PJs Guide to Bodyboards
Three principle styles of bodyboard
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Rubber moulded, mass produced.
One component material only.
Some with slick bottoms.
Stronger than polystyrene.
Flex too much.
Up to £50
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Real foams and plastics.
Hand made, materials layered together.
Foam core, slick bottom, soft deck, stiff rails.
More performance, gives better ride than moulded
boards.
£50 - £100
|
Latest space age foams and plastics
Lightweight, strong materials
Good riders can create more speed
More projection and acceleration out of turns
Less likely to fold or crease
£100- or more
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When choosing a board it is good to take the following
into consideration:
The different styles of bodyboarding call for differing
board shapes
PRONE riders (lying on the board) like boards with either
very parallel rails and quite wide templates for speed or
boards with more curved rails for increased
manoeuvrability.
DROP-KNEE riders (standing one knee up and one knee down)
tend to prefer slightly longer boards with a tighter
nose.
Board Rocker is the amount of curve on the bottom of the
board from the nose to the tail and determines the
speed/manoeuvrability of the board.
FLAT ROCKER: Faster, Less manoeuvrable, Best for down the
line speed
HEAVY ROCKER: Slower, More manoeuvrable, Better for 360's
etc...
For British waves most riders prefer a board as flat as
possible.
Rails are the board's edges/sides, that hold into the wall
of the wave. The ratio refers to the percentage of the rail
thickness, the bottom and top chine present:
60/40 rails: More control, More grip, Less speed.
50/50 rails: Less control, Less grip, More speed.
Board Size has no set formula as far as your size and
weight are concerned. Make sure the board is big enough to
float you if you are on the big (heavy) side. Generally pick
one that reaches your navel or belly button. Boards range in
size from 38'' - 44''. The longer ones are for larger heavier
riders e.g. Manta XL 44'' or HB Vee 11-20 44" . Try to choose
one that fits comfortably under your arm. The ideal thing is
to try out a few before buying. Hire or borrow a few.
Channels refer to grooves on the bottom of the board near
the tail that concentrate water flow giving extra hold to the
board in the wave. Gives extra control in steeper hollower
waves but causes drag in manoeuvres like spinning turns. As
above, try them first.
Fins are a must for the serious bodyboarder. Fins are
essential to give extra kicking power to get out through the
surf and for catching waves. Bodyboarders without fins can
more easily get stuck in rips and need rescuing. With a pair
of fins it's easier to paddle out of danger. Fins cost from
£20 to £50, they will add enjoyment to your
boarding, allowing you to catch more waves and they will help
you out of danger. Be sure to try your fins on in the shop
with either wetsuit socks or boots on.
Finsavers are leashes for your fins which will keep them
attached to your ankles should they be pulled off by the
power of the wave.