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Do you love the experience of riding the wave? Are you looking for a new bodyboard? Bodyboards are great for water sports, especially surfing. Get an awesome outdoor surfing experience with some of the best bodyboards which have been reviewed.
Wavestorm 40″ Bodyboard 2-Pack
- EPS Core
- Engineered Contour Deck
- 2 Soft Foam Construction
- Speed Slick Bottom Skin
Table of Contents
1. Bo-Toys Body Board
- Body Board With EPS Core
- Heat Lamination Technology
- HDPE (High Density Polyethylene) Super Slick Bottom
- Compact Feeling & Water Resistant
The Bo-Toys Body Board, a 33-inch bodyboard, is one of the best bodyboards for water sports. Its design offers you better maneuverability with 60/40 rails, increased speed, and strength. It is durable with a high-density polyethylene (HDPE) bottom with channels and a crescent tail.
The Bo-Toys Body Board is lightweight with EPS core yet very rigid. It is water-resistant and delivers a compact feeling. It has heat lamination technology. The Bo-Toys bodyboard comes with a pro-quality leash to always keep it nearby.
What We Like:
- High-Density Polyethylene Bottom
- Heat Lamination Technology
- EPS Core
- 33 inch Board
- 60/40 Rails
- Lightweight & Rigid
2. Wavestorm 40″ Bodyboard 2-Pack, ( Assorted Color)
- EPS Core
- Engineered Contour Deck
- 2 Soft Foam Construction
- Speed Slick Bottom Skin
The Wavestorm 40 inch Bodyboard is one of the best bodyboards on the market. It is well designed and ranges from 7ft to 10ft. They come with high-density polyethylene bottom, a strong EPS core, and 3 stringers which give it more rigidity.
What We Like:
- High-Density Polyethylene Bottom
- EPS Core
- Engineered Contour Deck
- 2-Pack
3. Goplus Body Board
- Dynamic Design
- High-Quality & Durable Materials
- Covered With XPE Deck
- Lightweight & Superior Buoyancy
The Goplus Body Board is made of an XPE deck, EPS core, and an HDPE bottom. It allows you to experience the thrills of water sports. It has 60/40 rails, a crescent tail that exhibits flexibility and comfort, and rear channels.
The Goplus Body Board possesses great buoyancy and good load-bearing support. Safety and stability while surfing is provided with the leash and rope design.
What We Like:
- High-Quality & Durable Materials
- Strong Buoyancy
- Lightweight
- 60/40 Rails
- EPS Core
- HDPE Bottom
4. Goplus Super Lightweight Bodyboard
- Dynamic Design
- Lightweight & Superior Buoyancy
- HDPE Slick Bottom
- XPE Deck
The Goplus Super Lightweight Bodyboard is great for water sports. It is durable with a waterproof XPE deck. The Goplus Super Lightweight Bodyboard has 60/40 rails, a crescent tail, and rear channels.
It is 2.36 inches thick which allows you to sand upon the waves. This bodyboard is very beginner-friendly as it is easy to control and can increase your speed and strength. It has an EPS core which makes it durable and prevents early deformation.
The Goplus Super Lightweight Bodyboard is very light, has a strong load-bearing capability and great buoyancy. Safety and stability are provided with the leash and wrist design.
What We Like:
- Beginner-Friendly
- 2.36 inch Thick Board
- EPS Core
- 60/40 Rails
- XPE Deck
5. Own the Wave ‘Wave Weapon’ Bodyboard
- HDPE Slick Bottom
- Speed & Maneuverability
- Made With Durable Materials
- For All Riding Forms
The Own the Wave bodyboard is designed for you to have a great experience on the waters. It is engineered for the rider to have control as well as flexibility, safety, and speed. It is lightweight yet very strong. You have speed and maneuverability riding the waves thanks to the 60/40 rails.
The Own the Wave comes in three sizes, 33 inches, 37 inches, and 41 inches. It features an HDPE bottom that augments the performance of the bodyboard. It comes with a leash that provides safety and stability.
What We Like:
- Durable Materials
- Speed & Maneuverability
- 3 Sizes
- Lightweight
6. BPS ‘Storm’ Bodyboard
- EPS Core For Buoyancy
- HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene) Bottom
- Crescent Tail
- Super Slick Bottom
The BPS ‘Storm’ Bodyboard is a very light bodyboard with a high-speed surface. Its buoyancy is enhanced with the EPS core. It also has rear channels and a crescent tail for peak performance. Like any good bodyboard, the BPS ‘Storm’ Bodyboard has an HDPE bottom.
It also has an EPS core which provides buoyancy, durability and makes it lightweight. The BPS ‘Storm’ Bodyboard is well designed for speed, maneuverability, and control. It comes with a coiled leash, fin tethers.
What We Like:
- EPS Core
- HDPE Bottom
- Lightweight
- Coiled Leash
- Crescent Tail & Rear Channels
What To Look For In A Bodyboard?
1. Correct Size & Shape Bodyboard
It is important to get the correct size and shape of the bodyboard when you decide on which bodyboard to buy. The bodyboard you settle on must also take into consideration the type of rider you are.
Stand the board in front of you. Its nose should come anywhere between the top of your hip to your navel. Additionally, if you are a heavy rider or like to surf in weaker waves, then flotation has to be considered. Don’t go for a longer board, rather add buoyancy by opting for a wider template with a wider tail and a thicker core.
2. The Wide Point
The widest point down from the nose is considered the wide point. Bodyboards work well in most conditions if their wide point is towards the middle, both for prone (lying) and drop knee (semi-standing).
As the wide point moves up the bodyboard, the more directional the board will become. This is more prevalent with bigger waves where your weight is situated a little further up the bodyboard for speed.
3. Flat New Bodyboard
The bodyboard you consider buying should be flat. Hold it on its edge and look down its rail. The bodyboard should be nice and flat. Bodyboards with excess rocker push water and are slower as they are harder to catch waves on.
4. Flex & Recoil = Projection + Speed
The flex combined with the recoil will equal the projection and speed. This condition makes the bodyboard work. The right flex comes down to the materials used and the climate. Stiff do well in bigger waves, clean surf, and warmer waters.
They are however difficult to control in choppy conditions. To check the flex of a bodyboard, place the tail on the floor and put your palm on the deck, and give it a flex. Then turn it around and repeat this exercise but this time with your palm situated on the slick. If the bodyboard bends and springs back without much effort, then the bodyboard is good.
5. Construction
What separates a cheap bodyboard and an expensive one is the strength, quality, and performance.
6. EPS Core – Expanded Polystyrene
Bodyboards that are made of expanded polystyrene are in different shapes and sizes. Always go for a board with a thicker core for strength and a denser deck and rail materials for strength.
7. PE Core – Polyethelene
PE Core bodyboards with polyethylene are not always better than EPS. What makes the difference is the quality and density. The core density should be about 2.3lb PCF (Pounds per cubic foot) and above which is the density of the foam per square foot
8. NRG & Paradox Cell Cores
NRG and Paradox cell cores are less dense than standard PP thereby allowing for more flex. They are 1.3 PCF PP cores. This is used in combination with stringer and mesh to provide strength.
9. PP Core – Polypropelene
PP Core polypropylene is lightweight and waterproof. It is also the most expensive core and the favorite for warm and hot climates.
10. Bottom Skin Material – Surlyn
Surlyn has elasticity which allows the bodyboard to bend and spring back to its original shape. But, it is expensive. Surlyn is regarded as the best slick skin. With Surlyn, the slick only develops a shallow crease that will not have any effect on its strength and performance of the bodyboard if your bodyboard over-flexes.
11. Bottom Skin Material – HDPE
HDPE (high-density polyethylene) is resilient to impact but will not offer the flex and recoil qualities Surlyn possesses. It creases heavier and deeper which can change the way the bodyboard appears. It is the standard for cheaper boards.
12. Deck Material – Closed Cell (Crosslinked)
Crosslinked PE/PP foam has a smoother look and offers a clean-lined appearance in construction. However, the thicker it is, it impairs the core’s ability to flex and spring back, hence; it is not used on better boards.
The thinner versions work as long as it features a higher backing layer or plate. This provides the extra strength required but maintains performance.
13. Deck Material – Open Cell
Open-cell decking is still being considered as the best deck material as it is less likely to impair the bodyboard’s ability to flex and recoil. It features a slightly rough feel.
Additionally, open-cell exhibits stress fractures and less scratching while also offering more grip on the board. It is also used on the outer rails of bodyboards.
14. Double Rails
Two layers of foam along the edge of each side of the bodyboard are referred to as double rails. You get extra strengths to the bodyboard’s edge by adding an extra layer. The benefit of this is that the board becomes durable and has more speed
15. Stringers (Rods) & Mesh
Stringers give bodyboards extra strength when they are fitted into the boards. They also help bodyboards get back to their original shape. However, too many stringers and the boards will become stiff.
If the core of the bodyboard is strong, it will only need one stringer. Some boards feature a layer of mesh plastic laminated under the slick for extra strength. it also helps to improve the recoil of the board.
16. Nose & Tail Bumpers
To prevent de-lamination, extra layers of high-density foam are attached under the nose and tail of the bodyboards. This extra layer is what is considered a bumper.
17. Template Shape & Wide Point
How your bodyboard rides in different conditions will depend on its width and curve. The bodyboard will become more directional as the higher the widest point is on the board. It is even better for heavier and more hollow waves.
For more general conditions, look at a wide point a little lower towards the center of the board. It also results in the board becoming more responsive to maneuvres.
19. Nose & Tail Width
A wider nose works well in bigger waves but pushes water and slows the board up when in smaller to average size surf. Usually, a nose width of 11 to 12 inches works fine for prone or drop knees. Smaller noses result in a looser board and less stability for prune turns.
Wider tails allow more flotation which is great for smaller and weaker turf. Wider tails are also looser for sliding moves, spins, and slower speed maneuvers. Narrower tails will turn harder of the bottom turn and they are more responsive. However, this results in loss of float thereby making it a bad choice.
20. Tail Shape – The Crescent Tail
Crescent tailboards are user-friendly for prone and drop knee riding as they grip the wave. The bodyboard will grip the wave more when the tail peg is smaller and when the tail design is deeper.
Additionally, the tail will release more easily for spins and sliding maneuvres when the tail pegs are slightly bigger and when the tail design is more shallow. A tail design of 17.5 inches wide seems to be the widely acceptable width. Crescent tail seems to be the choice of many pro bodyboarders because of its versatility and performance in all surf conditions.
21. Tail Shape – The Bat Tail
For weaker surf or unpredictable conditions, the bat tail is a good choice. The bat tail can provide more speed but gives the board a looser feels at higher speeds by increasing the flotation over the rear of the board.
The crescent tail is a good choice for an all-around board. However, if you want for prone and smaller, weaker conditions, opt for the bat.
22. Rail Configuration
The side edges of the board are considered the rails. The rails are composed of two parts – the rail and the chine. The rail is the lower portion of the edge and the chine is the part that wraps around the deck. Their proportions are referred to in terms of percentages.
So you will see rail/chine proportions like 55/45, 60/40, etc. A 60/40 proportion means 60% rail to 40% chine. A 60/40 rail will give more hold out but a little less speed. A 50/50 rail is faster but has less grip in the face.
23. Channels
Channels are designed to provide you with a little more grip in the face of the wave and help prevent side slipping. Channels are small grooves running up from the tail on the slick side of the board. They are usually close to the edge.
24. Nose Bulbs
Nose bulbs are small indentations from the corners of the nose on the slick side. It helps to provide more grip and feel for the board.
Types of Bodyboards
1. Polystyrene Bodyboards
Polystyrene bodyboards are ideal for beginners and children. They are the lightest and cheapest bodyboards. Some polystyrene bodyboards have a vinyl or material covering which improves performance and durability. However, they don’t last very long and break under pressure.
2. EVA Foam Bodyboards
EVA Foam Bodyboards are also ideal for beginners. They are durable and are flexible with larger waves. Some EVA foam bodyboards are designed with a smooth underside thereby improving wave ride speed and performance.
3. Polyethylene Foam Bodyboards
Polyethylene Foam Bodyboards are durable and lightweight. They can be designed as a solid foam or feature a smooth laminated underside. Additionally, their level of stiffness can be adjusted to cater to more advanced riders.
4. Combined Foam Bodyboards
Combined Foam Bodyboards are made of EVA and polyethylene. They can be custom-made to match a rider’s ability but they can be pricey.
| SiteStripe Image | Title | Buy |
|---|---|---|
| Bo-Toys Body Board | Check Price On Amazon |
| Wavestorm 40″ Bodyboard 2-Pack, ( Assorted Color) | Check Price On Amazon |
| Goplus Body Board | Check Price On Amazon |
| Goplus Super Lightweight Bodyboard | Check Price On Amazon |
| Own the Wave ‘Wave Weapon’ Bodyboard | Check Price On Amazon |
| BPS ‘Storm’ Bodyboard | Check Price On Amazon |
The Bottom Line
Bodyboards come in all shapes and sizes today. Many are well designed making bodyboarding a delight. The best bodyboard for you will be the one that aligns with the factors which matter to you. We have reviewed some of the best bodyboards on the market and explained the factors one must consider to choose the best one for their needs. Our recommendation for a bodyboard is the Wavestorm 40″ Bodyboard 2-Pack.