Looking for something different to spend the summer in? Craving an activity that’s both adventurous and thrilling? Well, you can try bodyboarding! Some of you may imagine it as a difficult aquatic sport. But in reality, it’s a pretty fun water game. The key is to take it slow. Make sure you understand all the basic stuff before learning how to catch waves. And most importantly, only use gear specifically designed for first-timers. And to help you find the right one, we’ve compiled a list of some of the best bodyboards for beginners available on the market.
How to Choose the Best Bodyboard for Beginners
Picking one among the tens or even hundreds of best bodyboard for beginners out there’s definitely not an easy task. Therefore, make sure you have a few parameters or attributes to check when browsing the market or e-commerce pages. See if the product is made with quality materials, what features do they offer, whether they have a warranty policy or not, and so on. To help you decide, here we have some useful tips on choosing the best bodyboard for beginners.
Size
As much as possible, try to choose the best bodyboard for beginners that suits your height and weight. A small board would’ve been easier to maneuver around, but it was a trade-off with less balance. To get the right size, try to stand up straight. Measure the distance between your belly button and the surface. You can also measure the distance between your chin and knees. Then calculate the average of the two for a more accurate estimate.
Material
Material is also a crucial factor that must be taken into account before picking the best bodyboard for beginners. Most of the gear out there is made of Polyethylene foam aka PE. This material is durable yet lightweight, making it ideal as a core for outdoor equipment. Other manufacturers may use Polypropylene foam – a newer, lighter material that offers more flexibility. However, it’s also more costly, so it will most likely affect the retail price of the bodyboard.
Design
In a bodyboard, the design is more than just appearance. It determines how well the board will perform on the water. First of all, you can pay attention to the tail. Most boards carry the popular ‘crescent’ shape for stability. There are also some boards that use a ‘bat’ tail design. These are usually more geared towards experienced riders. Next, take a closer look at rails. It’s located on the lower edge of the board. You may pick between a 50/50 or 60/40 configuration. Beginners are advised to choose the latter since it offers better stability and control.
Morey Big Kahuna 44’
13
Coming in at 44 inches, the Morey Big Kahuna is the largest best bodyboard for beginners you can find on the market. More than just excellent performance, this beast is designed to provide a long-lasting surf experience. The core construction is made of rigid EPS foam and reinforced with a Power Rod Stringer – making it a solid outdoor gear.
With its ultra-wide dimensions, the Morey Big Kahuna will be the perfect tool for beginners who’re just learning to ride the waves. It’s perfect for finding balance and giving a rider a sense of control while on the water. We also highly recommend this board for intermediate surfers because the construction is durable enough to withstand medium-sized waves.
Priced at around 150 bucks, the Morey Big Kahuna is available in several color options. Apart from the polyethylene core body, there aren’t many additional features here. The tail uses a crescent shape to provide a lot of control, while the rails are quite durable. If you’re a beginner and looking for a fine board to learn to ride waves, this could be a great option.
What We Love
A bodyboard with extra width, perfect for beginners.
Pros:
- Extra-wide dimensions
- EPS foam
- Power Rod Stringer
- PE core
Cons:
- Probably not suitable for elite riders
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BPS Storm Bodyboard (404)
12
A little tight on budget? No need to worry because there are lots of affordable options that you can find on the market. But to save you from all the hassles, we’ve picked the one that’s right for you. Introducing the BPS Storm Bodyboard. This surfing gear is wildly priced at 75 bucks only! Even better, you’ll still get some extras like a premium coiled leash and swim fin tethers. Sweet!
Speaking of construction quality, BPS Storm Bodyboard can compete with other boards that are marketed at higher prices. It has a slick bottom surface to give you a quick pace without much drag over the water surface. Its core part is made of the popular EPS foam. There are also bottom rear channels to guarantee an impeccable wave-riding experience. And lastly, there’s a crescent-shaped tail that’s been designed in a way to provide better overall control.
The BPS Storm Bodyboard is the most pocket-friendly best bodyboard for beginners you can find on the market. For less than 80 bucks, you’ll get an incredible boogie board. The performance is simply excellent for the price and the build quality doesn’t disappoint either. It’s also available in several exciting color variants. If you don’t want to shell out big bucks for your water sports experience, this gear would be a great alternative.
What We Love
An incredible and pocket-friendly bodyboard.
Pros:
- EPS core
- Crescent tail
- Slick bottom surface
- Includes premium leash
Cons:
- Doesn’t offer high maneuverability
Own The Wave ‘Beach Attack Pack’
11
If you value high portability and more agile control, you’ll love Own the Wave ‘Beach Attack Pack’. It’s the best bodyboard for beginners that comes with a lightweight. But don’t let that fool you because, on the inside, this board has a super-durable EPS core. It’s further reinforced with a heat-laminated IXPE deck to absorb hard shocks and provide extra toughness. Furthermore, the surface of this board is also resistant to almost all weather conditions. Whether it’s a sunny day or a cloudy day, Own the Wave will let you glide effortlessly over the water like a dolphin!
One part we love most about Own the Wave ‘Beach Attack Pack’ is the bottom. It uses HDPE slick material which makes the board feel even more rigid. The same material will also reduce drag drastically when you slide over the ocean, providing maximum acceleration. You’ll have no trouble doing various kinds of maneuvers while on this excellent board.
Overall, Own the Wave ‘Beach Attack Pack’ would be the perfect board for beginners and first-timers alike. It has all the features you need for a great experience on the ocean. Furthermore, the pack includes some extras such as a wrist leash, fin tethers, and a user manual. This board is also available in three types of sizes, so you can choose based on your needs and body proportions.
What We Love
Bodyboard for beginners that offers high maneuverability.
Pros:
- HDPE slick bottom
- EPS core
- Heat-laminated IXPE deck
- Extra leash and fin tethers
Cons:
- Not for those looking for greater balance
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Morey Mach 11 (CU)
10
Unlike the previous Own the Wave, the Morey Mach 11 Tube Rail is designed to provide greater stability. It features an EPS foam core that presents an extremely sturdy gear. Meanwhile, the combination of the IXPE deck and pro slick bottom offers a better glide. You should be able to get a smooth ride using this lightweight board.
The Morey Mach 11 Tube Rail is the best bodyboard for beginners with a crescent-shaped tail. That means you’ll get a significant increase in flexibility over the ocean. Crafted with a thoughtful design, this board promises years of a memorable surfing experience. It’s rigid and feathery, doesn’t disappoint in the performance department, and is offered at a fairly affordable price.
Another highlight of the Morey Mach 11 Tube Rail is its excellent grip system. It locks your feet onto the plank like a velcro! Achieve a different level of balance. Find your confidence quickly using this excellent plank. Within no time, you’ll find yourself gliding and spinning over the sea effortlessly – just like an elite rider! Seriously, you might find it hard to find a better bodyboard than this on the market.
What We Love
A bodyboard designed to provide the ultimate balance.
Pros:
- IXPE deck
- Pro Slick Bottom
- Crescent tail
- Affordable
Cons:
- Leash not included
Thurso Surf Lightning Bodyboard
9
Thurso may not be the most well-known brand on the market, but they actually have some great products. One of them is the Thurso Surf Lightning Bodyboard. This Boogieboard offers a beginner-friendly design. It was formed with a focus on delivering effortless and smooth rides, rather than exceptional performance. But that doesn’t mean you can’t pull off some maneuvers with this board. Just remember that this board is designed with balance in mind.
The main construction of the Thurso Surf Lightning Bodyboard is made using high-density polyethylene, aka HDPE. This makes a board that’s not only lightweight but also tough. Meanwhile, at the bottom, you will get a slick surface. This will allow you to glide rapidly over the water surface with minimal resistance. Furthermore, the Thurso deck uses heat-laminated IPXE foam. This is to prevent delamination, a problem that often arises after repeated use of the board under constant pressure.
For freebies, Thurso includes a leash that has a high flexibility angle. In addition, there’s a special bag for easy transport and storage. They didn’t mention anything about the warranty. But from what we hear, most users are satisfied with this board and highlight its robustness. So if you haven’t found the best bodyboard for beginners that fits your needs, consider this one.
What We Love
A forgiving and balance-focused boogie board.
Pros:
- HDPE core
- Heat-laminated IPXE foam
- Includes a leash and travel bag
- Slick bottom
Cons:
- Less maneuverability
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GoPlus Super Bodyboard (404)
8
Create an extraordinary summer experience. Learn how to ride the waves and have hours of fun while on the ocean. Do it using a perfect bodyboard, just like the GoPlus Super Bodyboard! It’s the best bodyboard for beginners offering high buoyancy and durability. The main body is made of lightweight yet rigid EPS foam. Meanwhile, at the bottom, you’ll find high-density PE material for optimal pace. We also love the fact that the board uses a 60/40 rail configuration, which offers superb control and maneuverability – perfect for first-timers.
The GoPlus Super Bodyboard is available in various shapes and colors. You can choose between the 33, 37, or 41-inch type, depending on your body proportions. As for the color, there are several choices of bright tones and exciting patterns. Kids will definitely love to ride on this board. Further, the pack includes some handy freebies. There’s a leash to keep the board close to your body after a massive wipeout. You’ll also find a convenient, built-in leash mount here.
Another thing that’s no less important from a bodyboard is the warranty. Fortunately, GoPlus Super Bodyboard doesn’t fail in this department. They offer an excellent limited lifetime warranty. In case you receive a defective unit or aren’t satisfied with the board’s performance, just send it back and you’ll get a replacement unit/full refund in no time. So you can buy this board with complete confidence, knowing that your satisfaction is fully guaranteed!
What We Love
A bodyboard that’s available in bright colors. Fun to use and great for kids.
Pros:
- HDPE bottom
- EPS foam core
- 60/40 rail
- Exciting design
Cons:
- Travel bag not included
GYN Trade Legendary Pro X Bodyboard
7
With a wide range of sizes and types, GYN Legendary will always have something for every family member. Designed specifically for beginners, this bodyboard features a crescent tail and a slick bottom. You should be able to pull off a few simple tricks in no time on this board. In the construction department, GYN uses materials that have become prime standards in the surfing industry. There’s an EPS foam core to ensure durability and high buoyancy, a heat-sealed surface to prevent bubbling, and a top part made of Expanded Polyethylene Foam (EPE) to create a solid construction.
GYN Legendary is available in sizes 33 to 45 inches. Anyone between three and six feet tall should be able to find a board that suits their style. In addition, the purchase package includes a leash. This will save you the hassle of chasing your board after a massive bomb or wipeout. Unfortunately, GYN doesn’t include a travel bag or fin tethers – two common accessories that usually come in the packages of most bodyboards.
To conclude, GYN Legendary is a solid best bodyboard for beginners. It has excellent construction quality and is available in many sizes. Getting a smooth, easy ride won’t be difficult on this board. If you’re interested in trying out fun water sports in the summer, this gear could be an interesting choice.
What We Love
A bodyboard available in a wide range of sizes.
Pros:
- EPS foam core
- EPE material
- Available in a variety of sizes
- Leash included
Cons:
- Doesn’t come with travel bag and fin tethers
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Woowave Bodyboard (CU)
6
Controls are the main feature in Woowave Bodyboard. This is the best bodyboard for beginners specifically designed to give each rider maximum drive on the water. It features several high-grade components to ensure an incomparable wave-riding experience. Furthermore, the 60/40 rail configuration offers an enjoyable ride on most wave types. Meanwhile, for a lightning-fast pace, Woowave uses proven EVA material on the surface.
When it comes to construction, Woowave Bodyboard carries a praiseworthy standard of quality. It has an EPS core and a slick bottom surface which features HDPE material. The combination of the two produces a board that is durable and rigid, as well as providing high buoyancy and constant acceleration. Apart from that, it also comes with leg ropes to keep the board attached to your feet at all times. It’ll save you a lot of time when you fall over, which (believe us) will definitely happen a lot if you’re a beginner.
Woowave bodyboards are available in three different sizes. You may pick between 33, 37, and 42-inch types. Additionally, there’s a wide range of colors and designs to choose from. We ourselves really like the yellow one, since it stands out over the sea – making it easy to spot. In addition, Woowave also includes a one-year warranty with every purchase. If your board is damaged, contact customer service, and they’ll replace it with a new one for free!
What We Love
A bodyboard for beginners that offers optimal drive.
Pros:
- EPS foam
- EVA surface
- 60/40 rails configuration
- HDPE material
Cons:
- Travel bag sold separately
Rai Ying Bodyboard (CU)
5
Durability should always be a major concern when choosing a bodyboard. That’s why we choose to recommend the Rai Ying Bodyboard. This is the best bodyboard for beginners that features a PP hard bottom plate and an IXPE non-slip foam front. These two materials make a boogie board that’s not only strong but also durable. In addition, Rai Ying also uses EPS core for extra toughness.
Just like any standard bodyboard, the Rai Ying Bodyboard also includes expanded polystyrene or EPE components. This element is said to be able to prevent surfers from suffering severe injuries, especially for beginners who have recently learned to ride waves. Furthermore, EPE also makes the board significantly lighter. You’ll have no trouble carrying this around, especially when traveling – making it a must-carry for your next tropical adventure in Phuket or Bali!
One more thing that we want to highlight from the Rai Ying Bodyboard is the body panels. This section is claimed to be suitable for both kids and adults. In other words, for only about 80 bucks you can get a boogie board that the whole family can use. Quite convenient if you don’t plan on shelling out too much money. Enjoy hours of fun on the beach, river, or pool. Get a memorable water sports experience with your kids!
What We Love
A bodyboard specifically designed for beginners.
Pros:
- EPS core
- IXPE non-slip foam
- PP hard bottom
- Wrist included
Cons:
- Offers less maneuverability
BIGTREE Bodyboard
4
BIGTREE Bodyboard is a surf gear that promises a great experience on the water. The Boogie board is designed with aerodynamic technology which allows the rider to have high agility. Packed in a smart design, BIGTREE will give you a smooth, fast, and responsive ride. Furthermore, the front part is made slightly wide to make it easier for you to slice all those kahunas.
The 40 bucks you spent on BIGTREE Bodyboard won’t go to waste because this surfing gear is made with high-grade materials. The EPS Core ensures a rigid and lightweight main construction while providing high buoyancy. Get even more active while you ride this incredible plank! Furthermore, for added protection, they also add no less than two wooden stringers. No matter what the wave conditions are, this board will last – not just for a day, but for years!
The BIGTREE Bodyboard package also includes a leg rope. Surf safely, with the board always attached to your feet. Prevent the boogie board from floating away after a bomb or causing any harm to yourself or others at high speed. Overall, this is a satisfying best bodyboard for beginners. It has the right dimensions and price range. Make sure to get one while it’s available.
What We Love
An approachable bodyboard for first-timers.
Pros:
- Aerodynamic design
- Square tail
- EPS core
- Wooden stringers
Cons:
- The included leash wasn’t that great
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ZEFR Fusion Bodyboard (CU)
3
ZEFR Fusion Bodyboard is a work of love and passion for surfing. This incredible boogie board was created by a family company based on the coast of California. It’s designed to provide an enjoyable ride in almost any possible condition. Furthermore, this board also has great stiffness and rigidity. Get some blasts, aboard a surfing gear designed with a great knowledge of water sports.
We particularly like its thinner profile. This keeps the rails from feeling too spongy and thick. It almost even gives you a taste of the surfboard, but with the privilege of dropping in the late prone when needed. With dimensions up to 48 inches wide, this board is able to provide good buoyancy and is also easy to paddle. Anyone between 5 and 6 feet tall will have no trouble getting on this boogie board.
If there’s anything we have to complain about from the ZEFR Fusion Bodyboard, it’s the leash location. It’s awkwardly positioned; snag your fins and wrap around your feet. Maybe it would be much better if the leash was put on the nose. With that being said, ZEFR remains a solid best bodyboard for beginners. It has indestructible qualities and will hold for a very long time.
What We Love
A fun board. Perfect for learning to surf.
Pros:
- Tentacle Grip Traction
- PE Foam
- Waterlog proof
- One-piece construction compression
Cons:
- The quality of the leash could be better
Custom X Titan Bodyboard (CU)
2
The Custom X Titan is a bodyboard for beginners with lots of cool features. Let’s start with the rails. It’s got a 60/40 configuration, a golden ratio to give a great amount of grip – regardless of how wide the board is. And with a crescent-shaped design, you’ll experience slick maneuvers with responsive controls on this boogie board.
Next, we have a combination of Tight CellDeck with Wavecore PE foam inner core, which is reinforced with a graphic stringer. The deadly composition makes the Custom X Titan able to accommodate a variety of wave riding styles, without compromising performance at all. Once you master how to boogie board while lying down, move to the next level by trying the drop knee style. It’s one of the toughest styles to pull off in bodyboarding because it requires a lot of balancing. But that’s certainly not a problem with the Custom X Titan, a tough board with stiffened dual rails.
The X Titan Custom Package includes a coiled wrist leash. Keep the board attached to your feet despite all the action. Save yourself the hassle of retrieving him after being hit by a huge bomb. In conclusion, this is the best bodyboard for cool beginners, packed with a bunch of features, and definitely highly recommended to try.
What We Love
A board for beginners with tough construction.
Pros:
- Tight Cell Deck
- Wavecore PE foam
- Crescent Tail
- 60/40 rails configuration
Cons:
- Carrying case not included
Boogie Board by Lucky Bums (CU)
1
Boogie Board by Lucky Bums promises to present one of the toughest surfing gears on the market. And it seems they don’t fail to fulfill those words. This boogie board features a rigid and lightweight EPS core. It’s available in three sizes: 33, 37, and 41-inches. You may pick one based on the type of wave you want to tackle.
Thanks to the 60/40 rail configuration, Lucky Bums won’t let you down in the performance department. You’ll have no trouble doing some tricky maneuvers on this excellent board. What’s more, this boogie board has rear channels, allowing you to easily capture kahunas and have responsive turns at the same time.
Price-wise, this is the best bodyboard for beginners marketed at an affordable price tag. But that doesn’t mean they sacrifice a lot on the construction. Lucky Bums uses a durable EPS core with a standard above the average compared to other cheap bodyboards. Meanwhile, at the bottom, they use a slick polyethylene material to ensure constant speed and acceleration. Coupled with a lifetime warranty, this bodyboard is hard to resist. Especially if you don’t plan on shelling out a lot of money.
What We Love
An affordable bodyboard with premium construction.
Pros:
- EPS core
- 60/40 rail
- Rear channels
- Slick bottom
Cons:
- Not suitable for those who crave extra agility
