{"id":723,"date":"2023-10-09T11:11:24","date_gmt":"2023-10-09T10:11:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.coastwatersports.co.uk\/blog\/?p=723"},"modified":"2026-07-22T16:37:13","modified_gmt":"2026-07-22T15:37:13","slug":"thinking-of-taking-up-bodyboarding-we-discuss-the-pros-and-cons","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.coastwatersports.co.uk\/blog\/thinking-of-taking-up-bodyboarding-we-discuss-the-pros-and-cons\/","title":{"rendered":"Bodyboarding Guide: How To Start + Choosing the Right Bodyboard"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.coastwatersports.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/bodyboard-header.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-724\" src=\"https:\/\/www.coastwatersports.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/bodyboard-header-1024x512.jpg\" alt=\"Bodyboarding in the waves\" width=\"840\" height=\"420\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.coastwatersports.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/bodyboard-header-1024x512.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.coastwatersports.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/bodyboard-header-300x150.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.coastwatersports.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/bodyboard-header-768x384.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.coastwatersports.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/bodyboard-header-840x420.jpg 840w, https:\/\/www.coastwatersports.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/bodyboard-header.jpg 1500w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 840px) 100vw, 840px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<h2>What Is Bodyboarding? Pros, Cons &amp; How To Get Started<\/h2>\n<p>Bodyboarding is one of the easiest and most exciting ways to start wave riding. Whether you&#8217;re heading to the beach on holiday or looking to get into watersports, bodyboarding is accessible, affordable and great fun for all ages.<\/p>\n<p>If you&#8217;re looking to get started, explore our range of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.coastwatersports.co.uk\/bodyboards-c-677_174.html\">bodyboards and bodyboarding equipment<\/a> including beginner boards, fins and accessories.<\/p>\n<p>In this guide we explain what bodyboarding is, the pros and cons of riding a bodyboard, and how to choose the right board if you&#8217;re getting started.<\/p>\n<h2>Shop This Guide<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.coastwatersports.co.uk\/bodyboards-c-677_174.html\">Bodyboards &amp; Accessories<\/a> \u2014 proper boards, not disposable beach foam<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.coastwatersports.co.uk\/boards-c-677_174_679.html\">Bodyboards<\/a> \u2014 beginner and performance boards<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.coastwatersports.co.uk\/body-boarding-flippers-fins-c-677_174_96.html\">Bodyboarding Flippers &amp; Fins<\/a> \u2014 for catching bigger waves<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.coastwatersports.co.uk\/bodyboard-leashes-tethers-c-677_174_792.html\">Leashes &amp; Tethers<\/a> \u2014 board leash + fin tethers<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.coastwatersports.co.uk\/bodyboard-bags-c-677_174_176.html\">Bodyboard Bags<\/a> \u2014 for travel and storage<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>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&#8217;re considering buying a bodyboard, it&#8217;s important to weigh up the pros and cons to ensure it&#8217;s the right choice for you. Let&#8217;s take a closer look at the advantages and disadvantages of investing in a bodyboard.<\/p>\n<h2>Pros:<\/h2>\n<h3>1. <strong>Accessibility:<\/strong><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>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.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>2. <strong>Affordability:<\/strong><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>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. For fins, brands such as <a href=\"https:\/\/www.coastwatersports.co.uk\/dafin-shop-300.html\">DaFin<\/a> are a popular upgrade once you&#8217;re catching more waves.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>3. <strong>Portability:<\/strong><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>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.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>4. <strong>Versatility:<\/strong><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>Bodyboards can be used in a variety of wave conditions, making them versatile for different beach locations. Whether you&#8217;re riding small waves close to the shore or tackling larger waves, a bodyboard can provide an exciting experience.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>5. <strong>Family-Friendly:<\/strong><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>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.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>6. <strong>Low Maintenance:<\/strong><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>Bodyboards require minimal maintenance compared to other water sports equipment. With proper care, storage and occasional cleaning, your bodyboard can last for several seasons.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.coastwatersports.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/bodyboarding-2.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-725\" src=\"https:\/\/www.coastwatersports.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/bodyboarding-2.jpg\" alt=\"Rider bodyboarding in the surf\" width=\"850\" height=\"567\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.coastwatersports.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/bodyboarding-2.jpg 850w, https:\/\/www.coastwatersports.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/bodyboarding-2-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.coastwatersports.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/bodyboarding-2-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.coastwatersports.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/bodyboarding-2-120x80.jpg 120w, https:\/\/www.coastwatersports.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/bodyboarding-2-360x240.jpg 360w, https:\/\/www.coastwatersports.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/bodyboarding-2-600x400.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 850px) 100vw, 850px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<h2>Cons:<\/h2>\n<h3>1. <strong>Avoid Cheap Bodyboards:<\/strong><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>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 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.academyofsurfing.com\/news\/tackling-disposable-bodyboards-with-the-ocean-recovery-project\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">here<\/a>. If you want something that rides better and lasts, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.coastwatersports.co.uk\/boards-c-677_174_679.html\">buy a proper bodyboard<\/a> rather than a disposable beach board.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>2. <strong>Skill Development:<\/strong><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>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.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>3. Limited Manoeuvrability:<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>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!<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>4. <strong>Positioning and Control:<\/strong><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>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.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>5. <strong>Durability:<\/strong><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>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.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>6. <strong>Wave Size Limitations:<\/strong><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>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 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.coastwatersports.co.uk\/body-boarding-flippers-fins-c-677_174_96.html\">bodyboarding fins<\/a> (and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.coastwatersports.co.uk\/bodyboard-leashes-tethers-c-677_174_792.html\">tethers<\/a> so you don&#8217;t lose them). These will enable you to catch bigger waves more easily, especially if you are out of your depth and can&#8217;t push off the bottom easily.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>7. <strong>Body Strain:<\/strong><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>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&#8217;t hold the board properly. This strain may deter individuals with pre-existing physical conditions or limitations.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>In conclusion, buying a bodyboard offers a gateway to an exciting water sport that&#8217;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.<\/p>\n<h2>Shop This Guide<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.coastwatersports.co.uk\/bodyboards-c-677_174.html\">Bodyboards &amp; Accessories<\/a> \u2014 proper boards, not disposable beach foam<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.coastwatersports.co.uk\/boards-c-677_174_679.html\">Bodyboards<\/a> \u2014 beginner and performance boards<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.coastwatersports.co.uk\/body-boarding-flippers-fins-c-677_174_96.html\">Bodyboarding Flippers &amp; Fins<\/a> \u2014 for catching bigger waves<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.coastwatersports.co.uk\/bodyboard-leashes-tethers-c-677_174_792.html\">Leashes &amp; Tethers<\/a> \u2014 board leash + fin tethers<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.coastwatersports.co.uk\/bodyboard-bags-c-677_174_176.html\">Bodyboard Bags<\/a> \u2014 for travel and storage<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>Bodyboarding FAQs<\/h2>\n<h3>What is bodyboarding?<\/h3>\n<p>Bodyboarding is a wave riding sport where the rider lies on a short foam board and rides waves towards the shore.<\/p>\n<h3>Is bodyboarding easier than surfing?<\/h3>\n<p>Yes. Bodyboarding is generally easier to learn than surfing because the rider lies on the board rather than standing.<\/p>\n<h3>What equipment do you need for bodyboarding?<\/h3>\n<p>The basic equipment includes a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.coastwatersports.co.uk\/boards-c-677_174_679.html\">bodyboard<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.coastwatersports.co.uk\/bodyboard-leashes-tethers-c-677_174_792.html\">leash<\/a> and often <a href=\"https:\/\/www.coastwatersports.co.uk\/body-boarding-flippers-fins-c-677_174_96.html\">bodyboarding fins<\/a> for improved wave catching.<\/p>\n<h3>Are cheap beach bodyboards any good?<\/h3>\n<p>No. Thin polystyrene \u201cbucket and spade\u201d boards break easily and often end up as beach waste. A proper foam bodyboard with a stronger core (and ideally a stringer) lasts far longer and rides better. Browse our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.coastwatersports.co.uk\/boards-c-677_174_679.html\">bodyboards<\/a> for options that will last more than one holiday.<\/p>\n<h3>Do I need fins for bodyboarding?<\/h3>\n<p>Not always in shallow water close to shore, but <a href=\"https:\/\/www.coastwatersports.co.uk\/body-boarding-flippers-fins-c-677_174_96.html\">bodyboarding fins<\/a> make a big difference once you&#8217;re out of your depth or chasing bigger waves. Use <a href=\"https:\/\/www.coastwatersports.co.uk\/bodyboard-leashes-tethers-c-677_174_792.html\">fin tethers<\/a> so you don&#8217;t lose them.<\/p>\n<h2>Ready To Start Bodyboarding?<\/h2>\n<p>Explore our range of beginner and performance bodyboards designed for all ages and skill levels.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.coastwatersports.co.uk\/bodyboards-c-677_174.html\">Shop Bodyboards &amp; Bodyboarding Equipment<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>What Is Bodyboarding? Pros, Cons &amp; How To Get Started Bodyboarding is one of the easiest and most exciting ways&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":724,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[17],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-723","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-bodyboarding-tips-and-tricks"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v28.7 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Bodyboarding Pros &amp; Cons: Is a Bodyboard Right for Beginners?<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Pros and cons of bodyboarding vs cheap beach boards, what kit you need (board, leash, fins), and where to buy a proper beginner bodyboard.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" 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minutes"},"schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/www.coastwatersports.co.uk\/blog\/thinking-of-taking-up-bodyboarding-we-discuss-the-pros-and-cons\/#article","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.coastwatersports.co.uk\/blog\/thinking-of-taking-up-bodyboarding-we-discuss-the-pros-and-cons\/"},"author":{"name":"Dave Stubbs","@id":"https:\/\/www.coastwatersports.co.uk\/blog\/#\/schema\/person\/a2b1b86eb487ec8da24e5878459f4a6f"},"headline":"Bodyboarding Guide: How To Start + Choosing the Right 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