How to Bodysurf

Bodysurfing is the purest form of riding a wave—no board needed, just you and the ocean's energy! It's all about becoming a human hydroplane. However, bodysurfing with a handboard is a fantastic way to enhance your ride by increasing speed, lift, and control. The handboard acts like a mini surfboard for your hand, helping to reduce drag and keep you on the wave face for longer.


Here's a chill guide to get you gliding.

 

Step 1: Gear Up (Optional but Recommended)

You can literally bodysurf in just a swimsuit, but a couple of tools will make your life much easier, especially as a beginner:

  • Fins (Flippers): Highly recommended.  They give you the thrust and speed you need to catch the wave and keep you going. Look for a comfortable pair designed for swimming or bodysurfing (brands like DaFiN or Churchill are popular).
  • Handboard (or Handplane):  A small, board-like device worn on one hand. This is optional but awesome! It creates lift and stability, allowing you to skim across the water faster and ride longer.

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Step 2: Choose Your Spot & Wave

Start where the waves are friendly, and the water is shallow enough that you can still touch the bottom—this is the "whitewater zone."

  • Look for Whitewater:  Beginners should start on the foamy, already-broken part of the wave ( the “whitewater" ). This is where the wave's power is less intense but still enough to push you.
  • Observe:  Watch a few waves roll in. Notice which ones are giving riders the best pushes. You want waves that break cleanly and roll, rather than ones that "close out" all at once.
  • Safety First:  Always swim at a life-guarded beach, and be aware of any strong currents (rips).

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Step 3: The Takeoff (The Hardest Part!)

The key to a good ride is timing and speed.

  • Turn Your Back:   As a good wave approaches, turn your back to the shore and face the incoming wave.
  • Start Swimming:  When the wave is about 5-10 feet away and starting to lift you, start swimming hard toward the beach. Use a freestyle stroke, kicking like crazy to match the wave's speed.
  • The Launch:  As the wave's crest (the peak) is about to break right behind you and you feel the force of the water starting to push, give one final, strong kick/push-off from the sand (if you can still touch).

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Step 4: The Streamline Glide

Once the wave catches you, you need to turn your body into a sleek, low-drag torpedo!

  • Superman" Position: Quickly extend your leading arm (usually your dominant one) straight out in front of you. Your other arm can be at your side or also extended forward, hands stacked.
  • Point and Glide:  Keep your head down, tucked between your arms, and your body straight and stiff—like a plank.  Imagine your whole body is a surfboard. This  streamlined position minimizes drag and lets you glide.
  • Hydroplane: You want the water pressure to lift the top half of your body, allowing you to skim across the surface. If you have a handboard, plant it firmly on the water's surface to create extra lift.

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 Step 5: Steering and Control

To ride longer and travel across the face of the wave instead of just straight toward the beach:

  • Angle Your Body:  Gently angle your body diagonally across the wave face—not straight to the beach, but toward the breaking part of the wave.
  • Use Your Hand (or Handboard):  Pressing down slightly on your leading hand (or handboard) and the opposite hip will help you trim and steer along the wave face.
  • Keep Kicking (if needed):  On smaller waves, you might need to keep a gentle, steady flutter kick going to maintain speed. On powerful waves, you can usually stop kicking and just glide.

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Step 6: The Exit

The ride is over when the wave loses its energy and slows down, or you find yourself running into the sand.

  • Slow Down: As you near the end, you can soften your body, or simply turn onto your back or side to slow your momentum.
  • Protect Your Head: Always use your leading arm to shield your head as you come to a stop, just in case of any unexpected shallow water contact.
  • Smile! You just rode a wave with nothing but your own two hands and feet.

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Pro-Tip for Fun 

Once you get comfortable, try the "Dolphin Kick"! As the wave starts to lift you, use a powerful, undulating kick (like a dolphin) to propel yourself faster onto the wave face.