Die besten Bodyboards 2021? (Auswertung)

Along with surfboards, bodyboards are probably the most popular board for surfing. They are very beginner-friendly and you progress quickly. Ideal for everyone who wants to try a new sport on their next beach vacation.

This is how bodyboarding works properly:

BeyondSurfing shows you the most popular bodyboards in 2021 in comparison and explains which features you have to look out for when buying.

In a hurry? The winner after 11pm in the water:

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Why is it better?

• Good for beginners
• Low price
• Crescent Tail
• Channels

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These are the top 3 bodyboards in 2021

1st place: Mesle Bodyboard

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Summary

The Mesle Bodyboard is an entry-level bodyboard. The materials used are less high quality than bodyboards in a higher price range.

The crescent tail of the bodyboard and the two channels on the underside ensure good grip and control in the wave.

The surface is made of the material HDPE and is therefore quite prone to knocks and dents. The EPS core is quite robust for that.

The board is equipped with a leash. Since this only consists of a cord, you should definitely replace it with a higher quality leash.

Product details

Size: 107.5 cm | Tail: Crescent Tail | Deck: HDPE, Channels

Customer ratings

FAQ

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Platz 2: Osprey Bodyboard

Zusammenfassung

Das Osprey XPE Bodyboard eignet sich am besten für Anfänger, die ein günstiges Bodyboard zum Einstieg suchen. Leash und Leashplug sind bereits enthalten und müssen nicht erst extra angebracht werden.

Der Kern besteht aus EPS (LINK zu EPS Core im Kaufratgeber). Das Material ist zwar günstiger als Polyester, besitzt aber trotzdem sehr gute Auftrieb- und Flexeigenschaften. Ein guter Kompromiss für Menschen, die nicht gleich viel Geld ausgeben möchten.

Der EPS Kern ist außerdem sehr robust. Das macht das Bodyboard sehr langlebig. Kleinere Schläge, Stöße und Aufprälle können damit problemlos weggesteckt werden.

Die beiden Channels auf der Unterseite des Bodyboard sorgen zusammen mit dem Crescent Tail für mehr Stabilität und einer guten Kontrolle auf der Welle.

Die hier verwendeten Materialien sind weniger hochwertig, als bei Bodyboards in höheren Preisklassen. Trotzdem ist die Qualität und Verarbeitung für Anfänger mehr als ausreichend. Wer wirklich ambitioniert ist, der sollte allerdings zu einem hochwertigeren Bodyboard greifen.

Produktdetails

Größe: 42,5 inch | Tail: Crescent Tail | Deck: XPE, Channels

Kundenbewertungen

FAQ

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Platz 3: NMD Complex

Summary

The NMD Complex is the highest quality bodyboard in the range. Due to its high-quality materials, it is very robust and is very suitable for beginners and advanced users.

The core is made of polyethylene and the board has two stringers. These ensure good stability of the bodyboard and guarantee the necessary flex.

The top is also made of polyethylene and is provided with contours, which ensure a good grip on the board. The rails are made from Crosslink and are therefore more robust than rails made from conventional materials.

There are two channels on the bottom. The tail is a crescent tail. Thus, the bodyboard has a good hold in the wave and is easy to control.

In addition, the NMD Complex is equipped with so-called nose bulbs. This allows you to hold on to the bodyboard better and has more control.

The only disadvantage is the high price. If you compare the bodyboard with other high-quality bodyboards, the price is quite normal and more than justified.

Product details

Size: 41,42,43,44 and 45 inch | Tail: Crescent Tail | Deck: 8lb PE, Nose Bulbs, Channels, Crosslink Rails

Customer ratings

100% of all customers rate the product with four to five stars as good to very good.

The customers were very satisfied with this bodyboard. They praised the good quality, the low weight and the design with its bright colors.

This leads directly to the customer reviews » [/ mks_toggle]

FAQ

No, you also have to get a leash including plug, wax and fins. [/ mks_toggle]

Which bodyboard size do I need?

That depends on your height and weight. You can find more about this in the buying guide . [/ Mks_toggle]

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Bonus: Churchill Makapuu

The classic among the bodyboard fins

Summary

The Churchill Makapuu are the classic among the bodyboard fins. And since you should always use fins when bodyboarding, they should not be missing in the selection.

The fins are made of rubber and their shape is reminiscent of the tail fin of a dolphin. There is a hole on the bottom through which the water can drain.

Customer ratings

83% of all customers rate the product with four to five stars as good to very good.

The customers praised the good workmanship and the comfort of the fins. Customers also said that it is good for getting around in the water.

Around 11% are neutral about the product, while only 6% rate the product as defective and inadequate.

Customers have complained that the fins are not the right size for their feet, causing problems with use.

This leads directly to the customer reviews » [/ mks_toggle]

Bestsellers: The most popular bodyboards

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(**Letzte Aktualisierung am 16.04.2021.)

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Buying bodyboards:
how to make the right decision

The range on the bodyboard market is huge and the many different shapes and materials can quickly appear confusing at first glance.

But it gets better:

BeyondSurfing shows you all the important information to help you choose the right bodyboard.

What many people don’t know:

If the bodyboard does not suit the characteristics of its owner, the fun of sport quickly turns into frustration.

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Important bodyboard features and differences?When buying a bodyboard, you should definitely pay attention to the following features and properties:

• size
• Core
• Stringer
• deck
• Slick
• Shape

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Bodyboard size

Which bodyboard size is the right one?The size plays an important role in choosing the right bodyboard. The length of the bodyboard is particularly important. How long it has to be depends on the bodyboarder’s height and weight.

Why is size important?

• Too big a bodyboard: If the bodyboard is too big, you hit the bodyboard with your legs when moving in the water. This leads to problems when paddling out and paddling the wave. In addition, the bodyboard is much more difficult to control.
• A bodyboard that is too small: A bodyboard that is too small has too little buoyancy in relation to the weight of the rider. That makes it difficult to get ahead in the water, waves are just a lot harder to paddle at.

What role do large or small waves play in the selection?

• Big waves: If you want to bodyboard big waves with a lot of power, a small board is recommended. So there is more of the body in the water and the bodyboard can be better controlled.
• Small waves: A larger bodyboard is more suitable for small waves. The increased buoyancy makes it easier to get waves and the bodyboard is more stable in the water.

Note: The right size plays a crucial role in the water. Make sure you don’t buy your bodyboard too big or too small.

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Bodyboard core

Which bodyboard core is the best?The core is the core of the bodyboard. It forms the basis and around it are the other parts of the bodyboard. The material of the core has a big effect on how the board behaves in the water.

For the core, the water temperature, the type of waves and the body size play a role. Most cores consist of either:

1. Polypropylene (PP for short) or
2. Polyethylene (short PE)
3. Mix of PP and PE

1. Polypropylene core

A PP core is very stiff. The bodyboard changes its shape less in the wave, one speaks here of little flex.

In cold water (below 21 ° C) PP loses its flex. This makes the board extremely stiff and the rides can be uncomfortable or even uncontrollable.

The material is also light and robust. That is why bodyboards made from this material are fast on the wave and give you extra speed after turns.

Conclusion: Don’t be fooled by the many advantages of PP! Despite its longevity, PP cores are only partially suitable for European waters.

2. Polyethylene core

A PE core is characterized by its high flex. This core makes the bodyboard bendable and better adapts to the shape of the wave. This gives you more control over the board and it is easier to maneuver.

What speaks against this type of core is the comparatively high weight and the fact that it is less robust and therefore less durable.

Conclusion: PE cores perform better in cold water and are therefore better suited for most European surfing regions.

3. Core-mix construction methods

In addition to the classic core – which consists of either PE or PP – there are other types of construction. These mostly consist of a core mix and differ mainly in the manufacturing process:

• Dual Cores (3D Cores)

  This is a core that consists of two parts . Instead of using just one of the conventional materials, both are used here.

  The best from both worlds:

  The mix of PE and PP makes the board robust and delivers good performance. The two materials are placed on top of each other in a sandwich construction. The PE makes the bodyboard flexible and the PP in the core ensures that the bodyboard is stable and lasts for a long time.

• Low density PP cores

  This is a core made of PP with a lower density. The bodyboard is therefore less stiff and can therefore be used well in cold and warm water.

• EPS core

  An EPS (Expanded Polystyrene Core) can be found mainly on children’s and entry-level bodyboards. The material is cheaper, but still has acceptable buoyancy and flex.

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Bodyboard Stringer

Are bodyboard stringers necessary?In the middle of the core is the stringer. This consists of one or more tubes and is thus something like the spine of the bodyboard. Usually made of carbon or fiberglass, the stringer reinforces the bodyboard.

What is the stringer important for?

A bodyboard with a stringer is highly recommended for unbroken green waves.

What exactly does a bodyboard stringer do?

1. This makes paddling on the boardboard more stable, and the board’s performance is significantly better.
2. The board deforms less easily, the board retains its flex better when surfing the wave.

How many stringers are there in a bodyboard?

Usually one stringer sits in the middle of the core, but bodyboards with two or more stringers are also available. More stringers make the bodyboard even more stable. The disadvantage is that it also makes it heavier and more sluggish on the wave.

The trend is towards three stringers:

One long in the middle and two shorter ones on the side. This means that the back of the bodyboard remains particularly stable, while the flex is higher from the elbow than towards the tail.

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Bodyboard Deck (top)

Which bodyboard deck is the best?The deck is the top of the bodyboard, i.e. the part you lie on. The deck is usually made of PE, the same material that is used in the core.

Good to know:

PE is soft, so dents can appear on the top of the bodyboard over a short period of time. But don’t worry, that’s normal. Some bodyboarders even like it when, for example, a hollow is created for the elbows.

The alternative to PE decks:

Crosslink decks! The density of such decks is lower, the surface absorbs less water, but is more rigid. You also need more wax to ensure a good grip on the bodyboard. Crosslink decks are mostly found on cheaper bodyboards.

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Bodyboard Slick (underside)

Which bodyboard slick is the best?The underside of the board, i.e. the part that has direct contact with the water, is called slick. Two materials are mainly used:

1. Surlyn slicks

   Surlyn slicks are the most commonly used. The bodyboard reacts well with these slicks. The material is flexible but quickly returns to its original shape after being bent.

   Surlyn also makes the board faster, is durable and robust. This prevents damage to the underside of the board.

2. HDPE slicks

   HDPE is mostly used for entry-level boards as it is cheaper than Surlyn. The look is similar, but the material is less robust.

   HDPE undersides are therefore more suitable for lighter people, as they exert less pressure on the board and the material is less stressed.

Conclusion: If you don’t want to invest a lot and want to try your hand at the bodyboard first, HDPE slicks are the right choice. Those who want to have fun for more than just one vacation prefer to use Surlyn Slicks.

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Bodyboard shape

Which bodyboard shape is the best?
The shape of the bodyboard is called the shape. Four factors play an important role here:

1. Tail
2. Nose
3. Rails
4. Channels and Contours

1. The tail

The tail is the rear end of the bodyboard and influences the stability, speed and maneuverability of the bodyboard.

The two most common shapes are the crescent tail and the bat tail .

Crescent Tail

The crescent tail is the most widely used bodyboard tail:

• U shaped
• Most used
• Good for kids and beginners
• Good for big waves and tubes
• Provides good maneuverability

The U-shape means that a large part of the body is in the water, which gives you more control on the wave.

The best:

This tail not only makes it easier to control the board, the shape also makes it easier to place your hips correctly on the bodyboard.
The crescent tail is also used in large waves and tubes. Due to its shape, it has a good hold in the wave and it is easy to build pressure on the rail.

Is a Crescent Tail Beginner Friendly?

Yes! The Crescent Tail is beginner-friendly and therefore also suitable for beginners and children. It is easy to maneuver and offers comfort when lying on the board.

Bat Tail

The shape of the bat tail is similar to the wings of a bat and is particularly suitable for bodyboarders with higher body weight and small waves:

• Bat shape
• Good for heavier bodyboarders
• Good for small waves
• Ensures speed
• Less drag

The rear of the bodyboard is higher in the water due to the tail and the flow resistance decreases. This makes the board faster and easier to maneuver.

But be careful:

In big waves, the board is less easy to control and becomes more unstable!

2. The nose

The nose is the front part of the bodyboard and influences the maneuverability of the bodyboard.

A broad nose:

• Makes the board more stable.
• Makes the board slide better.
• Is 11-13 inches wide (approx 28-33cm).

A narrow nose:

• Is more maneuverable.
• Reduces the flow resistance.
• Makes for a looser ride.

What are nose bulbs?

In addition, the board can be equipped with nose bulbs at the nose. These are bulges at the corners of the nose that make it easier to hold on to your board.

Nose bulbs are a good feature for both beginners and advanced users. This makes the bodyboard easier to grip and control. Even hard drops can be mastered better with it.

3. The rails

The rails are the two outer edges of the bodyboard. They are pointed and consist of two parts. The lower part “the Rail” and the upper part “the Chime”.

The ratio of the two parts determines how stable the bodyboard is in the wave and how well you can detach the rail from the wave in order to perform a maneuver.

The most common rail ratios are 60/40 (rail / chime) and 50/50 .

60/40 rails

• 60% of the rails are in the water and 40% above water.
• Provide more control.
• Good for big waves.
• Are the most common.

50/50 rails

• 50% of the rails are in the water and 50% above water.
• Provide more speed.
• Make the bodyboard more maneuverable.

4. Channels and Contours

There are two extras. You won’t find channels and contours on every bodyboard, but they can be very useful when you want more control or stability.

Channels

Channels are two flat grooves that run on the underside of the bodyboard. Water swirls in them, which makes the board slower, but easier to control. Channels work similarly to fins on a surfboard.

The concave is a special form:

A large channel with a bulge in the middle that increases the speed of the board. This makes the board faster and easier to control.

Contours

Contours means bulges on the top of the bodyboard. This increases the comfort when lying on the board. In addition, they help to better control the bodyboard and to position the elbows correctly.

Contours are also useful when you have to hold on to your bodyboard, for example when duck diving or hard drops.

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Well-known brands and manufacturers

There are many bodyboard manufacturers and brands. The most important and well-known brands include: Osprey, Pride, Morey, NMD, Gul, Waimea.

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Bodyboard tests at Stiftung Warentest and Öko Test

Unfortunately, at the moment there are no tests from Stiftung Warentest or Öko Test.

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Riding styles in bodyboarding

Already knew? Bodyboarding is not only possible while lying down! There are three different riding styles. You have to find out for yourself which one suits you best:

• Prone

  Prone is the classic way of lying on the bodyboard. The stomach lies on top of the bodyboard, the front hand grips the corner of the bodyboard and the back hand grabs the side.

• Drop knee

  Drop knee bodyboarding involves surfing in a half-kneeling position on the bodyboard. The front foot stands on the front of the deck, while the rear knee stands on the rear end.

  The whole thing comes pretty close to surfing on a surfboard, but it’s not that easy. Because the bodyboard has no fins like the surfboard, tricks like 360 ° rotations are possible.

• Stand up

  As the name suggests, you stand here completely on the bodyboard. None of the knees is permanently in contact with the board. This style is the most unpopular, difficult to master and is reminiscent of real surfing.

The following applies: Basically, all three riding styles can be surfed with (almost) any bodyboard.

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Bodyboard accessories and care:
This is part of bodyboarding

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Bodyboard fins

You can’t do without bodyboard fins ?!
Bodyboard fins are necessary to have the best bodyboarding experience.

Why fins?

Here are the most important reasons why bodyboard fins are indispensable:

• You can move faster with them in the water.
• It’s easier to dive through waves.
• Waves are easier to paddle at.
• Help to control the rails.
• Protect against sharp stones.

Diving fins vs. bodyboard fins

Diving fins can also be used for the first bodyboard attempts. However, since these are longer and are not designed to build up speed quickly, they should only be used for the first 1-2 bodyboarding attempts.

Bodyboard fins are shorter and a leg kick can be performed faster than with diving fins. They also differ in their symmetry. Dive fins are mostly symmetrical at the tip, while bodyboard fins are asymmetrical.

How do fins have to sit?

Fins that are too small or too big can make bodyboarding a pain. If the following criteria are met, you can be sure that the fins are correctly positioned.

• The fins are tight, but not too tight.
• No uncomfortable pressure on toes, feet or heels.
• No cramps in the foot while bodyboarding.
• The tab on the heel is tight and painless.
• The fins do not wobble and are not loose.

Note: Fins should sit comfortably and not cause pain! But don’t expect the convenience of a well-fitting sneaker.

Do you have cramps and / or pain in your feet after or during bodyboarding?

Most likely this is due to tight fins! So get yourself a new pair instead of tormenting yourself at every session.

Fin extras that make your life easier

1. Fin socks

If it’s too cold in the water or the fins don’t quite fit, Fin Socks are the right solution!

Fin socks are neoprene socks that are worn under the fin. In winter they protect against the cold and in summer against sore spots when the rubber of the fin rubs over the foot.

»See also BeyondSurfings large neoprene socks comparison .

2. Flipper slippers

Flipper slippers are similar to fin socks. The difference is that the heel is free. This only protects the part of the foot that could rub against the fin.

Since flipper slippers are lighter than conventional neoprene socks, they are preferred by many bodyboarders in summer.

3. Fin Tethers

Without a leash, most bodyboarders wouldn’t go into the water because who wants to lose their board? The same goes for fins! To prevent that from happening, there are Fin Tethers.

Fin tethers are attached to the fin and above the ankle. This means that the fin is not lost, even if it should slip off your foot.

4. Heel Shields

Heel Shields attach to the strap of the fin that holds the heel in the fin. They ensure that the skin on the heel is not rubbed. In addition, heel straps that are slightly too wide can be made to fit.

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Bodyboard leash

If you save on the leash, you pay twice.

Losing your
bodyboard in the water can quickly become uncomfortable depending on the wind and wave conditions. That is why bodyboarders always use a leash on the board.

The bodyboard leash consists of the following parts:

1. Leash plug and string

   The leash plug is inserted into the bodyboard. A cord (= the string) is attached to it, to which the leash itself is then attached.

2. Arm or wrist closure

   The other end of the leash is attached to either the arm or the wrist. It consists of a neoprene-padded strap that is closed with a Velcro fastener.

3. Plastic cord

   A band made of plastic connects the bodyboard with the person. There are so-called coils at both ends. These ensure that the leash does not get tangled up.

How to attach the leash plug?

After you have bought a new bodyboard, you must first attach the leash plug to the bodyboard. Either you ask for help in the surf shop you trust, or you simply do it yourself:

1. Find the right position

   First you have to find the right position for the leash plug. This is between 15-20 cm below the nose. Measure!

   If the bodyboard has a stringer, this is marked by a sticker on the underside of the bodyboard.

   Important: The leash plug must never be pushed through the stringer, otherwise it will break.

2. Insert the leash plug

   At the marking, a screwdriver or drill is now used to drill through the underside towards the top. As soon as you are close to the deck, i.e. the top, you stop.

   Dann sucht man sich die Stelle, an der das Loch auf dem Deck sein sollte. Nun wird der Schraubenzieher mit einem Feuerzeug erhitzt und sanft durch das Deck in das Loch gedrückt.

   Als letztes werden die beiden Teile des Leashplugs von oben und unten zusammengesteckt und ineinander geschraubt.

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Weiteres Bodyboard Zubehör

Welches Zubehör gehört noch zum Bodyboarden?

Surf Wachs

Um noch besseren Grip auf dem Bodyboard zu haben sollte man Surf Wachs auftragen. Es wird eine große Menge Wachs an der Stelle aufgetragen, wo die Hände und Arme auf dem Board liegen. Eine kleine Menge Wachs wird für den Bereich benutzt, auf dem der Oberkörper liegt.

Bodyboard Tasche

If you love your bodyboard, you should treat it well. With a bodyboard bag, the bodyboard remains protected from the sun and other environmental influences. It is also easy to transport. There is also plenty of space in the bag for wax and a towel.

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Bodyboard care

Proper bodyboard and bodyboard fin careSo that the bodyboard and fins are preserved for as long as possible, the following things should always be observed after use:

1. Rinse

   The fins and the bodyboard should be rinsed with clear water after bodyboarding. So the material is not attacked by the salt water.

2. Store properly

   Fins and board should always be stored correctly. That means: The fins must not be bent, otherwise they will deform quickly. The board should be stored as freely as possible so that there are no pressure marks or the like.

3. Protect from the cold

   Cold is not good for the rubber of the fins. The basement and garage are therefore not a good storage place in winter.

4. Avoid direct sunlight

   Never store the board and fins in the sun. The UV radiation attacks the material and over time makes it brittle and prone to damage.

5. Be careful in the water

   Be careful when you leave the water. This is especially true if there are sharp stones or a coral reef on the seabed. Either of these can damage the fins.

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FAQ: Frequent questions and answers

What is a bodyboard?

A bodyboard is water sports equipment that can be used to surf a wave while lying down.

How does bodyboarding work?

The wave is paddled while lying on the bodyboard, then the wave is ridden to the left or right.

Where can you bodyboard?

Everywhere there are waves.

Which bodyboard size is the right one?

It depends on your body weight and size. You can find more detailed information »here .

Where can I buy a bodyboard?

On the Internet (e.g. on Amazon) or in a surf shop.

What do I have to look out for with bodyboard fins?

The fins must fit as precisely as possible. They shouldn’t be pinching or loose. You can find more about this »here in the buying guide .

Is a bodyboard a toy?

No, a bodyboard is different from toys for children. It’s a piece of sports equipment made for surfing waves.

Are there also inflatable bodyboards?

Yes there is. In terms of performance, however, these do not (yet) come close to normal bodyboards.

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Conclusion: the most popular bodyboards in comparison

Regardless of whether you already have experience with other water sports or not:

With the bodyboard your next vacation will certainly not be boring! Bodyboarding is a beginner-friendly sport that guarantees fun on vacation.

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Technical literature, sources & further links

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