How to Buy a Bodyboard

A bodyboard is a rectangular piece of foam with a slick undercoating that's fast on the waves. Bodyboarding is a growing sport and can be a good transition into surfing. Follow a few steps to buy the right bodyboard for you.

Instructions

1. Think about your environment. Like other sporting equipment, bodyboards come in a number of shapes and sizes, each tailored to meet the requirements of different wave conditions. Think about where you will be bodyboarding to decide if you should buy a stiffer, longer or shorter board for your local swell.

2. Consider your level of seriousness. The bodyboard market carries models that begin at around $15 and ranges up to more than $100. Think about how often and how intensely you will be going out to ride the waves so you can invest in the right bodyboard.

3. Shop online. Online retailers like 662 Bodyboard and Bodyboard HQ offer excellent discounts, especially on last season's gear. Many of these websites also have customer care email addresses if you're seeking specifics on their products, so take advantage of the good prices and service.

4. Look for package deals. If you're looking to ride more serious waves or improve your bodyboard skills over time, it'll be worth your while to buy a rash guard and a pair of fins. Look for package deals that offer a discount on gear if you buy more than one bodyboard item.

5. Pay attention to style. While bodyboarders are used to catching a certain amount of flak from surfers in the water, there is no reason to make yourself susceptible to style attacks by riding a banana yellow or neon pink board. Look for cool and original designs on boards to keep your style in the water.