Do Body Boards Have Different Sizes?
Water sports like swimming, snorkeling, surfing and waterboarding are a great way to have fun outdoors. Bodyboarding forms the basis for more technical and thrilling sports like surfing. A body board differs from a surfboard due to its wider and shorter shape. The body board manufacturing industry has also evolved significantly since Tom Morey designed the Boogie Board in the early 1970s.
Body boards are produced keeping the technology, design and performance of the boards in mind. We’ve compiled some important details about body boards and their sizing to help you get one that is the perfect fit!
How Are Body Boards Made?
Body boards are considered to be small-sized surfboards. Their length ranges from 36 inches to approximately 44 inches. They have a foam core with a plastic bottom and remain stiff and flat when they’re relatively new. The core may be made of either polyethylene or polystyrene with a crosslink soft top. The bottom is usually made of high-quality polyethylene. This gives the board plenty of control and makes it easy to maneuver over waves.
So, how do these components come together? These are stuck together with glue and special air lamination procedures. The shape varies slightly since some boards have curves that are ideal for specific riding styles. For instance, a wide front just near the tip can be ideal for belly borders, while we have seen narrow designs for standing riders.
How Do You Measure a Body Board?
Body boards are usually measured in inches in length. The width varies with different designs. Body birds come in different sizes, based on height and waves.
Body Board Sizes and Height
Depending on your height, there are many different sizes of boards available. Here is a quick summary of how that works. If you are anywhere in between four and five feet, a 36-38 inch board is going to work fine. Similarly, a 40 inch board is recommended for an individual from 5.5 to 5.6 feet, followed by 40-42 inch boards for 5.7 to 6 feet, and so on.
The length of the board increases with your height and weight. Even if you are not sure about the exact measurement of the board, you can simply place your chin near the top of the board and it should reach somewhere around your knees to be a good fit.
Body Board Sizes and Waves
Did you know that the size and shape of your body board vary according to the types of waves you plan to swim on? The relationship is inversely proportional. So, for example, if you only body board on small waves, it’s best to invest in a larger board. Likewise, invest in smaller boards for larger waves for the utmost maneuverability and control on your board.
In a Nutshell
Having the right-sized board is essential for safe and adventurous waterboarding. If you purchase one that is too large or too small, it will most likely be dangerous because it will be difficult to control and steer in the waves. This is why you should always check the size, shape and dimensions of the product you plan to buy to ensure it is the perfect fit.