Maybe you’re a seasoned skimmer who likes to ride breaking waves back to shore, or perhaps you’re just a water lover and you think the idea of riding a skateboard with no wheels on water sounds like a fun time. Either way, with such a diversity of riding and board styles comes a very diverse market for skimboards, which is why we at The Adventure Junkies are here to make your job easier to help you find the best skimboard for your riding needs.

For more of our top surfing gear recommendations, check out the Best Surfboards.

Reviews - Skimboards

Slapfish

Specs

• Length: 48”
• Experience Level: Intermediate/Experienced
• Purpose: Shoreline
• Bungee Cord Included?: No

Features

• Rear Traction Pad for Enhanced Grip
• Streamlined Shape For Increased Speed
• Fiberglass and Carbon Reinforced Construction Makes For Durable Board

This is not a cheap board, but with its hefty price tag comes some seriously cool features. If you’re an experienced rider looking for a great new board to hit the shore with, this could be the one for you. Handcrafted fiberglass meets a carbon-reinforced nose and tail for the smoothest glide possible and unrivaled durability. The foam core, while lightweight, is structurally dense and incredibly buoyant. There’s even a rear traction pad for extra grip during tricks!

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BPS Skimboard

Specs

• Length: 30”/40”
• Experience Level: Beginner
• Purpose: Flatland
• Bungee Cord Included?: No

Features

• Contoured Rear For Ease Through Turns
• Lots of Colors To Choose From
• High Gloss Coating Allows for Customization

Budget-friendly and available in a wide range of colors and sizes, this is a great first-time skimboard for those wanting to try riding flatland waters. With a contoured rear and slight curvature, this board will be easy to turn and glide effortlessly on the sand without accidentally face planting time and again. What’s more, it’s got a high gloss finish so you can customize your board and really make it yours!

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Zap Wedge

Specs

• Length: 40”/45”/49”
• Experience Level: Beginner/Intermediate
• Purpose: Flatland and Shoreline
• Bungee Cord Included?: No

Features

• Available in Different Sizes to Accommodate Different Riders
• Built With Zap Composolite Construction for Lightweight Durability
• Different Colors Available

For kids and adults, or for beginners and maturing skimmers alike, this board is a great purchase for those looking to start out in skimboarding and progress to riding small shorebreak waves. Though a little more expensive than others, it is built with Zap’s own Composilite construction which is enormously durable. This is a great board for those really looking to get into skimboarding as a regular hobby.

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Driftsun Wood

Specs

• Length: 30”/40”
• Experience Level: Beginner/Intermediate
• Purpose: Flatland and Shoreline
• Bungee Cord Included?: No

Features

• Made With Durable Poplar Wood
• Traction Pad Top For Enhanced Grip
• Curved Design to Reduce Nose Dives

Made from highly durable poplar wood, this solid board will slide effortlessly across the sand. While the underside will present a smooth and frictionless ride, the upper deck is a textured traction pad that will not only increase your grip, but will be there to help you if you want to start whipping out the ollies and kick outs.

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Beachmall Wood

Specs

• Length: 30"
• Experience Level: Beginner
• Purpose: Flatland
• Bungee Cord Included?: No

Features

• Budget and Beginner Friendly
• Lightweight and Easy To Carry
• Made From Solid Wood

Lightweight, super easy to carry, and budget-friendly, this is your perfect family beach companion, and one that’ll keep the kids (and you!) entertained for hours. Made from solid wood with a classic curved design and textured upper deck, this board will have you practicing your skimming skills for hours.

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Victoria Skimboards Woody

Specs

• Length: 35”-43”
• Experience Level: Beginner
• Purpose: Flatland and Shoreline
• Bungee Cord Included?: No

Features

• Fiberglass Bottom Will Hold Shape For Years
• Flat Design For Longer Glide
• Hand Painted Design

This figurehead of skimboarding has really stood the test of time. These boards have been handbuilt for the past 30 years and they’re a classic, excellent quality option that won’t let you down. Made of solid Russian birch and finished off with a hand painted design, this is a unique board that will be the trustiest of steeds on all your skimboarding adventures.

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THINGS TO CONSIDER BEFORE BUYING A SKIMBOARD

USE

As touched upon in the introduction to this article, skimboarding can be as fun casual or as serious and professional as you want to make it. It’s worth considering how and when you’re going to be using your skimboard as these factors will answer other questions about cost, size, and materials to look for.

Skimboards have two main uses: for gliding towards shorebreak waves and riding them back to shore; or for riding flat, sandy waters such as the wash of beach waves or inland water areas such as river banks and creeks.

Naturally, one (the latter) is a little easier than the other, so if you’re just thinking about sticking to flatland skimming for now, look for boards intended for this use. They’re usually cheaper and made from wood. If you’d like to progress into catching waves, look for boards with a greater volume that are made from foam or fiberglass. Keep reading for more detail on materials.

MATERIAL

Generally, skimboards are made up of one of two materials: foam or wood. Foam boards are more buoyant, flexible, lighter and have lots of give. As such, they’re better for the more seasoned skimmer looking to catch shorebreak waves.

Wood boards are great for beginners and flatland skimming. They’re heavier, stiffer, provide a smooth flow along flat waves, and are generally cheaper. Check out Skate Pro’s handy guide for more information about skimboard material.

SIZE

Weight and height are important factors when it comes to choosing the right board, as well as the type of skimboarding you’re going to be doing. It’s important you get this right as it will affect balance, speed, ease of movement, and general stability.

A skimboard that’s too small has a similar effect to using a surfboard that’s too small for you; you’ll have little balance and buoyancy and you’ll struggle to learn easily. A board that’s too big, on the other hand, will lack speed and ease, so it’s essential to find just the right fit for you. Have a good look at this sizing chart to figure out which size board you need.

FEATURES EXPLAINED

CORE

The inside of the board.

DECK

The top side of the board.

TAIL

The rear end of the board.

NOSE

The front end of the board.

EPOXY

A plastic adhesive usually found on the deck of the board to enhance traction and grip.

The post Best Skimboards of 2022 appeared first on The Adventure Junkies.

When your kids are playing in the water, you want to make sure they have the most fun in the safest manner possible. The bodyboard gives them a platform to drop-knee surf, bodysurf, or float. Pair these kids’ bodyboards with a PFD in their size for extra peace of mind.

For more of our top surfing gear recommendations, check out the Best Bodyboards. 

Reviews - The Best Kids' Bodyboard

Bo-Toys

Specs

• Length: 33”, and 41”
• Tail Shape: Crescent
• Size Limit: 40-180 lbs

Features

• Lightweight and Impact Resistant
• Comes with a Wristband and Leash (so your child won’t lose the board)
• Super Slick Bottom with Channels (for maximum glide across the water)
• 60/40 Rails (for sharpening your skills)

BEST FOR: BEACH VACATION WAVE-RIDING

If you’re looking for a new way for your little ones to experience the water, set them up with a Bo-Toys Bodyboard. They’ll have a blast riding over the top of the waves or pretending to surf. Either way, their hours on your beach vacation will be well spent. We apologize in advance for how hard it’s going to be to get them out of the water.

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GYMAX

Specs

• Length: 41”
• Tail Shape: Crescent
• Size Limit: up to 145 lbs

Features

• Comes With Leash (so your child won’t lose the board)
• Rear Channels (to keep consistent contact with the water’s surface)
• Slick Bottom ( glides across the waves)
• Lightweight and Durable

BEST FOR: TESTING THEIR DROP-KNEE SKILLS

Give your son or daughter a chance to develop their surfing skills by starting with a bodyboard. This maneuverable board gives them a quality surface to test their drop-knee and potentially standing skills before they graduate to more progressive surfing skills. One of the best features of this board, though, is the variety of designs available, including snakeskin and hibiscus patterns.

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GoPlus Super

Specs

• Length: 33”, 37”, and 41”
• Tail Shape: Crescent
• Size Limit: 4’-5’11” tall, 89-189 lbs

Features

• Tropical Designer Patterns
• Slick Bottom (glides across the water)
• Resists Weather, Water, and Shock
• 60/40 Rails (good control on large waves)
• Includes a Leash and Wristband (so your child won’t lose the board)

BEST FOR: KIDS WITH A WATER FIXATION

Some kids just don’t want to come out of the water, no matter how blue their lips or wrinkled their toes. Nurture their love of water with a board that lets them familiarize themselves with the surf. Even in an indoor swimming pool, your child can learn how to paddle and keep his or her head above the water without intervention. This bodyboard is easy enough for them to carry on their own too.

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Own the Wave Beach Attack

Specs

• Length: 33”, 37”, and 41”
• Tail Shape: Crescent
• Size Limit: 2’-5’9” tall, 60-188 lbs

Features

• Comes With a Leash and Fin Tethers (so the board won’t float away)
• Slick Bottom (glides across the water)
• Rear Bottom Channels (keeps more consistent contact with the surface)
• 60/40 Rails (for better control on bigger waves)

BEST FOR: RIDING THE TIDE TO SHORE

If you want to spend more summer afternoons out on the water, then you should consider some new water toys like this kid-friendly boogie board. This bodyboard has hours (days!) of fun built into it, making good use of your free time. Kids love to try surfing and riding waves all the way to shore on this raft. To boot, the handy leash and fin tethers save parents of kids who are prone to losing things lots of grief.

 

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Morey Bodyboards Mini Boogie

Specs

• Length: 21”
• Tail Shape: Crescent
• Size Limit: For Small Children

Features

• Foam Core (keeps the board lightweight and buoyant)
• Slick Bottom (glides across the water)
• Absorbs Impact Easily To Prevent Injury

BEST FOR: TINY TOT WATERPLAY

Just like your toddler, this mini bodyboard has all the features of a full-size model on a much smaller scale. While you probably won’t send your tiny tots out to catch waves, you can teach them water basics and build their confidence with this board. The mini Morey can also be used as a kickboard for beginner swimming lessons or a platform for action figures. You’re only limited by your imagination.

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The Slyde Grom

Specs

• Length: 19”
• Tail Shape: Crescent
• Size Limit: None

Features

• Super Advanced Construction, Debuted on Shark Tank
• Soft, Grippy Top (for enjoyable comfort)
• Ultra-Slick Bottom Surface (slides down waves)
• Secure Hand Strap
• Ultra-Portable

BEST FOR: BODYSURFERS WITH BODYBOARDING INCLINATIONS

From the inventors of handboarding, the Slyde lets your brood try a new hybrid version of bodyboarding and bodysurfing. Instead of using just their body or a full-size board to ride waves, your kids can try gliding over the waves on their hands. And you don’t have to lug the kid-friendly handboards around like a full bodyboard or surfboard. They fit in your beach bag!

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THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN BUYING BODYBOARDS FOR KIDS

PRICE

Bodyboards are usually quite inexpensive, especially compared to paddleboards and surfboards. The boards in this list all come in under $100, but typically cost more than your store-bought brand because of their high-tech features such as bottom slicks and leashes. Thankfully, children usually don’t need anything fancier than a board that floats to get them interested in water sports.

USE

You might want to ask yourself a few questions before choosing a bodyboard for your child such as: How serious is your kid about boarding? Will they use it for the swimming pool or the ocean? Will they use it all summer or only occasionally? More robust models are best for those who have more serious boarding ambitions in the open water while toy models are more appropriate for occasional backyard use.

CHILD SIZE

Bodyboards typically have height and weight limits, so you need to pay attention to those specifications to make sure you choose the right board for your child. Bodyboards don’t perform well if they’re weighed down and your kid may have a difficult time maneuvering a board that’s too wide for their wingspan. Use the manufacturer’s specifications to help you find the right size. Otherwise, use this chart to help you gauge size.

TAIL SHAPE

Most bodyboards have a tail that’s shaped like a crescent or bat wings. Children’s boards tend to carry the crescent shape since it’s more beginner-friendly and comfortable. The curved shape wraps nicely around the torso and makes it easier to climb aboard. You may see an occasional rounded square tail, like the Wave Bandit has, which makes it more functional and kid-friendly than your standard board.

FEATURES EXPLAINED

RAILS

The rails of a bodyboard refer its sides or thickness, and their design is usually listed as a percentage (i.e. 50/50, 60/40). The numbers refer to how much of the rail is dedicated to the top portion (which connects to the deck) and how much is dedicated to the bottom (which contacts the water). Professional bodyboarders pay close attention to these numbers (learn more here), but it typically doesn’t impact children very much.

LEASH

Like a dog leash, a bodyboard leash keeps your board within arm’s reach at all times. If you’re worried about your kids losing their boards when they fall or get distracted, then a leash is an important feature to have. That way, they never get separated from their board.

DECK

The deck is the top of the board, where your child rides. The deck usually has a straightforward foam construction, but some decks have additional features such as body contours and grippy surfaces to make the ride a little more comfortable.

FIN TETHERS

Fin tethers hold your child’s flippers to their ankles with a short leash so they don’t go missing either. Again, if your child tends to lose their belongings, fin tethers are a worthy investment.

CHANNELS

Channels are indents molded into the bottom of the board, which distribute weight over the water better than a flat surface. Channels help the board grip the wave and help move you in your intended direction.

SLICK

A slick is the material on the bottom of a bodyboard, which is usually slippery, reducing friction against the water. With less drag, super-slick bottoms allow you to gather more speed. The slick also lends support and durability to the board.

GROM

Short for grommet, grom is a term used to describe a young person who participates in extreme sports like surfing.

Learn more about the features of a body board here.

The post Best Bodyboards for Kids of 2022 appeared first on The Adventure Junkies.

So, sounds like a great new hobby, right? Well, that’s why we at the Adventure Junkies have curated the best of the best for you, so you can find the right bodyboard to suit all your water needs. Whether you’re a beginner looking to add an extra element of fun to your ocean adventures, or a seasoned bodyboarder hoping to improve your performance, we’ve got you covered.

For more of our top surfing gear recommendations, check out the Best Bodyboards for Kids.

Reviews - The Best Body Board

BPS Storm Bodyboard

Specs

• Length: 33”/37”/41”
• Age: 16+
• Leash Included: Yes

Features

• Variety of Colors and Size to Choose From
• Bottom Rear Channels (on the underside [slick] of the board to enhance grip and prevent side-slipping in waves)
• Fin Tethers Included (to tie your swim fins together)
• Coiled Leash

BEST FOR: SUMMER VACATION FUN

The Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) Core in this bodyboard denotes a high degree of flotation and stability, meaning it’s the perfect board to take to the beach for the occasional shred. If you’re going to be predominantly belly-boarding in the whitewater, and you think you’ll only use it a few times a year, this board ticks the budget box without compromising on function.

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Bo-Toys Kids

Specs

• Length: 33”
• Age: 4+
• Leash Included: Yes

Features

• Lightweight
• Variety of Colors and Size to Choose From
• Bottom Rear Channels (on the underside [slick] of the board to enhance grip and prevent side-slipping in waves)
• Straight Cord Leash Included

BEST FOR: WATER BABIES

For the parents out there with kids that are constantly dragging you into the water for ball games, handstands and ‘let’s-hold-our-breath!’ competitions, this board might just answer all your (and your child’s) prayers. Lightweight, buoyant, and budget-friendly, this board will keep your little ones entertained for hours, as well as helping to improve coordination, balance and strength.

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Morey Big Kahuna

Specs

• Length: 44”
• Age: 18+
• Leash Included: No

Features

• Polyethylene (PE) Core (allows lots of flex in cooler, choppier waters)
• Can Carry Riders up to 180-200lbs
• Wide Template for Increased Buoyancy and Stability

BEST FOR: BIGGER RIDERS

This is a fantastic entry-level board for riders over 6 feet tall. Though a little more expensive, you can be sure you’re buying a high-quality product in a Morey board. It’s wider template offers extra stability and can carry riders up to 180-200lbs. It’s Polyethylene (PE) core is strong and flexible and offers excellent control, especially in cooler waters.

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Morey Mach 7

Specs

• Length: 41”/42”
• Age: 18+
• Leash Included: Yes

Features

• Single Power Rod Stringer (this is a rod that runs through the middle inside of the board for increased durability and performance)
• Polyethylene (PE) Core (allows lots of flex in cooler, choppier waters)
• Classic Style
• Straight Leash Included

BEST FOR: ALL-ROUND PERFORMANCE

The Morey Mach 7 is arguably the most iconic board around. If you’re a bodyboarder with some experience and want to take it up a notch, this board offers some excellent features. The single power rod stringer that runs through the middle of the board provides stability and durability. Combine this with the PE core, classic shape, and crescent tail and you end up with a board that is flexible, controllable in choppier waters, and geared towards great performance.

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NMD Ben Player Kinetic LTD

Specs

• Length: 42.5”
• Age: 18+
• Leash Included: Yes

Features

• Carbon Fibre Rod Stringer (this is a rod that runs through the middle inside of the board for increased durability and performance)
• Ergonomically Contoured Deck with Arm Wells (allows you to position and center yourself easily on the board)
• Strong and Lightweight Polypro (PP) Core for Elite Performance
• Coiled Leash Included

BEST FOR: TROPICAL RIDERS

3x World Champion Ben Player is at the forefront of the design of this board. It’s Kinetic Polypro (PP) core is geared towards elite performance in warmer waters. This material is extremely strong, durable, and lightweight, and this holy trinity together creates a board that is fast and easily maneuverable. If you’re an experienced rider looking to step things up, and you tend to ride in warmer waters, this could be the board for you. It’s price is matched by it’s Surlyn slick (board bottom), an expensive material that is extremely shock absorbent and has great recoil properties. This means your board won’t have any difficulty returning to its original shape even when it gets beaten and battered by waves.

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Mike Stewart Pro Team

Specs

• Length: 40.25”/41.25”/41.75”
• Age: 16+
• Leash Included: No

Features

• Contoured Deck for Increased Control, Grip and Response
• Nose Bulbs (raised areas of foam added to the bottom corner of the deck to enable further grip, comfort, and control)
• Iconic Design

BEST FOR: PRO-PERFORMANCE

Nine-time world champion Mike Stewart’s range of boards are essentially unrivalled in terms of bodyboarding performance. The Pro Team PP is no exception. “Designed to ride amazingly in any condition”, this board is the ‘crème de la crème’ when it comes to performance riding. The curve of the board allows for extreme control and the shape boasts a fast ride.

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THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN BUYING A BODYBOARD

SIZE

This is a simple one really- don’t just buy the first bodyboard you see because you like the color. When placed on the floor upright in front of your toes, the top of the board should be at your belly button. Too big and you’ll struggle to gain any speed through the water. Too small and you’ll have difficulty staying on and gaining any real control.

USE AND BUDGET

When and where you’re planning to use your bodyboard goes hand in hand with how much you should look to spend. For example, if bodyboarding to you is a bit of fun on vacation when you’re at the beach, look for a board in the $30-$60 range. These tend to be made up of an Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) core and a High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) slick (bottom).

There’s no point in paying over $200 for an elite board with the highest spec materials if you’re just going to be bellyboarding in the whitewater as you wouldn’t necessarily notice the difference. If, however, you’re a semi-experienced rider looking to step up your game, it might be useful to bear in mind the following things in order to narrow down what you’re looking for.

CLIMATE

The water you’ll be riding in does make a difference to the type of board you go for, believe it or not. There are 3 main types of bodyboard core material; Expanded Polystyrene (EPS), Polyethylene (PE) and Polypro (PP). The first (EPS), as mentioned above, is often found in beginner boards and has flotation and stability as its main property. Climate won’t affect its performance.

Between PE and PP however, there is some discrepancy. PE is generally regarded as being the better choice for riding in cooler waters, as it provides a higher degree of flex and control that is resistant to lower temperatures. PP cores are geared more toward warmer waters and are lighter than their PE counterparts. This allows for efficient maneuverability out of turns and increased speed.

STYLE & THE SHAPE OF THE BOARD

Everyone enjoys bodyboarding their own way. Some like to ride drop-knee style (where one foot is planted flat on the board with the knee bent and the other knee is planted on the board), some like to ride prone (on the belly), some prefer control, and others favor speed.

Shape is the main thing that drives the difference between these styles, so it’s useful to work out what kind of riding style you’re into, and which shape of board you should look for.

TAIL

The tail is the back end of the board. There are two main types of tail; crescent and bat (the former being a smooth curve in the shape of a crescent, the latter looking like the silhouette of a bat). If you’re a beginner and you’ll be staying mostly in the whitewater, it doesn’t really matter which you go for, though you’ll find most beginner boards have a crescent tail.

Go for a board with a bat tail if you’re an experienced rider who likes to ride prone, and you favor stability and control over agility and speed. Though you’ll still be whizzing through the waves on a bat tail, the wider surface area allows for increased stability.

A crescent tail is suited to riders who like to try a bit of drop-knee and like to move fast and stealth-like through the water. The streamlined shape offers increased speed and maneuverability.

Check out this article for a more in-depth review of different board shapes and features.

FEATURES EXPLAINED

PRONE RIDING

Catching and riding waves lying on your belly.

DROP-KNEE RIDING

Riding waves in a proposal position – one knee on the board and one bent with the foot on the board.

CONTOURS

Molded indents on the deck of the board for enhanced grip, positioning, and comfort.

NOSE BULBS

Raised areas of foam on the bottom of the deck to add grip (used on intermediate and advanced boards only).

SLICK

The bottom on the board.

CORE

The inside of the board.

DECK

The topside of the board (the bit you lie on).

PP

Stands for Polypro; a material used for the core of the board. Favorable in warmer waters as it is lightweight and strong.

PE

Stands for Polyethylene; a material used for the core of the board. Favorable in colder waters due to its rigid and flexible properties.

EPS

Stands for Expanded Polystyrene; a material used in the core of the board. Often found in cheaper and beginner boards. Very buoyant.

LEASH

A cord that attaches (usually by velcro) around the rider’s foot and the tail end of the board. This prevents losing the board to the waves.

HDPE

Stands for High Density Polyethylene. The most common material for bodyboard slicks. It is an effective, but cheaper option often found on beginner boards.

SURLYN

A more effective and expensive slick material. It is a rubber composition of resins and copolymers which have elastic and shock-absorbent properties.

The post Best Body Boards of 2022 appeared first on The Adventure Junkies.

For more of our top surfing gear recommendations, check out the Best Surfboards.

Reviews - The Best Boogie Board

Morey Mach 7

Specs

• Lengths: 41” and 42”
• Size: 5’9” - 6’
• Weight Limit: 160-180 lbs
• Tail Shape: Crescent

Features

• Power Rod Stringer (reinforces the strength of the board)
• Bottom Channels (to keep consistent contact with the water’s surface)
• Slick Bottom (that glides across the water)
• Lightweight But Sturdy

BEST FOR: MAKING MEMORIES WITH YOUR FAMILY

This is the type of nostalgic, enduring bodyboard you remember using as a kid and later want to buy as an adult. The boogie board provides an enjoyable experience out on the water worth recreating, for yourself and your own family. The quality of this board is much better than a standard store-bought boogie board, but comes at an easy price for a weekend-worthy board.

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BPS Storm Bodyboard

Specs

• Length: 33”, 37”, and 41”
• Lengths: 33”, 37”, and 41”
• Size: 2’-5’9”
• Weight Limit: 60-188 lbs
• Tail Shape: Crescent

Features

• Comes With a Coiled Leash and Fin Tethers (so you don’t lose your equipment)
• Variety of Color Options
• Super Lightweight
• Slick Bottom Surface (glides across the water)
• Rear Bottom Channels (to keep consistent contact with the water’s surface)

BEST FOR: ALL WAVE CONDITIONS

With the easy price of this board and all the color options, you might as well let every member of the family choose their own. There’s a “just right” size for Goldilocks and all three bears from 2’ to nearly 6’ tall. The little ones can just revel being on the water while the adults enjoy the speed and efficiency as they take more purposeful rides over the waves.

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GoPlus Super Bodyboard

Specs

• Lengths: 33”, 37”, and 41”
• Size: 4’-5’11”
• Weight Limit: 89-189 lbs
• Tail Shape: Crescent

Features

• Multiple Designer Patterns
• Slick Bottom Surface (glides across the water)
• Weather-Resistant, Waterproof, and Shock Absorbent
• 60/40 Rails (for better control on bigger waves)
• Comes With a Leash and Wristband (so you don’t get separated from your board)

BEST FOR: DIPPING YOUR TOE IN THE BOOGIEING WATER ON A BUDGET

You don’t need anything fancy. You just want to relax on the water at camp or on vacation. That’s where the GoPlus Super comes in handy. It’s sturdy, lightweight, and buoyant which makes it perfect for water exercise classes, drop-knee surfing, or wave pool riding. It’s also a great way to help beginners and kids ease into real surfing.

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Own the Wave – Beach Attack

Specs

• Lengths: 33”, 37”, and 41”
• Size: 2’-5’9”
• Weight Limit: 60-188 lbs
• Tail Shape: Crescent

Features

• Comes With a Leash and Fin Tethers (so you don’t lose your equipment)
• Slick Bottom Surface (glides across the water)
• Rear Bottom Channels (to keep consistent contact with the water’s surface)
• Ultra-Lightweight
• 60/40 Rails (for better control on bigger waves)

BEST FOR: CASUAL BOOGIE BOARDING

This Wave Weapon is so lightweight you won’t believe how strong it really is and how much control it gives you. The ultra-lightweight construction also lends to the board’s buoyancy and speed as you take on the incoming tide. Riders often choose this reliable board over store-bought models because it’s much more solid and meant for real waves rather than kiddie pools.

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Mike Stewart Science Style

Specs

• Lengths: 40”, 41”, 42”, and 43”
• Size: 5’4” - 6’4”
• Weight Limit: 120-180 lbs
• Tail Shape: Crescent

Features

• 55/45 Double Rail (for equal parts speed and control)
• Single Stringer (for board longevity)
• Nose Bulbs, or Finger Grips (for easier carry)
• Slick Mesh Bottom (for better shock absorption)

BEST FOR: UNIVERSAL USE AT THE HIGHEST STANDARD

As an elite boarding pioneer, Mike Stewart is at the cutting edge of boogie board design. When you see his name attached to a board, you know you’re getting the most epic, up-to-date standards and attention to detail. The science behind this boogie board delivers a premier mixture of control, speed, and maneuverability worthy of a world-class athlete (making even the novice look good). If you’re serious about boarding or just want the best of the best, this is the boogie board for you.

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Wave Rebel Pro Classic Bodyboard

Specs

• Lengths: 42”
• Size: 5’6” and up
• Weight Limit: 190 lbs
• Tail Shape: Bat

Features

• Comes With Fabric Leash (so you don’t lose your board)
• Bottom Channels (to keep consistent contact with the water’s surface)
• Slick Plastic Bottom (that glides across the waves)

BEST FOR: BEGINNERS WHO WANT TO ADVANCE

This bodyboard has features that allow you to advance with the sport as you get more experienced. The stiff structure lets you take on choppier warm-water waves while the channels along the bottom allow for better control. If you’re an adrenaline junkie who wants to ride fast and try new tricks (at a no-brainer price), the Rebel Pro is the best choice for you.

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THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN BUYING A BOOGIE BOARD

To an outsider, a boogie board may seem like a simple piece of foam that helps you float. However, there’s much more to it than that. The shape of the nose, tail, sides, and bottom of the board influences the way you ride as well as the combination of materials the board is made out of. But don’t worry, we’ll help simplify all the technical stuff so you can make an informed choice.

PRICE

Boogie boards are rather inexpensive compared to surfboards or paddle boards, but they do range from under $100 to well over $300. The materials the board is made out of and all the extra features affect the price. You should weigh your budget and your seriousness about the sport against the cost to make the best decision.

USE

One of the most important factors in your decision-making should be the board’s use. Do you want to use the board in a swimming pool or the ocean? Do you plan to ride often to make progress or once a year just for fun? If you plan to ride hard and often, you want a serious board that can keep up. If you want to ride once in awhile for fun, you may want a simpler model.

PASSENGER SIZE

Boogie boards usually have a specific weight and height limit. Exceeding the suggested weight impacts the board’s speed and performance. If the board reaches from your chin to your knees when you hold it in front of your body, then you know it’s the right length. The heavier you are, the wider it should be. Check the manufacturer’s specifications for height and weight recommendations.

CORE

Bodyboard cores are typically made out of one of two types of foam: polyethylene (PE) or polypropylene (PP). PE is heavier and more flexible than PP and provides the best performance in cold waters. PP cores are better for warm waters with their strong, lightweight construction. Aside from PE and PP, expanded polystyrene (EPS) is common on beginner boards as it’s lightweight, stiff, and flexible.

TAIL SHAPE

Most boogie boards come with either a crescent or bat tail shape, and each affects how the board rides. The user-friendly arc of the crescent tail hugs your waist curves and allows more of your body to enter the water. The bat tail, which resembles a bat silhouette, isn’t quite as comfortable but it lifts the back end of the boat to reduce drag.

FEATURES EXPLAINED

RAILS

The rails refer to the sides of the board and you’ll often see them listed in percentages, such as 50/50 or 60/40. The numbers refer to the ratio of bottom/top rails (read an explanation here). A 60/40 rail means 60% of the bottom rail is in direct contact with the water and 40% of the top of the rail connects to the deck. While the slight variations are more important for professional riders, you may notice better control with a 60/40 and better speed with a balanced 50/50.

LEASH

A leash is a strap or length of cord that connects from your wrist or ankle to the boogie board. The leash allows you to keep your board within reach, especially when you fall or enter a current. If a leash is important to you, make sure your board comes with a leash or has a leash attachment.

DECK

The deck refers to the top of the board, or the surface you ride on. Typically, they’re made out of foam, making them soft and flexible. Some decks feature contours, indentations that follow the contours of your body for added comfort.

FIN TETHERS

Like little leashes, fin tethers are straps that hold your fins to your ankles so you don’t lose them in the surf. Losing fins in the ocean can become an expensive loss, so it pays to keep them tethered.

CHANNELS

Channels are grooves that typically run along the bottom of a boogie board to distribute weight over the water. They also help you maintain your desired direction as you paddle through the water.

SLICK

A slick, or skin, refers to the material on the underside of the board. A slippery slick allows you to glide across the water faster. Slicks also help your board maintain its shape. Sometimes mesh is incorporated between the slick and the core to help the board keep its shape and reduce stress.

STRINGER

A stringer is a tube built into the core of the board for added durability and performance. Some boards have one middle stringer while larger boards may have two or more to help strengthen the board and equalize pressure.

Click here for more detailed explanations of boogie board features.

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