Bodyboarding is a fun and adventurous sport that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. It’s great for first-timers yet challenging for skilled bodyboarders.
Regardless of your skill level, there are a few things that you need to have for your next bodyboarding session — an ultra-stable bodyboard, quality and durable fins, and a high-quality bodyboard leash.
When surfing, you’ll need to make sure your board can outlast any kind of rough water that you bounce around. It needs to be tough enough to endure pounding waves and sharp coral reefs. A good board will also need to be waterproof and have been engineered to be as lightweight as possible.
The best bodyboards on the market are designed to withstand the most ferocious of ocean waves. However, the best ones are also lightweight and can be transported in the most convenient of ways. It’s important to choose a board with high-quality fins which are extremely durable and can provide the practised bodyboarder with excellent control in the water.
The best bodyboards prefer boneless designs than those with inflatable pontoons. The reason is that boneless bodyboards are durable, are easy to transport, and provide excellent maneuverability in the water, which is especially great for beginners.
Here is a list of recommended bodyboards for the year 2022.
| Name | Category | Product |
|---|---|---|
| Morey Mach 7 42" Bodyboard | Best Overall |  |
| BPS Storm Bodyboard | Budget Pick |  |
| Hubboards Bodyboard Dubb Pro Plus Polypropylene | Upgrade Pick |  |
1. Morey Mach 7 42" Bodyboard
The first and most important consideration you should make when considering buying bodyboards is if you will be using it in waves or on flat water.
Boards for flatwater conditions are better suited to exercise and are made to float higher than those to used for facing whitecapping waves. Bodyboards can be as small as 24 inches long up to as long as 44 inches.
The consistency of the bodyboard will also affect how easy it is to learn to stand up. A board with soft rails is easier to balance with than those with a harder rubber.
2. BPS Storm Bodyboard
3. Hubboards Bodyboard Dubb Pro Plus Polypropylene
BPS is a solid brand in the bodyboarding scene, known for their durable products for those more extreme bodyboarders out there. This beater bodyboard is great for those who’re looking for board that can handle some kicks and hits without breaking your bank.
This board is great for cruising down the beach with friends, or even practicing your technique out in the ocean waves. It comes with a good amount of traction, built into the deck to give you good grip, even on wet and slick surfaces. The deck has a nice curve to it that is comfortable to grab, and it fits well in your hands while you’re standing on it.
The Hubboards Bodyboard Dubb Pro Plus Polypropylene (Polypro) has a good weight to it, which allows you to ride standing up without having to worry about being knocked over in the waves. This board does come with some flaws, the biggest of which being the traction tape wearing away.
4. California Board Company Switch Bodyboard
Pros:
- You get to set it up however you want it
- The board has three fins, two at the far end and an extra in the middle.
- It has plenty of max capacity
- The Australian-made board looks pretty sleek too
- It is a four fin, four top tube design for additional options and stability,
- It has a pivot fin box, so it’s easy to add or remove the fin
- This black board has a nice, clean finish
Cons:
- There is no carrying handle. This is a significant drawbacks as it does make it a bit more difficult to lug around.
- It is a little short, giving some folks a less comfortable ride
- The boards are a bit on the heaviness side
- The board is also a bit heavier than other body boards, but that largely depends on what you are using it for.
- The California Board Company Switch Bodyboard (42-Inch), is a comfortable and functional body board designed to give you a great ride, while being made with comfortable and durable materials
5. Custom X Titan XPE Crescent Tail Bodyboard
Pros:
- Very rigid
- Excellent traction and grip
- Stable for both children and adults
- Comfortable carrying strap
- Very affordable
Cons:
- The grip tape is very thin … but the brand new texture is great
- The brand is slightly over-rated. It’s not the most trusted brand out there in the industry.
The Custom X Titan is a strong and durable bodyboard. It has a rigid design, a great coverage area, and great traction for a low price. Plus, it comes in three different colors – green, yellow, and purple. This bodyboard is perfect for beginners because it’s very sturdy and comes with a comfortable carrying strap.
We did test this bodyboard from Custom X, and it felt great in the waves. The traction is also great which is great for stability. The bottom is also good, thanks to its smoothness and grip. Its stability is also great; the center is very much stable and it helps keep you from falling off.
The only downside to this bodyboard is the traction tape itself, which is a little too thin. The new texture, however, is very fine and provides a lot of grip. It also feels very comfortable on your skin.
6. THURSO SURF DuoSlider 45'' Bodyboard
Pros:
- DURABLE SUPER: Quality EPS Core with IXPE deck and HDPE slick bottom surface for a smooth glide through the water resistant to abrasion and impact
PRECISION CRAFTED WITH A ROBUST BODYBOARD: Handles on each end provide solid grip, comfortably sits two adults up to 285 lbs.. PRECISION CRAFTED WITH A ROBUST BODYBOARD: Handles on each end provide solid grip, comfortably sits two adults up to 285 lbs..
SECURE FASTENING LATCH: A latch is conveniently located under the bodyboard deck to secure the ropes and carabiner. SECURE FASTENING LATCH: A latch is conveniently located under the bodyboard deck to secure the ropes and carabiner.
PREMIUM BOARD TO BOARD LEASH: Includes two quick release double swivels bodyboard leashes for safety and comfort PREMIUM BOARD TO BOARD LEASH: Includes two quick release double swivels bodyboard leashes for safety and comfort
7. Mike Stewart Science Bodyboard Style Loaded MS Channels Polypropylene
Pros:
- Made in the USA
- Less buoyant than on other bodyboards; may hold waves longer
- Comes with a leash
Cons:
- The MS Science bodyboard has a very permanent design, so it may not be as good as a longboarding bodyboard
- Available in colors like neoprene or camo
The MS Science bodyboard is full Polypro with channels for lightening the load. It provides a vee out the back to lengthen your ride as well. It has a good feel around the nose to help improve your out of the turtle ride. It has a pretty much permanent crescent tail design; so, it may not be as good for longboarding as it could be, but it does have a leash and comes in several colors.
8. Lucky Bums Body Board
Pros:
- Great quality for the price
- Comes with additional accessories: hand grip, board leash, and carrying bag
- Ability to fold the board is unique
Cons:
- The fins are small
- Only available in one color
The Lucky Bums Body Board is a great introduction to the world of body boarding. Like many of today’s bodyboards, the Lucky Bums is a hybrid design that incorporates the ability to fold.
Reviewers report that the Lucky Bums is great for use by teens and adults. The board has a nice profile that many boarders appreciate.
The bodyboard also features a slick bottom. This is what separates it from some other models, which feature grooved bottoms.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What are the best bodyboards?
Bodyboards are the easiest boards to ride. They let you conquer big waves and strong current without feeling as a victim. Bodyboards are used by beginners, so they can also serve as a training tool for more advanced boards. They are particularly good for ages 10-15, but most beginner bodyboarders don’t grow out of them at all.
Bodyboards are great for learning how to ride waves. They help you build the skills you need to master more advanced boards. You can even get creative with these boards and learn how to stand up for a brief time in the waves.
Some bodyboards are extremely lightweight and portable. This is good for those who regularly travel and prefer to take their boogie board along. Bodyboards with a center fin are the most popular and coveted by beginners.
What is the best brand of boogie boards?
There are two main names in the bodyboard world: Boogie Board and Morey. They share a similar style in bodyboard construction and have similar price points, but we'll get into specifics later.
Boogie Board is a well established name. They're doubling down in this industry, creating a semi-permanent retail presence in many retail stores. They're using their brand recognition to their advantage to increase sales.
But don't be fooled. Morey is not just a discount brand trying to make a quick buck off of other people's designs. Morey is the veritable Michael Jordan of bodyboards. The Morey brand has been around for years, and it's highly regarded by surfers for quality boards and constant innovation.
How do I pick the right bodyboard?
Bodyboards offer an excellent way to enjoy the water and get a great workout, all at a low cost. Not surprisingly, it is not hard for beginners to get overwhelmed with the amount of choices on the market. We've taken the guesswork out of this task by reviewing the top 8 best bodyboards on the market.
So how do you choose the right bodyboard for you? Start by thinking about how you will be using the bodyboard. Are you trying to ride waves in the ocean or do you just need it as water recreational equipment? Is physical fitness your focus or do you want to simply relax in the waves? Below is a quick synopsis to better help you decide:
For more information about the 4 bodyboard types: click here.
How do I make my boogie board better?
Check out the hundreds of recommendations and make your board your own! Remember to only use equipment that was made for surfing. Never use anything that is made for a boat or a jet ski because any extra weight on your boogie board can make it sink.
Conclusion
We have reviewed a number of body boards and have determined that there are a few winners out there. Of course, the number one best bodyboard for your needs is going to depend on your preference and how much you are willing to spend. The more you spend the higher quality the board possesses the latest features and technology that will give you a better surfing experience. If you plan to surf in a variety of locations an inflatable bodyboard will serve you well. You will find a top 8 list with the best and highest rated body boards that we have tested and recommended on this page.
Our Recommendation
| Name | Category | Product |
|---|---|---|
| Morey Mach 7 42" Bodyboard | Best Overall | |
| BPS Storm Bodyboard | Budget Pick | |
| Hubboards Bodyboard Dubb Pro Plus Polypropylene | Upgrade Pick | |