Bodyboarding & Avoiding Wipeouts

The water sport of bodyboarding offers the thrill of surfing, but while laying on your stomach. Riders use the wave’s power to push them all the way to shore with experienced riders performing tricks and maneuvers along the way. Proper equipment and techniques helps the rider avoid wipeouts, which can damage the equipment and cause injuries to the rider.

  1. Equipment

    • Having the correct equipment allows the rider to catch waves easier and maneuver efficiently. General equipment includes a board with a leash and a pair of flippers. The board should come up to your waist while standing and have approximately an inch space on each side while laying on it. Wearing flippers can help you catch a wave; start to swim as the wave approaches you to achieve the same speed as it is traveling. Attach the board's leash to your wrist to ensure the current doesn’t sweep the board away.

    Technique

    • Bodyboarding offers a variety of riding techniques from the simple straight riding down the wave to complex spins and barrel rolls. Beginners should choose an area with low to medium waves they can practice on. You paddle out to the point to before the wave breaks and then position yourself facing away from the waves. Use a combination of paddling and kicking to gain speed, which helps the wave propel you forward. Then, use your body weight and position to turn and guide the board along with the wave. Leaning in the direction of the wave allows you to ride it perpendicular rising up and down the face of the wave.

    Wipeout Avoidance

    • Wipeouts happen when body boarding, but knowing how to prevent them will keep you safer and riding the waves longer. Never try to ride a wave that is too large or breaks hard without proper experience, as you could get seriously hurt. When riding the face of a wave, never lean into the shore side of the wave, as the wave will roll you over into the surf. Keep your body centered on the board to prevent your weight from shifting forward causing the nose of the board to dig in.

    Safety

    • Bodyboarding can be a dangerous sport, depending on your swimming abilities and the water you’re in. To maintain safely, wear a life preserver -- especially if you are not a strong swimmer, as water currents make swimming difficult. You should be aware of the natural landscape around and underneath the water to prevent injuries from jagged rocks and coral reef. Stay a safe distance away from swimmers and other bodyboarders or surfers to avoid a collision.