subject: Steps To Choosing And Buying A Body Board [print this page] Body boarding came from wave riding and consists of a small, rectangular piece of hydrodynamic foam. This board can be shaped and adapted to all kinds of different riding styles and sizes of riders.
Body boarding is a fun activity that you can do at just about any age. It is very much like surfing but you lay down the entire time instead.
Sometimes you can even hang on to your body board with a wrist latch so that you do not lose your body board in the water. You can find some great boards on the Internet, just shop around.
Steps to choose a body board:
You can borrow body boards from shops, as there is a huge variety of body boarding available in market. If you want to buy a body board you have to look closely, as those body boards that are cheap may have a porous-looking surface.
These tend to water-log quickly and get heavy in the water. You have to find a board with a smooth, slick surface.
After this you have to look at the bottom of the board. You can take a slick, hard or plastic body.
Check out the tail of the board. A beginner should look for a tail that curves inward and slopes downward.
This is generally the most practical and functional. Ask the attendant about the different tails.
The technology changes all the time. Lay the board flat on the ground.
It should sit flat, not rock back and forth or wobble. Boards that do this are usually warped from sitting in the sun or from improper shipping.
You have to place the rear of the board against your belly and grab the nose, after that try to feel the board for flex. The more flex a board has, the higher performance the board will offer.
Body boarding can be dangerous so below are some tips listed to keep you safe.
- You should be a reasonably strong swimmer and your level of fitness needs to be appropriate to the surf conditions.
- If you're a beginner, only surf on beaches where lifeguards are on duty. Don't go in the water at all if you think you might not be able to handle the conditions.
- Before going into the water, check the surf patterns and look for rips for a good 10 minutes while doing a few recommended warm-up stretches to limber you up.
- Parents need to watch small children very carefully. Getting in the water with them is the only really safe option. Lifeguards have the whole beach to watch and conditions can change in the blink of an eye.
- If your board doesn't come with one (and most medium to high-end boards don't), buy a leash with a strong wrist, ankle or bicep attachment, so you don't lose your board. Always check the leash is secure before entering the water.
- Be aware of others and give other surfers and swimmers a wide berth. Dive if you see a surfboard coming towards you.
- Stay calm and wave an arm overhead if you get into trouble. Thrashing around just means you'll use up valuable energy. If you get into trouble, the board will also provide some flotation.
- Always use a good waterproof sun block. Put plenty on and renew it often. It's easy to towel it off when drying yourself.
How to care for your board:
- Rinse your board with fresh water after use.
- Boards shouldn't be left in direct sun for long periods or in hot conditions with no ventilation, as this can cause them to blister, bubble or bend out of shape. Most boards are laminated and heat or sun may damage the laminate.
- A bag will protect your board from the elements and any accidental damage. Beware of dark-colored bags, though, which will create more heat.
- Waxing the nose area, edges and center of your board with surf wax will help you grip and stop you sliding off.
