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Before you dive right into the ocean waves with the wrong bodyboard, you should understand that starting is going to be much easier for you with the right bodyboard. Here you will find the best bodyboards for beginners to start learning the sport.
Any sport that is going to involve the epic power of waves is going to require the right equipment for each person, which means that every person needs a different bodyboard. Especially if you’re just beginning to bodyboard, you’re going to want one that gives you the thrill of this water sport while maintaining your safety amongst the waves.
Making sure that we’re recommending the right equipment as always takes quite a bit of work and research. It’s not just about the experience of the rider, but the kind of bodyboard, the kind of rider, and how intense the waves are going to be.
It’s one thing if you’re just going to jump in and figure it out as you go along. It’s another matter to train, learn the board and waves slowly, or through a class and develop your skills until you’re the talk of the beach.
Contents
- The Best Bodyboards For Beginners Review & Guide
- 1. Morey Big Kahuna 44″ Bodyboard
- 2. Morey Mach 11 Tube Rail Bodyboard
- 3. BPS Storm Bodyboard
- 4. Own the Wave ‘Beach Attack Pack’
- 5. GYMAX Super Lightweight Bodyboard
- 6. KONA SURF Coconut Body Board
- 7. GYN Trade Legendary Pro X Bodyboard
- 8. Goplus Super Lightweight Bodyboard
- 9. Wave Weapon Bodyboard
- 10. Custom X Titan Bodyboard
- Bodyboards For Beginners FAQ
- Conclusion
The Best Bodyboards For Beginners Review & Guide
In our research, we wanted to emphasize a beginning bodyboard rider to be able to learn at their speed while being as safe as possible. To do that, we searched high and low, short and far, and everywhere else in between to make a shortlist of bodyboards that would suit any beginner to learn the sport of bodyboarding with the waves rather than against them.
Our research and choices were made based on the following categories and standards:
Material, Size, and Durability
In all honestly, your durability isn’t the only one we’re concerned about. The bodyboard is only as good, or thrilling as its durability allows it to be. Any good bodyboard is going to take the majority of the beating from the waves for that you don’t have to.
We’re making sure that happens, so we selected boards made of the best material, that are the perfect size for the majority of riders, no matter the skill level of the rider.
Most importantly, we’ve ensured that any bodyboard from this list will be durable enough to take many beatings for your thrill and your dollar.
Affordable Price
As far as the price of the bodyboards on our list is concerned, you can’t put a price on safety. On the other hand, we’ve made sure that our bodyboards have a range of prices to fit your price tag, but also your experience level.
Just like how we wanted to leave room to adapt, we also wanted to leave room for new riders to name their price. It comes down to passion and the thrill of the ride.
If you’re thirsty for the waves and the bodyboard is a little out of reach, you may get a ladder, but for those who just want to try it out, or don’t have as thick a wallet; there is some wiggle room as well.
Additional Features
In our research, there are always going to be intangibles no matter what sports equipment is required. In the case of bodyboarding, we wanted to make sure that our selections weren’t plain, or boring. We wanted to choose bodyboards with rails, grip locks, HDPE skin, or anything else we could find on these boards to ensure that we were selecting the best.
Our research didn’t lie and these are some of the best. We couldn’t be more confident that this shortlist will find any fresh bodyboarder to learn at their own speed on the waves, stay safe, and have a board that will last.
Our Decision
Our first choice for the best bodyboard for beginners is the Morey Big Kahuna 44″ Bodyboard. Our backup selection is the Morey Mach 11 Tube Rail Bodyboard. The value pick is the BPS Storm Bodyboard. These and the rest bodyboards that make up this list have passed our tests and we specifically selected them for all the above reasons. Here is our list of the best bodyboards for beginners.
1. Morey Big Kahuna 44″ Bodyboard
Straight from our research for the best bodyboards, this became a really easy decision to make. The Morey Big Kahuna is the biggest bodyboard we found at 44 inches. We selected this because it’s perfect for any size rider and it specializes in an intermediate to advanced ride, which means you can learn with this board and then continue learning with the more experience you get on the open waves.
This bodyboard is built to ride hard and build to last. Made from the more durable construction materials and an additional Power Rod Stringer, this is a very solid board. This bodyboard is around $155 for one bodyboard, but it has a color option. Additional features include being made with a polyethylene core.
It includes a crescent tail that helps lock the body into position for superior control and has bottom channels and very durable rails. This is our top selection for any beginner that is learning bodyboarding.
>>> See Specifications & Read Customer Reviews on Amazon! <<<
2. Morey Mach 11 Tube Rail Bodyboard
For about $75, the Morey Mach 11 Tube Rail Bodyboard guarantees quality bodyboarding on par with our first selection for even less. It’s not a small board. It’s full size and is a 42.5-inch board that is designed specifically for beginner and intermediate riders. This quality high-density EPS core is heat laminated and is ideal for entry-level bodyboards.
Someday, you’ll have to get a new board, but for that price, you can’t beat learning on a Morey Mach 11 Tube Rail Bodyboard. Crescent tail is a functional shape that helps lock the body into position for superior control.
The Mach 11 Tube Rail Bodyboard has a 25-millimeter HDPE bottom skin with channels, eight-pound IXL rails, and a coiled wrist leash. It also includes grip Locks for a better handgrip. Patented unique tube rail towards the tail to give the rider extra control. There may not be a better bodyboard on the market than this one.
>>> See Specifications & Read Customer Reviews on Amazon! <<<
3. BPS Storm Bodyboard
If for any reason the first two best bodyboards didn’t suit your fancy, the BPS Storm Bodyboard is going to suit you perfectly. For the insanely low price of about $45, this bodyboard includes a premium coiled leash and swim fin tethers/savers so you never get to lose it.
The Storm Body Board is amazingly light and features a high-speed slick bottom surface, an EPS core, bottom rear channels for great performance, and a crescent tail to further help performance.
It offers impact strength durability. The Storm Bodyboard is lightweight & rigid with a super slick bottom with channels to increase speed and glide through the water and waves. The BPS Storm board finally has a crescent tail that adapts to your body shape and increases the board’s fluidity. This bodyboard is available in many colors and the price is a steal.
>>> See Specifications & Read Customer Reviews on Amazon! <<<
4. Own the Wave ‘Beach Attack Pack’
If for any reason you found the above bodyboards not the best for you, then the Own the Wave ‘Beach Attack Pack’ Bodyboard might be just what you need. It’s one of the most lightweight bodyboards on the market, with weather-resistant, waterproof, and shock-absorbing EPS Core, IXPE deck (heat laminated) for impact resistance and durability, high-density polyethylene slick bottom (heat laminated), and comes with double swivels coiled leash. It’s available in 3 sizes to fit all riders.
Its made of HDPE Slick bottom to intensify the performance driven by the board. It does not only add strength, but it also makes the bodyboard resistance-free riding for improved speed and maneuverability.
This bodyboard is perfect for beginners and kids to enjoy a wonderful and exciting surfing experience in the sea, beach, river, swimming pool, and water park. Comes with Premium Wrist Leash and Swim Fin Tethers. The pack includes 1 bodyboard, 1 leash, and 2 fin savers.
The board is made of high-density polyethylene slick bottom (heat laminated) which is a strong and responsive bottom skin that adds stiffness and maximizes board speed. And it’s easy to control and can increase your speed and strength. You can easily stand or lie on it to meet your different needs.
- Board length 33″, 37″, 41″
>>> See Specifications & Read Customer Reviews on Amazon! <<<
5. GYMAX Super Lightweight Bodyboard
If you are looking for hours of fun at the water, then the GYMAX Super Lightweight Bodyboard is another excellent choice. It’s a lightweight bodyboard with an HDPE slick bottom that adds stiffness and increases speed, projection and offers ideal flexibility.
The bodyboard uses 60/40 rails, rear channels, and a cushioned linear design to create a more perfect surfing experience for you. The crescent tail helps you to control it easily and stand or lie on it more stably.
The GYMAX Super Lightweight bodyboard is made of EPS Core that makes the body-board lightweight, durable and buoyant and IXPE deck for impact strength, durability, and comfort.
It comes with a premium wrist leash included having it secured to you through any wipeout and is designed for all wave conditions to give the board excellent control, more maneuverability, and increased speeds.
This bodyboard is perfect for beginners and kids for hours of fun at the beach, river, swimming pool, or water park. For a price of around $60 like the previous board, you will enjoy this bodyboard without spending much.
Available sizes: 33”/37”/41”
>>> See Specifications & Read Customer Reviews on Amazon! <<<
6. KONA SURF Coconut Body Board
Our sixth pick for the best bodyboards for beginners is the KONA SURF Coconut Body Board. It’s a lightweight bodyboard designed with a focus on stability and glide for easy riding with maximum enjoyment.
The IXPE deck and pro slick hard bottom are heat laminated on a durable EPS foam core that will keep you catching waves all summer.
The crescent tail increases the fluidity of the board when tackling the conditions of the ocean. A quality board that will give you years of fun on the water at a great price, considering what’s included in the package.
Specs: Board length 33″-42″
This board is ideal for riders between 60lbs & Below – 100lbs and 4ft & Below – 5ft 4in tall of any riding level, as it’s available in many sizes and colors.
If you don’t mind spending a few more bucks to buy a quality bodyboard for beginners, then this is for you.
>>> See Specifications & Read Customer Reviews on Amazon! <<<
7. GYN Trade Legendary Pro X Bodyboard
GYN Trade’s awesome bodyboard is the nest on our list. It can be one of the best selections for a novice because of its premium production and high-quality materials. We’ll explain why this is the case for you.
To begin with, it’s heat-sealed, which is a more convenient option than being glued. It will be able to withstand additional wear and tear as a result of being exposed to the elements. Not to mention the possibility of the glue peeling away from the board after weeks of use in the sea.
The second feature to love about this product is its sleek and lightweight design, which should allow you to body surf with ease. You’ll also notice a wrist leash at the bottom of the board for added stability.
You can rely on this leash as a novice until you get the hang of using the bodyboard. You may easily unhook the leash once you’ve done so.
The good news is that even when you’ve mastered bodyboarding, this bodyboard should be able to keep up with you. Its solid construction, crescent tail, and hard bottom make it a fantastic pick for both beginners and experts.
Last but not least, you might be pleased to learn that it comes in two sizes. The first is designed for riders who are 3’5 inches tall and weigh up to 150 pounds. The second one should be suitable for persons who are 5’5-6’2 tall and weigh up to 220 pounds.
If you’re searching for a solid bodyboard for a beginner, whether a child or an adult, this one is a good option.
Pros
- Design that is both light and sturdy
- Long-lasting \Heat-sealed
- A wrist leash is included.
- Moderately-priced
Cons
- If you keep it in the sun for too long, it may develop bubbles.
>>> See Specifications & Read Customer Reviews on Amazon! <<<
8. Goplus Super Lightweight Bodyboard
This Goplus board is the best-selling bodyboard in the category. To be honest, this board deserved to be on our list because of its great features and affordable pricing.
Its dynamic shape makes it easier to operate for unskilled surfers, which makes it a perfect option for beginners. You can take it to a waterpark, the beach, or even a swimming pool in this manner. It should look great with any type of wave, natural or man-made.
Let’s have a look at the components that make it up. To keep it upright for as long as possible, the core is made of sturdy EPS foam. Furthermore, it is protected by an XPE deck that is both waterproof and impact resistant. Not to mention the fact that it’s completely non-toxic.
To improve safety and control, the Goplus board comes with an adjustable wristband. If you like, you can wrap it around your ankle.
It comes in two sizes, 37 and 41 inches, and fits adults weighing up to 122 and 188 pounds, respectively. Despite the fact that these specifications rule out this bodyboard for children under the age of 12, older children and teenagers may enjoy it.
We recommend that you give this board a try because of its reasonable pricing and excellent performance.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Exceptional buoyancy
- Design that is easy for beginners
- There are four different color options to choose from
- Included is a wristband
- Price in the middle tier
Cons
- After a lengthy period of use, some bubbles may appear.
>>> See Specifications & Read Customer Reviews on Amazon! <<<
9. Wave Weapon Bodyboard
The next item on our list is Own the Wave’s eye-catching bodyboard. Let’s take a look at what makes it such a popular choice.
To begin, you should be aware that it is really light, providing you an advantage over those persistent waves no matter where you are. It can be used at the beach, a waterpark, or anywhere else where you can body surf.
Second, we admire the high-quality materials that were employed to create this work of art. This board, which has an EPS core and an HDPE bottom, provides you with both durability and flexibility when riding the waves.
It has a coiled wrist leash and two fin tethers to assure your safety, just like our prior recommendation. It also has a crescent tail to fit your body’s curves and provide optimal comfort.
You’ll also find an installation guide with photographs to show you how to put these accessories together. You should also look for instructions on how to use the bodyboard and how to best care for it so that it lasts a long time.
This board is a good choice if you want a board with a good blend of strength, maneuverability, and attractive designs.
Pros
- Top-quality materials and manufacturing
- Outstanding client service
- Design that is both sleek and bouncy
- A user’s guide that is both informative and entertaining
- Colors and designs that are appealing
- There are three sizes available.
Cons
- After a time of use, the glue may peel off.
- If exposed to the sun for an extended period of time, it may deteriorate.
>>> See Specifications & Read Customer Reviews on Amazon! <<<
10. Custom X Titan Bodyboard
When it comes to excellent bodyboards for beginners, Custom X can compete with Morey. Debbie Colwell, the owner, worked with Tom Morey in the 1970s, so it makes sense. The Custom X Titan is a great starting boogie board, and we’ll go over some of its highlights:
- Double rails @ 60/40
- Drop knee bodyboarding
Double rails @ 60/40 – A bodyboard’s rails play a big role in how much control you have on the waves. A 60/40 ratio is very popular since it provides you a lot of grip, regardless of how big they are. The crescent tail of the Custom X Titan boogie board aids in control as well.
The speed at which you may go is likewise affected by rails. This bodyboard has a high-quality surlyn slick that makes it even faster. When it comes to bodyboard slicks, the material is considered the greatest in class, therefore it’s wonderful to find on a novice boogie board.
Drop knee bodyboarding – Once you’ve mastered the art of bodyboarding while lying down, you’ll swiftly go to larger and better things, which will encompass more than just the waves you ride. In addition, the manner you ride a bodyboard opens up a whole new universe of possibilities.
Learning new tricks and moves is part of this process. You’ll want to push yourself as far as you can. Drop knee bodyboarding is a breeze with the Custom X Titan bodyboard. It’s one of the most difficult kind of wave riding, and you’ll need a lot of balance.
>>> See Specifications & Read Customer Reviews on Amazon! <<<
Bodyboards For Beginners FAQ
How do I choose a beginner bodyboard?
When standing on the floor, the bodyboard should extend up to about your belly button, and when held in front of you, it should fit between your chin and the tops of your knees. Your legs will trail in the water behind you more as the board gets shorter, producing drag and slowing you down.
How do I choose a bodyboard?
Your perfect bodyboard should reach from your knees to your chin when held out in front of you. For more flotation and buoyancy, heavier riders should use a template with more width.
Is bodyboarding easier than surfing?
It goes without saying that bodyboarding is easier to pick up than surfing. This is due to the fact that a beginner will have more control when resting on the board than when surfing, which requires the surfer to stand up while riding a wave. Bodyboarding and surfing are both aimed at catching and riding a wave.
Do I need to wax a bodyboard?
Wax is usually needed where your hands grip the board, along the rails, in your chest, lower abdomen area, elbows, arms, and hips. Extra wax is always a good idea because the chest slides about on the bodyboard. Smaller riders should additionally wax the bodyboard's genital contact region.
Who invented bodyboarding?
Anyone familiar with the sport of bodyboarding knows that Tom Morey, an inventor, musician, surfer, entrepreneur, mathematician, and engineer from Michigan, created the first modern bodyboard in 1971, dubbed the Boogie.
Conclusion
Bodyboarding is a fun way to spend time at the beach with your family! Best of all, it’s an activity that both children and adults can enjoy, even if they’ve never done anything like it before.
Having a decent board, on the other hand, can make things much more enjoyable! Any of the bodyboards for beginners on our list would serve you well.
So get out on the lake and choose the bodyboard that best suits your needs.
Also Read:
Thank you for reading and good luck with your choice. Feel free to drop a question, or comment and let us know what you thought of our selections and your own.
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