Ruqayyah Snyder
When it comes to choosing the right bodyboard size in Australia, several factors come into play, including an individual's height, weight, and riding style. As a general rule of thumb, the board should reach up to your belly button when stood on the floor. This ensures that the board provides adequate buoyancy and stability while being easy to control. The type of waves you ride also matters; for smaller, mushier waves, a slightly larger board is recommended, while for bigger, more powerful waves, a smaller board is suggested. Width and thickness are additional considerations, with narrower and slimmer boards enabling better manoeuvrability and speed. Ultimately, the choice of bodyboard size depends on a combination of these factors, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for riders.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Height | Bodyboard sizing depends on height and weight. The board's nose should align with your belly button. |
| Weight | Bodyboards are available in weights ranging from 60-220 lbs. |
| Width | Wider boards have higher buoyancy but are harder to turn. Narrower boards allow for high-performance maneuvers and speed turns. |
| Thickness | Latest models are slimmer (around 51 millimeters) to increase maneuverability and response to quick movements. |
| Core Material | Dow Polyethylene Foam (PE), Polypropylene Foam (PP), and Extruded Polystyrene (EP) |
| Nose | The nose of the board should align with your belly button. |
| Tail | Tail is the last exit point for water leaving the bottom of the board. "Crescent" and "bat" shapes are the most common. Crescent-type tails stick the board to the wave, while bat-type tails are looser. |
| Stringer | Stringers increase the strength of the core and provide near-instant recoil. Boards with stringers tend to last longer. |
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What You'll Learn
Bodyboard sizing charts
When choosing a bodyboard, it is important to consider various factors, including your height, weight, the wave conditions, and your riding style. Here is a comprehensive guide to help you select the right bodyboard size for your needs:
- Height and Weight: Refer to a bodyboard size chart that considers your height and weight. For example, if you are between 130-155 cm tall and weigh between 60-99 kg, a 36-inch bodyboard is recommended.
- General Fit: As a general guideline, when standing, the bodyboard should reach from the floor to your belly button or from your chin to your knees. This ensures the board provides adequate buoyancy and support.
- Wave Conditions: The type of waves you ride will influence your bodyboard selection. If you typically ride smaller, mushier, or slower-breaking waves, opt for a slightly larger board for better float and easier paddling. Conversely, if you ride bigger, more powerful, or faster waves, a slightly smaller board will offer better control.
- Riding Style: Your riding style is another critical factor. If you prefer drop-knee or stand-up riding, a slightly larger board will provide the stability you need. For prone bodyboarding, consider the average wave size in your area when selecting a board.
- Width and Thickness: Modern bodyboards vary in width and thickness. Wider boards offer higher buoyancy but can be more challenging to turn. Thicker boards provide more stability but may sacrifice manoeuvrability. Slim and narrow boards are popular for high-performance manoeuvres and speed turns.
- Personal Preference: Ultimately, the perfect bodyboard depends on your personal comfort and riding style. Don't hesitate to reach out to bodyboard retailers or experts for personalised recommendations based on your specific needs and preferences.
Remember, these guidelines provide a starting point for choosing the right bodyboard size. The specific features of your bodyboard, such as core materials, stringers, and tail shapes, will also impact your overall performance and experience.
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Bodyboard materials
Bodyboards are made of several materials, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. The most important core materials found in commercial bodyboards are beaded cores, extruded foam, extruded polyethylene, polypropylene, and arcel.
Beaded cores are water-resistant, durable, and offer great stiffness. However, they are quite expensive and less buoyant. Extruded cores, on the other hand, are inexpensive and add flotation, but they may absorb water and damage the bodyboard.
Polypropylene (PP) is the most widely used core in high-performance bodyboards. It is lightweight, water-resistant, durable, and adds stiffness to the board. Arcel is another high-performance beaded core made of 70% polystyrene and 30% polyethylene. Bodyboards made of arcel keep their original shape longer and have an excellent stiffness level.
The exterior of a bodyboard consists of the nose, deck, tail, rails, and bottom. The nose is the top of the board where your hands grip, and the deck is the part you lay on, covering the entire area from nose to tail and rail to rail. The tail is the bottom end of the board, and the rails are the sides. The bottom, or "slick", is the underside of the board.
The skin of the bodyboard is also important. 99% of boards on the market have one of two skin types: polyethylene (PE) or crosslink. PE deck and rail skins offer superior performance and are used regardless of the rider's level, while crosslink is a denser, tighter-celled material with a smooth finish that is harder than PE skin. The bottom skin, or "slick", is often made of Surlyn, which is regarded as the preferred material.
To increase the strength of the core, modern bodyboards often include stringers, which are graphite or fiberglass rods inserted into the board to prevent overflexing. Boards with stringers tend to last longer and are more robust for heavy landings.
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Bodyboard shapes
Bodyboards can come in a variety of shapes, but there are four common ones:
- Prone bodyboards have a higher wide point and a larger nose.
- Drop-knee bodyboards have a small nose and a wide point that is much lower down than a prone bodyboard.
- Stand-up bodyboards, also known as Stoogies or stand-up boogies, are longer than drop-knee boards.
- Versatile boards borrow the best features of each specialist shape, catering to riders who like to switch between prone and drop-knee.
The shape of a bodyboard is not just about its outline, but also its width, thickness, and other features such as the tail shape, channels, concave, stringers, deck, rail, and slick type. A bodyboard with a straighter outline, also known as a "bullet shape," suits powerful and hollow waves, whereas a bodyboard with a more rounded outline is easier to surf and performs better in small to medium-sized waves. Wider boards are more buoyant but harder to turn, while thinner boards allow for faster turns and more manoeuvrability. The tail shape also affects the performance of the board, with "crescent" shapes providing more grip on the wave and "bat" shapes being looser.
The choice of bodyboard shape depends on the rider's skill level, the ocean conditions, and the rider's preferences for features such as speed, buoyancy, and manoeuvrability.
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Bodyboard sizing for kids
Another guideline to consider is to ensure that the board's nose aligns with the rider's belly button. This measurement can be obtained with or without a board and is a convenient reference point.
The type of waves the rider will be bodyboarding on is also important. If the rider will mostly encounter small, mushy, and slow-breaking waves, it is recommended to get a bigger board than what is indicated by the size chart. Conversely, if the rider will be tackling bigger, more hollow and powerful waves, a slightly smaller board is suggested.
Additionally, the width and thickness of the bodyboard play a role in its performance. Wider boards offer more buoyancy but are harder to turn, while narrower boards allow for faster turns and more manoeuvrability. Thickness also affects the board's response to quick movements, with slimmer models providing better agility.
Other features to consider when choosing a bodyboard include the core material, tail shape, and the presence of stringers, which increase the board's strength and durability.
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Bodyboard sizing by height and weight
Bodyboard sizing depends on multiple factors, including height, weight, and riding style. As a general rule of thumb, the board should reach up to your belly button when stood on the floor. This guideline can be applied with or without a board, making it a convenient reference point. For children, a good rule of thumb is to add their age to 30 inches.
Height and weight can be used as a guide to finding the right bodyboard size. For example, a rider between 5'4'' to 5'8'' (1.65-1.79 meters) will likely find a 41.5'' bodyboard well-suited to their needs. However, it's important to note that board size also depends on the type of waves you'll be riding and your riding style. If you're riding smaller, slower waves, a slightly bigger board can provide more stability. On the other hand, if you're riding bigger, steeper waves, a smaller board may be more maneuverable. Additionally, if you're into drop-knee or stand-up bodyboarding, a slightly larger board can offer more support.
Width is another important consideration when choosing a bodyboard. Wider boards offer higher buoyancy but can be more challenging to turn, while narrower boards allow for faster turns and more advanced maneuvers. Thickness also plays a role in bodyboard performance, with slimmer models offering increased maneuverability and response to quick movements.
While bodyboard size charts can provide a starting point for choosing the right board, it's important to consider your individual needs and preferences. Factors such as ocean conditions, riding style, and skill level should also be taken into account when making your decision. Consulting with experts or experienced riders can provide valuable insights and ensure you select a bodyboard that suits your unique requirements.
In addition to size, other features of a bodyboard can enhance your riding experience. For example, stringers provide increased strength and recoil, while different tail shapes can impact the board's stick to the wave. Ultimately, the right bodyboard should align with your skills, riding style, and the type of waves you'll be tackling.
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Frequently asked questions
A good rule of thumb is to choose a bodyboard that, when stood on the floor, reaches up to your belly button.
The type of waves you'll be riding is important. If you're riding smaller, mushier waves, go for a slightly bigger board. If you're riding bigger, more powerful waves, opt for a slightly smaller board.
Your height and weight will influence the size of the bodyboard that's right for you. Consulting a bodyboard size chart is a good way to determine the right size for your body proportions.
Opting for an excessively long bodyboard can make it challenging to control, especially in rough conditions, and may affect your ability to catch waves. Smaller bodyboards offer less buoyancy and may feel unstable.
Yes, width and thickness are also important factors. Wider boards have higher buoyancy but are less manoeuvrable, while modern models tend to be narrower and slimmer for increased speed and manoeuvrability.
