How to Boogie Board
If you think you’ve got what it takes to “boogie the waves”, then maybe you should try to go boogie boarding! Also known as bodyboarding, this is a type of wave riding which uses a small, rectangular hydrodynamic foam. Boogie boarding is as fun as surfing, but doing it’s a bit different.
What You’ll Need:
Bodyboard
Bodyboarding fins or flippers
Rashguard
Wax
Goggles
Procedure:
Get yourself a boogie board or bodyboard. Boards come in different shapes, depending on the user’s riding style, as well as his or her size. The size of your board depends on how tall you are, but ideally, it must come down to where your knees are when the top is at the same height as your head. If the boogie board is smaller, the more you’ll be able to turn it through. For additional security, get a board with a strap that can wrap around the wrist, so it won’t be lost.
boogie board
Find a good beach to boogie board. It’s better to find a beach with less crowds, so you won’t accidentally bump into anyone.
Wax your board. You can use the same type of wax used on surfboards. This will prevent and minimize slipping, so you won’t fall off. Also, wear a rashguard, to protect your chest, and goggles for your eyes. Slip on your flippers or fins.
Wade into the water, until you’re about waist deep. Lie down on boogie board, positioning yourself beyond the breaking waves. When you see a wave approach, start kicking towards the beach, so the wave propels you, instead of breaking. Put both your hands in front of the board.
Let the wave carry you. At this point, know whether you’re going to the right or left.
Reposition your hands. If you’re going left, put your right hand on the side of the board, while the right stays infront. If you’re going right, position your hands vice versa.
Pull your body up and over the board’s front, arching your back, so your chest is over the board’s front. Hold your head up high.
Using your outside hand, pull up on the board’s side, so the wave-side rail will dig into the wave’s face. This will stop you from sliding down.
Let go of the right rail, so you’ll slide down the face, then dig in again so you’ll ride up. When you go up and down the face, you build speed and control.
If you want to slow down, use your swimming fins. If not, just hold them up out of the water.
Some Tips:
Always have a companion while boogie boarding.
Never boogie board close to a rip tide.
Only boogie board in good weather.
Beach fun will never be the same if you know how to boogie board. Just follow these steps and boogie your way into the waves!