Boogie boards are a great way to enjoy the waves and water when you go to the beach. They’re simple to use even if you don’t know how to surf, and they’re not just for kids either! If you want to add a bit of excitement to your swimming experience, a boogie board is the way to go.
Sound like something you want to try? Here’s what you need to know to pick the best boogie boards for you and your family.
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Choosing the right size
When choosing a boogie board, you need to think about who is going to use it because the board should be chosen according to that person’s weight and height.
As explained by SurferToday the best boogie board is usually one that levels your belly button. However, if you are planning on riding small to medium waves, you can also choose one that ends an inch or so below your navel. The width of your boogie board will be determined by your weight. If you’re on the heavier side, pick a wider board as it will give you better floatation and buoyancy.
Check out this handy bodyboard size chart to determine exactly the right size of your perfect boogie board.
Picking a core material
Boogie boards generally have one of three core materials: polyethylene foam (PE), polypropylene foam (PP), or expanded polystyrene (EPS).
The Bodyboard Depot explains that PE is the most common core used for heavy duty or professional boogie boards. Although this material is heavier than PP, it is more flexible and offers more control; PE is great for cooler waters.
PP boards are good for use in warm water. These boards are lighter and stronger than PE boogie boards, which means they offer a faster ride and extra speed coming out of a turn. Although this may sound appealing, a PP board will be difficult to ride in colder water as it doesn’t have the necessary flexibility.
Generally, PE boards are good for casual or beginner riders, whereas PP is the preferred board type for performance riders.
In addition, many boogie boards that are designed for general beach use come with EPS cores. This foam is stiff but lightweight and offers good buoyancy and flex, which makes it a great beginner board. Think about what you would like to use the board for to decide between these options.
Other features you should think about
In addition to the material the boogie board is made of, boogie boards generally have a range of other design features, each with their own function.
To choose the best boogie board you need to know what these are and how they will impact your riding experience. Here is a list of the most important design features you need to be aware of.
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Stringers
Stringers are added to modern bodyboards to add strength to the core. A stringer is a tube or rod made from carbon fiber or fiberglass that runs through the board’s core.
A stringer will make your board last longer and will help you move faster. For cooler water, a single stringer is enough; however, you can get boogie boards with two or even three stringers. Some manufacturers are also experimenting with oval stringers that help maintain recoil in any direction.
In short, the more stringers used, the stiffer and more durable the board will be.
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Tail
The tail of the boogie boards is the last exit point for water leaving the bottom of the board. Most modern boogie board tails have either a crescent or bat shape.
The Bodyboard Depot notes that the crescent design is the most common. This design forms a wide U shape, which puts more of your body in contact with the water’s surface. This design is great for beginners as it offers more control. It also makes it easier for you to position your hips on the back of the board to catch waves, and is comfortable when you paddle out behind waves.
The bat tail resembles the shape of a bat, thus the name. This type of tail is best suited to heavier riders or those who want to ride smaller waves. This design provides more lift toward the back of the board, which will give you more speed and maneuverability with less drag. You might find the bulb at the back uncomfortable to lie on at first, but it is in fact a very functional design, especially if you’re looking to create speed.
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Nose
The front/top part of a boogie board is called the nose. The nose’s width will affect the board’s maneuverability. Wider boards between 11 and 13 inches will be more stable, whereas a narrower board with a rounded nose that measures up to 10 inches will be looser and easier to maneuver.
Basically, if the board’s nose is wide, it will be more stable but you won’t be able to go as fast, whereas when the nose is narrower, you will have increased speed but you might struggle to control your board.
Another feature you can look out for is nose bulbs, or finger grips on the bottom of the board. These grips increase finger and hand control and increase the strength of the boogie board’s nose.
If you’re planning on taking some heavy drops, this is a great feature to have.
These are only the high-level features you need to be aware of; boogie boards can come with many more. However, if you’re looking for a boogie board to use recreationally, the information above is more than enough to make an informed decision.
Now that you know what the different parts of boogie boards do, you’re ready to start looking at some board options. Here are some we’d recommend.
STORM Bodyboard by BPS
This boogie board comes in three colors and various sizes. You can choose between 33-, 37-, and 41-inch sizes. The boogie boards are priced between $40 and $50, depending on the size you choose, and come in a pack that also includes a bodyboard leash and a set of fin tethers to secure your swim fins. The board has an EPS core and a crescent tail.
What we liked:
- The board is very sturdy, which provides great support while riding and makes it durable.
- The board’s leash is good quality so you don’t have to worry about the leash breaking and your board floating away in strong waves.
- The board manufacturer provides a sizing chart to help you pick exactly the right size board so you don’t have to worry about it being too big or small when you order.
What we didn’t like:
- If the boogie board is left in the sun it will get bubbles on the surface; however, this can be prevented by keeping it out of the sun when not in use.
- If you use this board extensively (every day of a 2-week holiday, for example) you will start to see some wear at the end of it.
‘Beach Attack Pack’ – WAVE WEAPON Super Lightweight Body-board by Own the Wave
This board comes in three different colors––blue, green and pink––and three sizes––33, 37, and 41 inches. Selling for between $40 and $50, depending on the size, this board is light and features a high-speed slick bottom surface. It has an EPS core and a crescent tail and comes with a premium leash to attach the board to your arm so it doesn’t float away.
What we liked:
- The board is light so it’s easy to carry around the beach, but still sturdy enough not to break when you use it.
- The board’s slick plastic bottom enables you to ride waves faster and further.
- The board’s leash is very secure, so you never have to worry about losing the board. The leash also has a plastic bungee cord design, which means it won’t get wrapped around your arm causing pain.
What we didn’t like:
- If this board is left in the sun the foam top will form bubbles.
- This board is better for children; if someone of around 80 lbs or heavier rides it, it may start to bend.
- The board’s glue is not that strong and will start to come loose after a couple of weeks of use.
California Board Company Switch Bodyboard
This board is ideal for kids or teenagers under 5’2″ and 125 lbs. It comes in different sizes and is priced at $30 to $55 depending what size you choose. The board has a CBC straight polyurethane leash and nylon wrist strap. The bottom skin is made of high-density polyethylene and is slick to allow for greater speed.
What we liked:
- The board’s smooth bottom makes it glide on the water easily and allows riders to move across the waves with greater speed.
- The boards’ colors are very bright, which will help you spot your kids in the ocean.
- This board is sturdy and good quality, so if taken care of, it can easily last the entire summer.
- It is really lightweight so kids can carry it easily.
What we didn’t like:
- The board’s leash is not very strong, so it might break if you use it in serious waves.
- If left in the sun your board will soon have bubbles on the top.
- Some kids may find the board’s top surface a bit rough, so if they have sensitive skin they’d have to wear a t-shirt while using it.
Wave Rebel Malaga Bodyboard, 42″
This board, priced between $40 and $80, is designed for a beginner rider. It has an EPs core and a pro-slick bottom with a crescent tail. It comes with a double-swivel straight urethane leash. It’s recommended for people between 5’4″–6’0″ and 120–180 lbs.
What we liked:
- This board is very sturdy and will hold up well if people weighing up to 200 lbs use it.
- The board is quite durable and won’t bend, even if you use it in strong waves.
- The board’s foam is lightweight, which means that carrying it to the beach and from your seating spot to the water won’t be a hassle.
What we didn’t like:
- This board’s cord is not that durable, so it may come loose if attached to your arm in strong waves. Some adults may also find the cord a bit too short to be comfortable.
- The board’s color design may fade or wash off after a couple of weeks in the water.
- If left in the sun the board’s surface will bubble, making it a bit uncomfortable to use. However, this does not make it unusable as the bubbles go down again when the board is in water.
Younger 41 inch Super Bodyboard with IXPE deck
Selling for around $50, this board has an EPS core and heat lamination technology. It is lightweight but still strong and durable. It has a high-density polyurethane super-slick bottom and a crescent tail. It is water resistant and comes in bright blue or red. The pack includes a pro-quality leash with a wristband to keep your board nearby.
What we liked:
- This board is great to travel with as it is very light. Carrying it to the beach and to the water is no effort at all.
- The slick bottom enables you to ride waves faster and for longer, which makes the experience a lot of fun.
- This board holds up really well, even for adults weighing around 200 lbs.
What we didn’t like:
- The top of the board can be a bit slippery, which may cause you to slide off.
- The wrist strap is not incredibly durable and may come loose if the board is used in rough waves.
- The board dents quite easily so you should refrain from putting objects down on it, or storing it pressed against another object.
When choosing a boogie board you have to consider who will be using it and how tough they will be on the board. While a less sturdy board might work fine for a child, an adult will want to ride harder and will likely need a more durable board.
If you’re looking to buy a boogie board for a child or teenager, we’d recommend the California Board Company Switch Bodyboard; however, if you’re buying one for an adult, we’d suggest the STORM Bodyboard by BPS. The STORM bodyboard is perfect for people going on holiday who want a practical boogie board at an affordable price.
Before you order, remember to use a chart like this one to determine the right size board for you. A board that is too big or small will just lead to hours of frustration instead of the hours of fun you’re hoping for. Happy shopping!