboard is set on the ground, it should reach about the height of your belly button. This is a fantastic, practical guideline for picking the proper size for you.
The board isn’t the only factor to consider. Depending on the water temperature, a decent quality neoprene wetsuit or a Lycra rash vest is recommended to avoid any irritations while also providing some buoyancy and sun protection.
We’ve narrowed the list of supplies needed for bodyboarding to these essentials:
- Lycra Undershorts: Riding in just boardshorts is fantastic, but it can cause many rubbing and rashes. To avoid the chafing, put on your undershorts.
- Wet Bag: Keep all of your wet belongings in one place without soaking your rucksack.
- Fins and Finserts are two types of fins. In the water, a good pair of well-fitting fins will pay off. Also, look for tears or perishing in your present swim fins. Finserts will put an end to the agony of fin rub.
- Rashguard: Protect yourself from the sun while also preventing Rash from your suit or board.
- We always travel with two boards, each with slightly different characteristics to suit the conditions. With a bat tail, this is the PX core Barber board. Perfect for a bit of variety, and the bat tail performs much better on short days.
- Shorty Wetsuit: (Depending on your area) a shorty wetsuit can provide a good balance of warmth and sun protection.
- A bodyboard with a core; that is appropriate for the water temperature where you are going.
- As you might expect, one of the essential items to bring is a first-aid kit. Before you go, check your First Aid Kit to determine if anything needs to be replenished.
- Towel – Taking a lightweight towel or sarong to the beach is usually a good idea, as it provides a place to lie down while also protecting your dignity as you squeeze into your shorts.
- Self-assess your riding skill and keep pushing yourself with the Bodyboard Manual. Surfing two to three times a day will help you improve much more quickly. Check to see whether you’ve picked up any undesirable habits along the road.
Recommended Gear
Whether you’re a beginning or a seasoned bodyboarder, we’ve found the perfect customer-rated products that will take your bodyboarding experience to the next level:
For beginners: WOOWAVE Bodyboard 33-inch/36-inch/41-inch
Signed and developed to allow every border to have great control of the bodyboard.
A lightweight bodyboard equipped with 60/40 rails and a water-resistant core that are suitable for all wave conditions.
The fact that it is such a lightweight product makes it the perfect choice for adult and kid swimmers looking into starting their bodyboarding journey.
If you’re more of an experienced bodyboarder, here’s the ideal option for you:
BPS ‘Storm’ Bodyboard with Premium Coiled Leash & Fin Tethers – A great board at an excellent price! To save even more money, it comes with leashes. The leash plug is already fitted, so you won’t have to jack up the board.
It is highly recommended since it is durable, stable, and has a large enough surface area for children to ride on (Different Size boards, read their description, ours fit perfectly to their report).
Conclusion
Bodyboarding is a very physical sport that demands lots of practice and knowledge regarding the areas surrounding this practice.
It’s safe to say that the main component needed to bodyboard successfully and injury-free is education and sturdy equipment, in addition to making sure you are well-documented on the ifs and buts about this sport.