How to Body Surf

Make like the playful seals or sea lions - swim with the wave and let its motion take you with it. But don't forget: Just like your finned companions, you can steer yourself.

Things You'll Need

  • Men's And Women's Swimwear
  • Swimming Trunks
  • Swimsuits
  • Fins
  • Surfing Wet Suits
  • Swimming Goggles
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Instructions

    • 1

      Figure out where the waves are breaking and position yourself slightly beyond them.

    • 2

      Swim in the same direction as an approaching wave so that the wave overtakes you just before it breaks. Freestyle (crawl) is the best stroke for this.

    • 3

      Decide which direction (right or left) you want to ride once you feel the wave begin to grab you. It's OK to go straight, but a much better, longer ride is achieved by heading away from the breaking part of the wave.

    • 4

      Stop stroking, but keep kicking. Extend one arm forward (right if you're going right, left if you're going left), with your palm down and breaking the surface of the water.

    • 5

      Streamline your body and continue riding the wave as long as desired - or until your face is plowing through sandcastles.