subject: What are Body Boards [print this page] What are Body Boards What are Body Boards
Body boards are a water sports equipment that is used to ride waves in a similar way to surfing. However, body boards are much shorter than surfing boards and they have fins to help in controlling the board when riding waves. The boards are made from either polyethylene, arcel, wood or fiberglass with a hard plastic base. There are various manufacturers including Morey Boogie, BZ, Manta, Toobs and Custom X bodyboards. There are also much cheaper manufacturers especially from the far east countries. However, when choosing an appropriate board for your water sport, ensure you purchase a recognized brand such as Custom X bodyboards as some of the cheaper brands have very poor quality and will wear off much faster.
Difference with Surf Boards
Body boards differ from surfboards in various ways. Firstly, the body boards are much smaller than the surfing board. This enables riding in small and irregular waves in a more comfortable manner. You also have more control of the board and can make more maneuvers with the bodyboards.
History of Bodyboards
Body boards were introduced in the early 1970s by Tom Morey. Tom branded his boards Boogie Board and this became the original brand for the body boards. However, with time, other quality brands such as Bad Boy and Custom X bodyboards joined the market. The popularity of the sport has grown rapidly over the years especially in Australia, UK and in the United States. There are also international championships events held in different locations and this has helped in the growth of the sport.
Different Types of Boards
There are different types of body boards. The boards range from between $50 and $250. The boards come with leashes and fins. Boards are also made from different materials ranging from wood to fiberglass and they also range in colors and design. You can also buy different manufacturer types such as Custom X bodyboards, Manta or Toobs.
Styles of Body Boarding
There are various styles of riding the waves with bodyboards. Prone is common style and it entails laying flat on your belly and riding waves with your hands similar to swimming with a floater. Dropknee style involves having one foot forward stepping in the deck of the bodyboard while the back leg on a kneeling position on the deck. Stand-up position involves standing upright on the deck of the board. The 360 degrees body boards riding style is a trendy riding move whereby the individual spins in the air after being propelled by a wave.
Championship
Body boards popularity has been greatly increased by the annual competitions that are done in different locations. The body that manages these competition is called the International Bodyboard Association (IBA). The competitions started in 1982 in Hawaii and since then, there have been competitions every year in different countries including Brazil, Australia and Reunion Island. Board companies such as Custom X bodyboards sponsor the event to popularize their brand name.
