Bodyboarding is incredibly similar to surfing, but it lets you experience the sea without all the traditional gear you need for surfing. It is an easier alternative, which makes it perfect for beginners who want to learn new skills. It is a fun activity for children that can be done in tandem with parents, especially with our Riber Bodyboard! Riber has compiled a list of essential tips and tricks to make the learning curve easier.
Let us dive straight into it:
Learn how to read the ocean
Understanding the different types of waves is key, it will enable you to know which waves are suitable and safe for you to ride. As a beginner, large, powerful waves will be tricky to ride and could result in you becoming injured. So, the best way to learn it is to understand which waves are suitable for your skill level and make sure you give yourself plenty of time to catch them. Beginners should usually go for small, slow-breaking waves.
This is an essential skill for being able to ride waves safely
Wear the proper equipment
While it may seem a little obvious, you must dress appropriately for your location. It is highly likely that if you are in the sea in the UK that you will need to wear a wetsuit or you may need a rash vest, even if you are bodyboarding in the middle of the summer, especially in the UK. You need to make sure that you check the weather forecast and make sure to dress for colder weather because the water is sure to be considerably colder than the atmosphere.
Learn how to paddle properly
This is your way of getting out into the sea, you want to be lying on the board face down. You need to move your arms in a circular motion and use your hands like fins to move forward. It is exactly like swimming the front crawl. The more efficiently you can do this, the easier it is to be able to catch waves and ride them into shore.
Bodyboard positioning
The proper positioning on the board is essential for balancing on the board. You should make sure you are positioned in the centre of the board. Too far forward and this can cause you to nosedive. While going too far back can make it so much harder to catch waves. Your chest should be raised and off the board, and your legs should be slightly bent at the knee in waves to keep the board stable in the water.
Duck Diving
Duck diving is used when you are travelling out into the sea and need to get through breaking waves. You will need to push the front of your board underwater and keep your body low and close to the board, and then use your hands and legs to push through the wave. This can take some practice to master, so be patient and keep trying!
Wearing a leash
Wearing a leash while bodyboarding keeps the board connected to you while you are out at sea, which means that if you get knocked off a wave, you won't lose your board in the ocean! You should make sure the leash is attached firmly to your arm or wrist, and that you can easily take it off. Make sure it is secure and in good condition before hitting the waves!
Staying safe and respecting the ocean
Your safety should always be your priority. Make sure you are boarding on a beach with lifeguards and that you follow any rules they have put in place. Always make sure to check the weather and water conditions before. Keep to the waves on your skill level, to ensure your safety. Finally, respect the water and all the other water users.
Ribers Bodyboards
Whilst most companies produce a lot of disposable polystyrene boards, Riber has made a reusable and sustainable bodyboard, inspired by Joe Lycett’s challenge to make bodyboards more reusable and durable https://youtu.be/KBP3iZGYPOE. It was designed to be used all year round, and can double up to be a sledge during the winter! Making it the perfect solution to any holiday, come snow or shine!
Conclusion
Bodyboarding is like any other sport; it takes time and patience to learn. So hopefully these tips will help you to learn and make the most out of your sessions in the water, help to improve your skills, and stay safe on the sea. Keep learning, stay patient and have fun!