How to Choose the Correct Size Bodyboard: A Beginner’s Guide
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Choosing the right size bodyboard is essential for having an enjoyable and safe experience on the waves. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced rider, the size of your bodyboard plays a crucial role in your performance, comfort, and overall experience in the water. But with so many options available, how do you know which size is best for you?
In this blog, we’ll walk you through the factors to consider when choosing the correct bodyboard size, helping you find the perfect fit for your body type, skill level, and the type of waves you’re riding.
1. Understand the Importance of Size
The size of your bodyboard affects everything from how easily you catch waves to how stable you feel when riding them. A board that’s too big or too small can make it harder to control your movements, reduce your buoyancy, and even make it more difficult to catch waves. A correctly sized bodyboard will allow you to maneuver effortlessly and ride with greater control and comfort.
2. How to Determine the Right Size: The Key Formula
The general rule of thumb for choosing the right bodyboard size is based on your height and weight. Here’s a simple formula to guide you:
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Height: The top of the bodyboard should typically reach between your belly button and chest when standing upright next to the board. The board should be proportional to your body size for optimal control and speed.
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Weight: Your body weight is also an important factor when selecting the correct board. Heavier riders generally require longer boards to provide enough floatation and stability, while lighter riders can opt for shorter boards for quicker maneuverability.
3. Bodyboard Size Chart
Here’s a quick bodyboard size chart to help you choose the right board based on your height and weight:
| Rider Height | Rider Weight | Recommended Bodyboard Size |
|---|---|---|
| Under 4’6” | Under 70 lbs | 36” (91 cm) |
| 4’6” - 5’0” | 70 - 90 lbs | 37” (94 cm) |
| 5’0” - 5’6” | 90 - 120 lbs | 38” (97 cm) |
| 5’6” - 6’0” | 120 - 150 lbs | 40” (102 cm) |
| 6’0” and taller | 150 lbs+ | 42” (107 cm) |
These are general guidelines, and there may be slight variations based on brand and personal preference, but they serve as a good starting point.
4. Factors to Consider When Choosing the Correct Size
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Skill Level:
- Beginners: If you’re new to bodyboarding, opt for a slightly larger board. A larger board provides more stability and floatation, making it easier to catch waves and maintain balance. A board that reaches your chest or just above your waist is ideal.
- Intermediate to Advanced: More experienced riders can go for a smaller board, as they allow for greater maneuverability and quicker turns. These boards typically range from 36” to 40”, depending on your size.
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Type of Waves:
The type of waves you plan to ride can also influence your choice of bodyboard size.- Smaller, softer waves: A smaller, shorter board works best for these conditions. It allows for quicker response and is easier to handle in less powerful waves.
- Bigger, more powerful waves: A larger board will provide better floatation and speed when riding larger, more challenging waves. A longer board (40”+) can help you paddle into waves more easily and gives you better control.
5. Consider the Material and Shape of the Bodyboard
The material and shape of the bodyboard can also affect its performance. When choosing your bodyboard size, it’s important to consider both the core material and tail design, as they impact the board’s flexibility, buoyancy, and handling.
- Core material: Bodyboards are made from various materials like EPS foam (lighter and more buoyant) or PE foam (denser and stiffer). Lighter riders or those who want more floatation will benefit from an EPS core, while heavier riders or those seeking more control might prefer a PE core.
- Tail shape: The tail shape (whether square, crescent, or rounded) also impacts maneuverability and stability. A crescent tail is often preferred for more advanced riders as it allows for sharper turns, while a square tail offers more stability for beginners.
6. Test It Out if You Can
While guidelines and charts are helpful, bodyboarding is a personal sport, and the best way to know what works for you is to try out a few different sizes if you can. Visit a local surf shop or rental service and test a few boards. Pay attention to how the board feels when you’re paddling, how easy it is to catch waves, and how comfortable you are on the board.
7. Additional Tips for Choosing the Right Bodyboard
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Board Thickness: The thickness of the board will impact buoyancy. If you’re a lighter rider, a thinner board (around 2.5” to 2.75”) will offer more responsiveness, while a thicker board (around 3” to 3.5”) will provide extra floatation and stability for heavier riders.
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Wetsuit Compatibility: Consider how your wetsuit fits when selecting a board. If you’re wearing a thick wetsuit in colder water, your buoyancy may be slightly different than if you were in warmer waters. Adjust the size accordingly.
Get ready to ride the waves with confidence—find the perfect bodyboard for your next adventure today! 🌊🏄♀️
|
Bodyboard Size |
Centreline Approx Length
|
|
26" |
25.5" |
|
33" |
32.5" |
|
37" |
36" |
|
42" |
41.5" |
Our collection of bodyboards all feature a stiff core but with lightweight foam that provides the ideal platform for diving onto broken waves and riding them to the beach. They offer enough buoyancy as well as working well in bigger waves. The shape of the crescent tail are ideal for holding the wave well and are good user-friendly boards. The shape allows you to position your body so that your hips are on the back of the board, perfect for catching and staying on the wave!
