Ride Waves with the Best Bodyboard
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Airwalk System Bodyboard -
Nomad Matt Lackey Signature Bodyboard -
Cartel Paul Roach LTD Bodyboard -
Custom X Brian Wise Model Bodyboard -
No. 6 Covenant V2 Elite 43.5" Bodyboard -
Buyer's Guide
Bodyboarding is a challenging and enjoyable sport that gives you the excitement of surfing without having to stand up. Whether you are enjoying the day at the beach while on vacation or looking to advance your skills to the next level, the type of bodyboard you will want will depend on your skill and budget. Bodyboards are made from a number of different materials and come in a wide range of designs. You will want to find a bodyboard that is lightweight, budget-friendly, and the right size. Prices will vary greatly, and that can make buying the perfect one a challenge. The best bodyboards in 2022 on this list were chosen because they are fast and easy to maneuver, are made from durable and buoyant materials, and suit a variety of budgets.
Best Bodyboards of 2022 Reviewed in Detail
Airwalk System Bodyboard - Best Bodyboard Overall
The Airwalk System Contour Bodyboard is perfect for the new rider who might want to experiment with DK riding at an affordable price. The bottom coat is high density polyethylene and channeled for speed and lift. The double rails, EPS foam core and Crosslink PE deck add rigidity and comfort in any conditions. A narrow nose, crescent tail and a wider point closer to the tail give the rider the ability to try their hand at Drop Knee boarding. The crescent tail gives the rider ultimate control on steep waves. The maximum weight capacity is 150 pounds. The Airwalk System Contour is safe, fun and affordable choice.
Nomad Matt Lackey Signature Bodyboard - Runner Up
The Matt Lackey Gold Signature Series Bodyboard by Nomad is perfect DK (Drop Knee) bodyboarding. This design is wider overall than past models and has a narrower nose for maneuvering quickly through transitions. With no channels and a clipped crescent tail, this bodyboard can throw tail. With carbon stingers that are staggered for maximum rigidity, and Cellu-cushion deck and rails, the deck is made to take a beating. The Matt Lackey Gold Signature Series comes in three lengths: 41, 42 and 43 inches. All have a 53.5mm thickness. The bottom is coated in 0.8mm of Surlyn Skin for speed.
Cartel Paul Roach LTD Bodyboard - Honorable Mention
The Paul Roach LTD Bodyboard by Cartel is the perfect board for the intermediate to advanced rider who wants to take their skills to the next level. This design has a bottom channels making it one of the fastest and easy to maneuver bodyboards in its price range. The foam core makes this bodyboard extremely lightweight and exceptionally buoyant. The Paul Roach LTD Body board comes in two lengths, 41.5 and 42.5 inches depending on the ability and size of the rider. The board is customizable and can come with one two or three stringers. The Paul Roach LTD Body Board is the perfect bodyboard for prone or drop knee riding. The crescent tail provides the needed looseness for rail to rail transitions.
Custom X Brian Wise Model Bodyboard - Consider
The Brian Wise Model Body Board by CustomX is a built for the advanced rider. A narrower body adds maneuverability. At its widest point, the Wave Rebel is 21.5 inches. The nose width is 11.5 inches and the crescent tail is 17.5 inches wide. This CustomX board has a sturdy TCD deck and a high density polypropylene core, making this affordable board durable and buoyant. The surlyn slick bottom coupled with the crescent tail lend to exceptional speed and control, even on the steepest waves. The Custom X Brian Wise Model Bodyboard is designed to be incredibly agile and responsive.
No. 6 Covenant V2 Elite 43.5" Bodyboard - Best Bodyboard
The latest Covenant V2 Elite Bodyboard by No. 6 is a pro quality board and is perfect if you want to quickly advance to aerial tricks. Complete with redesigned elbow bracers to absorb impact and for better grip. This wingtail design includes three slanted concave channels on the bottom for more lift. The redesigned bottom is coated in 0.8 millimeters of Surlyn Slick for added speed. The stringer is made of carbon and the rails are made from 4mm of Centripetal lamination. The overall thickness of the Covenant V2 is 54mm and comes in three different lengths: 41.5, 42.5 and 43.5 inches. Built for speed and airborne antics, the Covenant V2 Elite Bodyboard can handle it all.
Buyer's Guide
Choosing the right bodyboard can be quite difficult without the right amount of information. You want to make sure that the bodyboard you are getting is good enough for the waves and is the right weight and height for optimum performance. The best bodyboard ought to help you enjoy your day at the beach, so here are some important features you must consider before you buy.
Factors to consider before you choose a bodyboard
Just as it is with surfboards, bodyboards are made with different designs and characteristics. If you are buying for the first time or looking to replace an old one, here are some tips that should help you.
· Limit of the board
The chances of enjoying your riding session with a board that has too low of a weight limit are quite low. For instance, if you are an adult using a child's board, you will quickly sink and perhaps break the board. Most boards come with their weight limits— this is crucial to check before making a purchase.
· Experience
Before you purchase a bodyboard, ensure you consider the location of the surf. If the place has a reputation for generating small waves, getting a big board will be the best way to go. Bigger boards are made with larger surface areas and are more stable. If you are riding on large waves, getting a small bodyboard is the best way to go. Also, you may need to forgo size for control and stability. For newbies, a bigger board is perfect while they learn the ropes.
· Size of the board
There are different sizes of bodyboards, and this makes it possible for people of different weights and measures to use them. The amount of fun you will have using the board will depend largely on the size. You may need to get thin 51mm boards if you want greater speed, while the 55mm boards help give better control. In a case where the board is quite big, maneuvering and controlling it may be not very easy. Also, it may look awkward if the board is too small, and you may easily sink on it.
· Core
The core refers to the interior part of the board, and it is made using either polyethylene or extruded polystyrene. The extruded polyethylene boards are the cheapest option out there, and they are not the most durable, which makes them snap or dent with ease. Polyethylene cores, on the other hand, are quite stable and are also quite temperature-sensitive.
· Tail and nose
The board's nose is located at the top front of the board, where hands are placed most of the time while you lay. Always look out for beaks that allow you a better grip.
Note that there are two main types of tail shapes: bat and crescent shapes. With a concave crescent, you will enjoy better control of the board, which is best for newbies.
· Build
Bodyboards are a product of different materials. The board's components include nose, core, deck, tail, rails, slick, and contours.
· Board contours
Boards are either depressed or raised, and the on-deck portions— like the finer bulbs, hand wells, elbow locks, and hip channels— all help with the grip. Also, the base channels found on the bottom give horizontal control and stability.
· Board rails
The board rails are simply the sides of the bodyboards, which helps with maneuverability. Usually, the rails of a bodyboard are a function of its design and are usually 50/50 or 60/40. The 60/40 rails give better traction and are good if you want better control of the board.
· Extra features
Many bodyboards are made with extra features which you may need to consider, such as aesthetics. Other things include the presence of leash cords and plugs, which all help you keep control of the board at all times.
Additionally, warranties are one of the other vital features you should also consider.
How can I use a bodyboard?
If you want to get the best out of your bodyboard, you need to know how to use it. The good news is that it is quite easy to use, especially if you engage in regular practice.
1. Getting ready
Before you hit the waves, the first thing you ought to do will be to wax your board using surf wax. Doing this will help you get a good grip on the board. Also, you will need to consider your safety, and if you are boarding for the first time, you should stay away from heavy waves.
If you want to be extra careful, you may invite a lifeguard or an instructor. An instructor will assist you in improving your skills while also helping in emergencies. Also, it would help if you grabbed your rash guard, leash, or wetsuit.
2. Using the board
If you are ready to use any of the best bodyboards, attach the find and have the leash attached to the leash plug on the board. Doing these will assist you in retaining the board even when you hit heavy waves and lose your grip. Also, they can be quite useful in emergencies because they make them easier to spot.
The next thing to do is to enter the water until the water level gets close to your waist. Turn around and place the board in the water in front of you and hold the board by the nose. When you are ready to begin, lie with your chest against the board and kick your feet to move around.
If you want an improved experience, you could consider paddling deeper so that you can ride for longer distances before reaching the beach. If you're going to move right, ensure to hold the right part of the board with your right hand and use your left hand to paddle.
What does a bodyboard cost?
A bodyboard price depends on its size and construct, but you should find decent boards for children costing about $30. Most full-sized boards can be purchased for around $55 to $100.
FAQs
Q. What is the perfect size of bodyboard for me?
A. This largely depends on your weight and height. Thus, if you are taller and heavier, you should go for a bigger board. If the board is too short or long, you may easily lose control. Check board measurement guides before buying.
Q. How durable are bodyboards?
A. A good bodyboard shouldn't be destructible, but this depends largely on how well you maintain them. If you are bigger than the board's weight limit, you may need to replace it, or you will damage the board. All in all, bodyboards are built to withstand quite a bit of rough use.
Q. Do bodyboards have fins?
A. The best bodyboards do not have fins attached to them. The reason for this is that your body does a lot of work maintaining balance and horizontal stability.
