Hey there, fellow wave riders! Get ready to dive into the ultimate guide to body surfing. We’re about to unleash the secrets of catching waves with just your body. No board needed, just you and the ocean’s power. So, let’s learn how to ride those waves like pros!

 

What the Heck is Body Surfing?

Body surfing is all about riding waves using your body as the ultimate tool. Forget about surfboards, my friend. It’s just you, your swimming skills, and the pure force of the ocean. Get ready to become one with the waves and feel the adrenaline rush!

 

Bodyboarding vs Surfing – What’s the Difference?

 

Alright, my wave-riding friends, let’s break it down. We’ve got bodyboarding and surfing, two rad water sports that’ll get your heart pounding. But what’s the difference? Let’s dive in!

 

Gear Check

– Bodyboarding: Grab a bodyboard, also known as a boogie board. It’s a smaller, rectangular foam board with a curved bottom. And don’t forget your swim fins for extra speed and control.

See all my body surfing gear recs below

– Surfing: Get yourself a surfboard, dude! These bad boys come in every shape and size, depending on the waves and your style. They’re longer and sleeker than bodyboards.

 

Body Surfing Positions

– Bodyboarding: Get comfy lying on your stomach (prone position) on the bodyboard. Use your arms and fins to paddle like a champ. You can even kneel or stand up on the board while riding those epic waves.

– Surfing: Start by paddling on your belly, bro. Once you catch the wave, it’s showtime! Pop up and stand on the surfboard like a boss. Find your balance and ride that wave like a pro.

Riding the Wave

– Bodyboarding: Keep it low, my friend. Bodyboarders usually ride close to the water’s surface, catching waves in a prone position. Spin, roll, and do all kinds of sick tricks with your bodyboard’s maneuverability.

– Surfing: Stand tall, dude! Surfers ride waves while standing on their surfboards. Carve those turns, hit the lip, and ride the face of the wave. Get ready for some serious stoke!

 

Wave Preference

– Bodyboarding: Steeper and hollower waves are your jam, bro! Bodyboarders love shore breaks and heavier beach breaks. The smaller size of the bodyboard lets you navigate those epic waves like a boss.

– Surfing: You’ve got options, my friend. Surfers can ride all sorts of waves. From beach breaks to reef breaks and point breaks, it’s a wave-riding paradise. Find those long, open-faced waves and get ready to shred.

 

So, whether you’re riding the waves on a bodyboard close to the water’s surface or standing tall on a surfboard, both sports bring the stoke. Embrace the rush, enjoy the ocean’s energy, and ride those waves like there’s no tomorrow!

 

Learning the Ropes

 

Basic Techniques

– Start in waist-deep water where the waves are breaking. Swim your heart out and use your hands to propel yourself forward.

– Time it right, my friend! As the wave approaches, tuck your knees into your chest and streamline your body. Catch the wave at its peak energy to maximize your ride. Trust me, it’s the sweet spot!

– When the wave picks you up, extend your arms and legs and hold on tight. Experiment with different body positions. Try lying flat on your stomach (prone position) or even on your back (supine position). Find what works best for you.

– When the wave breaks, swim back out to where the waves are breaking and start again.

 

Mastering Advanced Moves

– Once you’ve nailed the basics, it’s time to level up. Angle your body within the wave to stay in the sweet spot and ride it like a boss.

– Carve those waves, my friend! Shift your weight, tweak your hand placement, and maneuver along the wave’s face. You’re the captain of this wave ride!

– Need more speed? Kick your legs! Use your body as a hydrodynamic machine to generate some serious forward motion.

 

Where and When to Ride

 

Beach Vibes

– Look for beaches with sweet wave breaks, my friend. You want consistent and clean waves for the best body surfing experience.

– Sandy bottoms are your friends. They provide a safer landing and fewer scrapes.

 

Perfect Timing

– Early mornings and evenings are the golden hours, my friend. Crowds are smaller, and the waves tend to be smoother. It’s your secret surfer’s paradise.

– Keep an eye on the tides! Incoming or outgoing tides create the best wave formations. That’s when the magic happens.

 

Pro Tips and Gear

 

Safety First

– Respect the ocean’s power, my friend. Know your swimming skills and stay within them.

– Start small and work your way up, bro. Don’t rush into massive waves without building up your skills and confidence.

– Look out for others, my friend. Be aware of your surroundings. Watch out for other surfers, swimmers, and rocks.

– Have fun! Body surfing is great exercise too!

 

 

Gear Up

Body Surfing Fins

– You don’t need much gear for body surfing, but a good pair of swim fins can give you that extra ride time.

Rash Guard or Wetsuit

– Protect yourself from the sun and potential scrapes with a rash guard or wetsuit.

Body Surfing Board

– A body surfing board, also called a hand plane or handboard, is like a secret weapon for ultimate wave-riding fun. It’s a small, lightweight board that you can hold in one hand while you’re tearing up the waves.

Pro tip: when you grip that bad boy and catch a wave, it gives you an epic boost. You’ll feel the rush as the board adds some serious lift, stability, and control in the water. It’s all about maximizing your speed, dialing in your body position, and pulling off sick maneuvers with style. Think of it as having your own mini surfboard for your hand, taking your body surfing game to the next level. Get ready to ride those waves like a boss!

Sunglasses

 

Oakley Holbrook Sunglasses

Oakley is renowned for its high-performance eyewear, and the Holbrook Sunglasses are a favorite among surfers. With excellent UV protection, enhanced visibility, and a stylish design, these sunglasses not only shield your eyes from the sun and also add some flair to your surf style.

 

Costa Del Mar Blackfin Sunglasses

For reducing glare on the water, Costa Del Mar knows what’s up. The Blackfin Sunglasses offer top-notch polarization, providing exceptional clarity and eliminating those annoying reflections. These sunglasses are built to withstand the demands of your wildest surf adventures.

 

Electric California Knoxville XL Sunglasses

With a blend of style and function, look no further than the Electric California Knoxville XL Sunglasses. With their larger frames and polarized lenses, they offer superior coverage and protection against the sun’s glare. Stay cool and look cool in these rad shades.

 

Waterproof Phone Case

Capture those epic surf moments without worrying about water damage to your phone. A waterproof phone case is essential for any surfer. Safeguard your device and share your gnarly rides with the world, knowing that your phone is protected from the elements.

 

Surfboard leash

<a target=”_blank” href=”https://www.amazon.com/gp/search?ie=UTF8&tag=cw1010d-20&linkCode=ur2&linkId=54878e75fb7f755e52acc9d4ab33d526&camp=1789&creative=9325&index=aps&keywords=Surfboard leash”>Surfboard leash</a>

 

A solid leash is a must-have for any surfer. It’s like a lifeline for your board! When you wipe out (it happens to the best of us), the leash keeps your board from drifting away into the great unknown. So make sure you grab a good leash to keep your board by your side, ride after ride.

 

Surfing Towel

<a target=”_blank” href=”https://www.amazon.com/gp/search?ie=UTF8&tag=cw1010d-20&linkCode=ur2&linkId=1d3ca50b89725987b5dfd495aaa6f109&camp=1789&creative=9325&index=aps&keywords=Surfing towel”>Surfing towel</a>

 

After a sick surf session, drying off is a priority. That’s where a killer surfing towel comes in. You want one that’s super absorbent and quick-drying, so you can dry off in no time. Plus, it’s gotta be big enough to wrap around your body for that cozy post-surf chill time on the beach.

 

Submersible Backpack

<a target=”_blank” href=”https://www.amazon.com/gp/search?ie=UTF8&tag=cw1010d-20&linkCode=ur2&linkId=b69b2b69a456135a5ea4183932885a60&camp=1789&creative=9325&index=aps&keywords=Submersible backpack”>Submersible backpack</a>

 

A submersible backpack is a game-changer for surfers. It keeps your valuables bone-dry while you’re out there catching waves. Made with waterproof materials, it creates a watertight seal. Stash your phone, wallet, keys, and even a change of clothes in it. No worries about water damage—just pure surf adventure without any hassle. Grab a submersible backpack and ride those waves with peace of mind!

 

 

 

Take It to the Next Level

– Check out local surf schools or ocean recreation centers, my friend. They might offer bodysurfing courses or workshops. Level up your skills and meet some fellow wave enthusiasts along the way.

 

There you have it, my fellow wave warriors! Bodysurfing is all about embracing the ocean’s power and riding those waves like a true water ninja. Remember the techniques, respect the ocean, and have a blast on your wave-riding adventures. So, grab your swim fins, head to the beach, and get ready for an epic body surfing session. Stay stoked, ride the waves, and let the good vibes flow!