subject: Four Simple Steps To Boogie Boarding [print this page] If you are planning on being near a beach anytime soon you should plan spending some time in the ocean. There are a variety of activities that you can choose from.
When it comes to ocean activities the most popular include surfing, sailing, building sand castles, jumping in the waves, and boogie boarding, among others.
If you have never been boogie boarding there is no better time to start than now. It is easy to learn and you can have a blast doing it.
Boogie boards were introduced in the 1970s. They soon increased in popularity on beaches all over the world.
Boogie boarding is very similar to surfing, but the board is much shorter, lighter, and cheaper than a surfboard. It is a fun ocean sport that is for anyone who loves to be in the ocean.
Rather than standing up on the board, as one would do while surfing, body boarders lie down on their stomachs. This makes the board much easier to maneuver than a surfboard, making boogie boarding a more appropriate activity for children and beginners.
There are a few simple steps you should follow when learning how to boogie board.
First, there are a few items you will need to be able to boogie board. The following items can all be used, but depending on where and when you plan to boogie board, you may need only some or possibly all of the following equipment.
A boogie board is extremely essential when it comes to boogie boarding. Boards come in various lengths. You want one that comes about up to your belly button when you stand it on one end beside you.
Your boogie board should come with a leash. This ties around your wrist so that you don't lose the boogie board in the ocean when being tossed about by the waves.
You may also want to consider bringing along a pair of swim fins, a rash guard, or a wetsuit if you are in colder waters.
Second, you should find a location to make sure the conditions are right for boogie boarding.
Find a beach that is not overly crowded. This is especially important when you are learning. Make sure you have enough space to practice your skills.
Choose a beach that has waves that are one to four feet high and break at least a few dozen feet out from the beach. This will provide the best and most fun environment for boogie boarding.
Find a beach that has a gentle, sloping grade, and no sudden drop offs. This will provide a safer environment for beginners.
Third, once you have found a good spot for boarding, get into the water and begin wading out.
Once the water is about up to your waist, lay down on your board and then position yourself so that the back end of the board is about at your waist and your feet are hanging off the end.
Then, you should place your arms along the board and grip the nose of your board with your hands and then kick your feet to propel yourself forward.
If you choose, you can paddle with your arms as well, although you may find it difficult to maintain your balance while doing so. You should paddle out until you are past the breaking waves.
Fourth, once you are out past the breakers, watch the waves until you find one that you want to try riding.
When you're still learning your technique, you can opt for smaller waves to get a feel for what you're doing and reduce your chances of getting hurt.
When you're ready to give bigger waves a try you lie down on the board and grasp the nose with your hands. Point yourself and the board toward the beach and begin paddling.
As you feel the wave come behind and start to lift you, you should start to slide down the face of the wave; if you don't, press down very slightly on the nose of your board.
At this point, you can simply slide down the face of the wave if you want. This is a good idea your first few times, as it will give you a feel for the motion and technique.
However, if you want to ride the wave longer, you need to decide which direction you want to ride the wave.
If you plan to head right, your right hand should remain on the front of the board, but you will want to reposition your left hand so that it is on the side of the board. Reverse your hand positions if wish to head left.
Pull yourself forward so that your stomach is resting on the board and your chest is over the front of the board and then arch your back and bend your knees to lift your legs out of the water.
Use your rail hand to lift the edge of the board slightly - this will cause you to slide along, rather than down the wave. Lower the board to slide further down the wave and lift it up to start sliding sideways again.
When you are nearing the end of your ride, lower your legs and allow your fins to drag in the water to slow down.
As you follow these steps, remember to have fun and be safe while boogie boarding.
