If you are looking for a fun and straightforward way to spend time at the beach with family and friends, boogie board is a tremendous outdoor physical activity. And the best part about boogie boarding is that it is suitable for everyone of all ages.
As a beginner, you can learn how to ride a boogie board with the right guide. Boogie boarding is an easier alternative to surfing that still gives you the exhilarating experience of catching waves. In this article, you will learn all you need to know about how to use a boogie board.
What Is Boogie Boarding?
Boogie board is a water sport where you ride the wave with your stomach lying down on a hydrodynamic board. It can be a recreational activity or a professional sport you partake in. The history of the bodyboard is not entirely clear.
But according to some theories, it is an activity that started as a form of surfing centuries ago by the indigenous Polynesians, where they rode wooden boards on their bellies.
In the 1970s, Tom Morey modernized the bodyboard with the legendary boogie board, which he made with polyethylene foam. So, what is the difference between boogie board and bodyboard ? Used interchangeably, boogie board and bodyboard refer to the same activity.
Today, you can get several types of boogie boards, including electric bodyboards like the Kymera Bodyboard, Wave Jam 156 Jet Bodyboard, and so on, allowing you to surf without waves.
Step-By-Step Guide on How to Ride a Boogie Board
There are several water activities you can take part in whenever you visit the beach, like surfing and boogie bodyboarding. But is boogie boarding easier than surfing? Boogie boarding is easier than surfing, as it is requires less technical skill, less balance, and is less physically demanding. As such, it is an ideal activity for everyone. If it’s your first time trying to get rid of a boogie board, these boogie board tips below will guide you on how to catch your first wave.
Step 1: Choose the Right Size Boogie Board
When you want to go boogie boarding, one of the first decisions is choosing the right board size, as understanding the science of bodyboards will help when selecting a boogie board. One way to tell a board is right for you is to stand it up on its tail.
If your belly button and the top of the board are the same height, it’s the correct size. Also, it would help if you took note of the choice of materials, such as core, slick, or stringer, and the board’s weight. It is also possible to get top quality and easy to transport inflatable boogie boards.
Step 2: Prepare for Boogie Boarding
After choosing the right board, preparing it before going to the water is vital. Waxing the board is critical as it helps improve its grip. Since wax is not water soluble, it stays on your board even in water.
So, apply a small amount of wax to the nose or top third of the board, the tail or bottom third, and the rails or side edges of the board. You should also wear proper gear, such as a rashguard, wetsuits, and swim fins, and secure the boogie board leash to your wrist or arm.
Step 3: Find a Suitable Beach
Now that you have the right board and gears, the next thing is to find a suitable beach. As a beginner, not every beach is fit to ride for you. Preferably, aim for a beach with a lifeguard less than 2 feet high. Also, ensure that there are no fishing lines or boats in the area, as well as rocks or fast-moving boats,
Step 4: Get Into a Position
At this point, you can get into the water. But ensure you stay within the beach. Think of it more like testing the water. Stand at the shallow end of the water and observe how the waves behave. Remember, you are not after the big waves as a beginner. So, as the small waves wash to shore, position yourself so that you can easily lie on the board and paddle to catch waves as they flow back.
Step 5: Climb the Board
As the wave flows back, climb your board with your belly on it. Ensure the board’s nose is pointed towards the beach as you lie on it. Also, keep your head up so you can see where you are going and be able to breathe too. Arch your legs backward as you try to catch the wave.
Step 6: Paddle to the Wave
The next question on your mind now is, how do you catch waves on a boogie board? As you climb the board, when you see a wave about to break, you must paddle fast to catch it. Place the fits on your legs underwater and paddle as though you are swimming. Also, paddle with one hand or both hands.
Step 7: Maintain Balance
As you approach the wave, turn your board around so that you are not facing the beach. The nose of the board, you face the beach so you can ride the wave. Note that this is the most challenging part of riding a wave. You can easily tip over and fall into the water if you don’t maintain your balance. Arching your back and keeping your head up before wave riding increases your chances of maintaining your balance.
Step 8: Ride the Incoming Wave
As you ride the incoming wave, you can try different maneuvering tricks. For example, you can do a cutback where you speed down the wave and then turn around to catch it again before it breaks. Or you can do a down-knee trick by kneeling with one leg and the other leg positioned at the front of the board. Remember, it’s essential to be in total control over the speed and direction of your ride as a boogie boarder.
Conclusion
Overall, if you don’t know how to boogie board, this guide will help put things in perspective. Boogie boarding is a thrilling activity with several benefits, such as developing the arm and leg muscles, building coordination, relaxing the mind, and even strengthening the lungs and heart while catching waves.
With many boards in the market, choosing the best bodyboards can help ensure you have a fun time catching waves. So, when next you plan to visit the beach with family and friends, plan to go boogie boarding.
Torsten Bird is a talented and adventurous waterman from Western Australia, passionate about surfing, stand-up paddleboarding, hydrofoiling, skimboarding, snowboarding and skateboarding. Torsten has spent countless hours mastering his skills and his dream is to one day represent Australia as an Olympic athlete. Follow Torsten’s adventures on Instagram.
