Bodyboarding or Surfing for Beginners?

You’d like to take up bodyboarding or surfing but you can’t decide which you think you’ll enjoy more and even which you think you’ll be better at? Let’s break it down to make this decision easier.

You’re thinking about picking up a summer sport in the ocean and you can’t decide if you’d like to try bodyboarding or surfing.

Or perhaps your kids are getting a little older and you’d like to introduce them to either of these sports but can’t decide which would suit them better?

Bodyboarding or surfing for beginners are both very doable but let’s explore some factors to help you make this decision.

General Sporting Ability

Bodyboarding and surfing should not be taken up until you are a competent swimmer.

If you are, the first basis of your decision of whether you should pick up bodyboarding or surfing is looking at your overall level of sporting ability and coordination.

Bodyboarding is an easier sport to pick up and master than surfing.

If you are one of those people that are general all-rounders when it comes to sports, you may like to give surfing a go.

If you’re not an overly sporty person or perhaps you’re less coordinated, surfing will prove to be very difficult. I fall in this camp and I found surfing almost impossible.

If you’re not that sporty but would like to try surfing anyway, go for it! Just be prepared that you have to work quite hard to catch a wave but don’t be disheartened!

I think I wasn’t mentally prepared with how hard it was to learn as the locals on the Gold Coast in Australia sure made it look easy!

Surfing for kids is best started at surf school. Surfing is quite a technical sport so its advisable they get into good habits from the beginning. Just let them know it can be a bit tricky so they don’t get frustrated too easily. Practise makes perfect!

Bodyboarding Is Easier Than Surfing

Bodyboarding is safer to learn than surfing which makes the sport easier to learn. Here’s why:

• You don’t have to go very far out to catch a wave on a bodyboard. Even small waves will push you along which means that you don’t have to battle both deep waters and learning to manoeuvre a board at the same time. We can show you how to catch waves for beginners.

• Waves are easier to catch on a bodyboard and requires less precise timing than surfing so it allows you to have better control of the waves much sooner.

• By being able to catch waves sooner in the early stages, it is simply much more fun.

• It is easier to use your legs to paddle out into the waves than it is your arms when you surf.

• Because you can learn to bodyboard in shallower water, it’s a much safer option for really young kids who may not be so confident in the surf. This also means that you can teach your kids to bodyboard without having to go to bodyboarding school.

• The possibility of falling off a bodyboard is lower than surfing. It also feels less turbulent at the beginning as you’re lying flat on the bodyboard rather than standing on a surf board.

Think Bodyboarding is Boring?

There has always been a rivalry between bodyboarders and surfers as they attempt to outdo each other. This rivalry is such a waste of time as they are simply 2 different sports. Bodyboarders are able to do some things that surfers can’t and vice versa.

If you’re a bit of an adrenalin junkie and think bodyboarding may not be for you, think again. Laying down on a bodyboard allows you to experience moves that are different to surfers and you may be pleasantly surprised! Here are some points to debunk the fact that bodyboarding is boring.

• Bodyboarding is the closest thing you’ll do to bodysurfing as your body so close to the water. This also means the waves always look bigger as it’s usually breaking over you.

• If you wear fins, it allows you to propel harder and faster to ride more powerful waves and gain greater speed.

• Surfers can’t usually drop into vertical waves whilst bodyboarders can as you’re lying down.

• You can get much bigger air than surfers because you’re able to take advantage of the more powerful waves which is also assisted by the fact that you’re wearing fins. Your legs are simply more powerful than your arms.

• Bodyboarders can get into the wave faster so they can ride the closeout waves whereas surfers aren’t able to.

• You can do tricks on a bodyboard. Once you learn how to ride the wave instead of just catch it, you can do lots of twists, turns and cutbacks.

I’m sure some of you are thinking, puuhleeasee….. there is no way you’d get more of an adrenalin rush than being able to catch those absolutely massive waves. Well, of course not!

However, I doubt you’d be reading this if you’re thinking of heading out to Nazaré! This is for common folk, the mere mortals that do actually have to think twice before hitting those 6 footers in those early stages of bodyboarding.

The Practical Side of Bodyboarding

From a practical point of view, bodyboarding is also cheaper and easier to organise than surfing. Particularly useful if you’re a growing family and you’re on a bit of a budget. Here are some of the advantages:

• Bodyboards are of course so much cheaper than a surf board. Let’s not forget that the kids grow up and so annual upgrades can start to get costly. It’s not just about the kids. A professional bodyboard is half the price of a good surfboard so if you’re serious, you can get a good bodyboard right off the bat.

• Bodyboards are easier to carry around because of its size and weight. Andrew carries all 3 of ours in one bag!

• Bodyboards are easier to transport to the beach. No roof racks or surf racks required as everything fits in the boot easily. This means it is also easier to transport on a plane. That same bag Andrew carries down the beach got checked in at the airport with no issues.

• Bodyboards are also easy to store at home in terms of space.

• Bodyboards are less costly to fix than surfboards. In fact, you’d probably just go get a new one if it does get damaged. If you’re thinking of buying a bodyboard for your children, we can show you the important factors to take into account so you get your money’s worth.

Great Introduction to the Surf

If you’re a true beginner and you’re not familiar with the surf, bodyboarding may be a good place to start first before you try surfing.

Bodyboarding is a gentle way to introduce young kids and not so experienced surf goers to the ocean. A good mix of play, sport and learning about the water. It will help you learn about the surf conditions.

It’s also a great way to learn how to manoeuvre in the surf. Understanding when the waves will break, how it peaks and learning about timing. Once you become more comfortable in the bigger waves, you could move onto surfing.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Bodyboarding or surfing for beginners are both fantastic options for being outdoors and adopting a new passion.

I know that we always look forward to our long weekends away where we’re spending long days on the beach and in the water. I know my family has had a good day when we’re in bed by 8pm from the sheer exertion of the day’s activities!

If you are however adamant on trying surfing first, here are some sage advice from Surfer Dad on how to teach your kids to surf.

We would love to know which sport you decided to try and how you went. Or if anyone else has further insight, comment below to help these beginners make a decision.

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We’re Andrew & Amy and we are a small blended family that love to bodyboard! We’re here to share everything we know to help you with your bodyboarding adventure as a beginner, with your family or if you’re transitioning onto intermediate level. Let’s go!