The pros and cons of bodyboarding

Thinking of Taking up Bodyboarding? We discuss the Pros and Cons

Body Boarding

The pros and cons of bodyboarding

Pros and Cons of Buying a Bodyboard

Bodyboarding, also known as boogieboarding, is an exhilarating water sport that allows you to ride the waves and experience the thrill of the ocean. If you’re considering buying a bodyboard, it’s important to weigh up the pros and cons to ensure it’s the right choice for you. Let’s take a closer look at the advantages and disadvantages of investing in a bodyboard.

Pros:

1. Accessibility:

  • Bodyboarding is relatively easy to pick up, making it accessible to beginners and those looking for a fun water activity without a steep learning curve. You can start bodyboarding with minimal instruction and practice.

2. Affordability:

  • Compared to other water sports equipment, bodyboards are reasonably inexpensive. You can find a suitable bodyboard for your skill level and preferences without breaking the bank.

3. Portability:

  • Bodyboards are compact and lightweight, making them easy to transport to and from the beach. You can toss them in the boot of your car or even carry them on public transportation, allowing for spontaneous beach trips.

4. Versatility:

  • Bodyboards can be used in a variety of wave conditions, making them versatile for different beach locations. Whether you’re riding small waves close to the shore or tackling larger waves, a bodyboard can provide an exciting experience.

5. Family-Friendly:

  • Bodyboarding is a family-friendly activity suitable for all ages. Parents can introduce their children to the joys of the ocean in a safe and enjoyable way, creating lasting memories for the entire family.

6. Low Maintenance:

  • Bodyboards require minimal maintenance compared to other water sports equipment. With proper care, storage and occasional cleaning, your bodyboard can last for several seasons.

Cons:

1. Avoid Cheap Bodyboards:

  • Cheap bodyboards are usually just polystyrene covered in a cloth with a printed visual on them. They are sold by the bucket and spade shops at the beach. They break easily and, as they are so cheap, families often leave them at the beach at the end of their holiday causing a huge environmental problem for the local community to deal with / dispose of. For more information on this problem see here

2. Skill Development:

  • Whilst bodyboarding is easy to start and great fun to do, as with any sport, achieving advanced manoeuvres and techniques requires dedication and a lot of practice.

3. Limited Manoeuvrability:

  • Bodyboards offer less manoeuvrability compared to surfboards, limiting the range of tricks and turns you can perform. That said, the fun of dropping in to your first big wave and the speed you pick up never gets boring!

4. Positioning and Control:

  • Maintaining control and positioning on a bodyboard, especially in larger waves, can be challenging. Achieving the ideal bodyboarding stance and effectively navigating waves takes practice and experience.

5. Durability:

  • Entry-level bodyboards may lack durability and can break easily, especially if exposed to rough waves and prolonged use. More expensive boards have a stronger cores, often have stringers (strengthening strips of wood running down their length) and are generally much stronger and will last a lot longer.

6. Wave Size Limitations:

  • Bodyboarding is best suited for smaller to medium-sized waves. In larger waves, it becomes harder to paddle out and catch waves, limiting the experience for advanced riders seeking bigger thrills. When you get better you may decide to invest in a pair of bodyboarding fins (and tethers so you don’t lose them). These will enable you to catch bigger waves more easily, especially if you are out of your depth and can’t push off the bottom easily.

7. Body Strain:

  • Bodyboarding can strain the body, particularly the arms and shoulders, as you paddle and manoeuvre through the waves. Its easy to hurt yourself on an incoming wave if you try and jump over it whilst trying to paddle out if you don’t hold the board properly. This strain may deter individuals with pre-existing physical conditions or limitations.

In conclusion, buying a bodyboard offers a gateway to an exciting water sport that’s easily accessible, affordable, and family-friendly. Ultimately, the joy of riding the waves and the thrill of the ocean make bodyboarding a rewarding and enjoyable choice for water enthusiasts.

Thinking of buying a bodyboard? Check out our blog here on what to buy….