How to Go Up & Down a Wave in Bodyboarding

For bodyboarders everywhere, catching waves remains the basic goal. However, a host of tricks and maneuvers awaits the bodyboarder who's willing to make the effort to learn. Part of learning, and progressing, includes nailing the basics. Going up and down the wave allows the bodyboarder to make use of the full face and length of the wave. The maneuver also serves as a springboard for more advanced tricks like the “360 and “El Rollo.”

Instructions

    • 1

      Position both hands at the front of your bodyboard. As the wave approaches, kick your feet to propel yourself forward, ahead of the wave.

    • 2

      Determine whether you want to go left or right. To go left, push your left elbow down, into the board, while using your right hand to grab the opposite side of the bodyboard midway along its edge. Lift the edge out of the water. For a right turn, apply elbow pressure to the right side of the board while lifting the bodyboard's left edge.

    • 3

      Maintain pressure on the side of the bodyboard to maneuver it back up toward the top of the wave. Pressure on one side of the board causes it to continue to turn. Keep your eyes on the point of the wave where you want to turn back down.

    • 4

      Switch pressure to the opposite side of the bodyboard. For example, if you turned left initially, push the right elbow into the bodyboard and grab the bodyboard's left edge out of the water. This action causes the bodyboard to change direction and descend back down the wave.