How to Dress to Go Bodyboarding

Bodyboarding is a thrilling water sport that predates surfing. The bodyboarder lies, stands or crouches on a short board and maneuvers it through the ocean to ride a wave as long as possible. Appropriate dress is essential to prevent rash, maintain warmth, obtain proper propulsion and protect from harmful ultraviolet sunrays.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Bodyboarding shorts
• Rash guard shirt
• Wetsuit
• Fin socks
• Fins
• Goggles
• Sunscreen
• Board leash
• Fin savers

1. Don bodyboarding shorts. These shorts fit tightly and have an elastic waistband to hold them snugly in place. They extend to mid-thigh or just above the knee. The fabric is water resistant and odor resistant.
2. Dress in a top that guards against rash. This protects the upper body from sunburn and irritation caused by lying on the board. The top is close fitting and contains high-tech, water-resistant fabric.
3. Wear a wetsuit when the water temperature is cold. This typically occurs when you bodyboard in the fall, winter and spring. Wetsuits are available in short or long versions for the arms and legs. They contain a rubber-like fabric that varies in thickness. Dress in a suit ranging from 2 to 5 mm for cold temperatures. When the water is extremely cold, dress in a 6-mm suit.
4. Slip on fin socks. These are usually made from water-resistant fabric. Proper bodyboarding dress requires socks to protect the feet from irritation caused by fins.
5. Pull on the fins. Select a style that is short and stiff, rather than lengthy and floppy. The short design makes kicking easier. It also decreases the chances of fin loss during bodyboarding. A shorter fin is also less likely to cause balance troubles on the board.
6. Protect your eyes with goggles. These block ultraviolet rays and keep out salt water. Most goggles have a coating that is scratch and fog resistant.

Tips & Warnings

• Apply sunscreen with a sun protection factor of 45 or greater. The water reflects sunlight, compounding the dangers of sun exposure during bodyboarding.
• Use a leash to connect the board to the wrist and prevent board loss.
• Use fin savers. These cords tie your fins to your ankles so you won't lose them if you fall off the board.