Due to the amount of text we suggest that you print this out

Equipment Guide

As far as the beginner is concerned bodyboards (also known as boogie-boards) fall into 2 main categories-Beach toys and Real boards.

Breakable Beach toys

The cheapest boards are made from polystyrene and cost between £5 & £15 depending on size & density-gone are the old abrasive white boards. These days the polystyrene is bodyboard shape & covered with a woven polyester cover printed with a bright design. You pay extra if the design is syndicated-i.e. "The Simpsons." These boards are cheap fun for kids -whilst they last. Polystyrene will  break sooner or later especially when expected to cope with heavier adults. This type of board usually comes with a next to useless leash which should not be trusted and cannot be purchased individually.

Small kids Polystyrene £7.99 approx.	Small kids Polystyrene £8.99 approx.

We usually have a good selection of Polystyrene Boards at competitive prices.

Unbreakable Beach toys

These are made from rubbery blobby stuff and sell for around £20 to £50. They are pretty indestructible for the most part (unless you set fire to them). The downside is that they "trampoline" along without any real control.

Childs £16 approx. (no slick)	Full size Adult £30 approx. (no slick)	Atunas Adult "Non  Slick" £30 approx.	Atunas Adult "Super Slick" £40 approx.	Circle One Adult "Super Slick" £40 approx.	Atunas Adult "Super Slick" Pro model £50 approx.

    Above is a typical cross section of the cheaper boards we stock. We sometimes have special deals on combined purchase of board and suit. Availability becomes limited towards late August.

Almost obligatory these days is the "slick bottom". This is a piece of what we used to call "lino" (only kidding!) on the bottom to increase the rigidity. The thickness of the slick varies with some so thin it's useless and some so thick the board (when new) mimics the flex properties of a real bodyboard. Prices range from £35 to £69. If you just want some holiday fun then these are worth considering but the cheaper non-slick versions doesn't surf too well due to excessive flex.

    The dearer boards of this type are best avoided since for just a few squid more you can buy a real board that will be far superior and have a re-sale value. Best buy would be the mid-range board with the thickest slick you can find, costing about £50. This type of board usually comes with a cheap pre-packed leash of passable quality.

Real boards

The thing that really separates "real boards" from "beach toys" is the "core" The boards are laminated together from 5 or more pieces. The core, at least 2 rail sections. the (slick) bottom and the deck. Some boards have 4 rail pieces and/or a tail piece. Once laminated together this monocoque construction allows the board to flex -then return to the same shape. This is known as the "memory" The small variations between models and brands is best regarded as fine tuning and unlike surfboards you can't go too far wrong and purchase something totally unsuitable. Entry level boards start at about £69. Top end signature models exceed £200 but anything between these prices should get you a good board that will last years and years for all but the hardcore hellmen.

To view 2002 stock-click here

Manta Amp £79 (leash not included)	Manta Elite £89 (leash not included)	Rheopaipo Keegan Pro 40" £119	Rheopaipo Pro 41.5" £129

To check out our current bodyboards for sale or hire  click here

Leashes are not included in the price of real bodyboards but you can usually get a cheap one thrown in. Tip-Offer a few quid more to upgrade to a decent leash. (In our shop we generally throw in the better leash anyway for a board over £100 and fit it for you) Most riders use wrist or bicep coiled leashes. These are normally fitted to the front of the board. They should be of the recessed type and positioned off set from the centre to minimise damage to your face should you make contact with the board whilst riding or paddling. Drop-knee riders often use a 6ft surfboard leash attached to the rear of the bodyboard. Watch these boards second-hand, they are usually knackered! 

Bodyboard Bags Can cost as little as £10 for a nylon cover but we recommend you spend a bit more get a canvas one with a fin/suit pocket and rucksack style straps.(You can ride a bike etc.) We have nice bags for £24.95 or £19.95 if purchased with a board...for more details...click here.

Second-hand   Bodyboards Like cars have a residual value which depends on their cost new and their condition. AVOID boards that are creased laterally or starting to develop creases. Once the board is creased it's flex memory is gone and it is only good for a "beach toy". Boards with the leash fitted at the back have been owned by someone pretty serious and therefore are more likely to be getting tired. In most other other respects bodyboards are generally quite easy to repair. Special silicone based repair products such as "Blob" is stocked by most surf shops.

The right Bodyboard Sizes range from 38" to 46". Average is 42". There is usually a weight/length chart on the bottom of a new board. Some say that it should come up to your navel. The bigger boards are designed for heavier people but like all surfing it all works by planing. Real bodyboards are for riding real unbroken waves and if used for such the board's ability to float the rider is not too critical. Sit on any sized bodyboard and with no forward motion it will submerge.

Fins We are talking SWIMFINS here not fins on the board! Real bodyboards do not have fins on them. (See "How to do it")  Wearing swimfins allows you to use the two strongest muscles in the human body to aid propulsion, both for paddling "out the back" and for catching waves.

More on Fins This is where the (swim)fins come in. They give you the extra propulsion to catch waves (and paddle out etc.) Problem is for beginners is that they are murder to wear -at least to begin with as they mean that you have to get on the board and paddle it at all times- no more standing on the bottom-ever! It is therefore crucial to get the fins right and the cost of this could exceed £50.

Firstly proper bodyboarding fins cost at least £20 a pair with some makes nearing £40. You should not buy fins to fit your bare feet as they will rub you raw and you will have cold feet in winter. Buy the fins to fit over neoprene sox (typically £9.95 or much better are the ones with heavily reinforced soles £14.95). It is also possible to wear boots. The softer soled 3mm ones @ around £19.95 are the best bet. As a rough guide you need to get the fins one size over for sox and two sizes over for boots.

The combined fit should be snug and grippy not but over tight. In any event expect cramping of the feet on the beach when you take them off after a long session! They will give a bit with use. Finally you need a set of "fin savers" -little leashes for each fin to prevent the loss of your investment. These are around £5.95 a pair. (You can make your own using old legrope ankle straps)

Even more on fins There are lots of cheap (£20) fins on the market but a lot are too big and heavy. Beginners especially find smaller lighter fins the easiest to use unfortunately these tend to be the expensive ones. Things have improved lately however and there are now some reasonable cheap fins around. Make sure your happy with the amount of flex in the blade -too much means wasted energy. Some fins have regular shaped blades and some are "cross-cut" Diagonally cross cut fins are particularly suited to rising "drop-knee". It is often possible to trim the blade shape (a bit) yourself if you want.

Millennium Fin -ok	Rheos Fin -ok

How to do it Guide

Intro Kids and tourists generally do it in the whitewater without the aid of fins. You just stick the rear of the board in your stomach, wait till the (broken) wave hits you up the bum and -launch! This works reasonably well for kids but unless you can find decent power for the take off the wave tends to leave adults behind. Right after take-off you need to pull yourself up on the board to the riding position and if the wave isn't strong enough you will pull the board out of the wave instead. If you are serious about bodyboarding now is the time to buy fins.

Into the water So you have presumably heeded the advice on buying a decent bodyboard and fins..... 

under construction-sorry