The shape and form of a bodyboard

The shape and form of a bodyboard are much more important than we can imagine. Many bodyboarders often choose their board based on the height, material, colors, and little else.

But what if we knew that each bodyboard has a different shape, much like a surfboard ? It’s something that has never been talked about in detail by a pro or emphasized by a brand to teach the bodyboarding community which board would suit them best. However, all bodyboard have measurements that are very important, and they are as follows:

Height or Length

This is the one that everyone knows and the reason why a board is chosen in 90% of cases. It is the total height of the bodyboard. It is measured in inches, and one inch is equivalent to 2.54cm. To choose it, it depends on the height, weight, and skill level of the rider. As a general rule, the board should reach the height of the navel. A board slightly above the navel will be more efficient in small waves or for less skilled riders. It will also provide more speed on the face of the wave as you have more body over the board. On the other hand, a bodyboard slightly below the navel will offer greater control in big waves.

Nose:

It is the grip area of your bodyboard, the tip of the bodyboard. The shape may vary depending on whether it is a board for dropknee, for riding tubes, or more geared towards maneuvering in prone. Bodyboards for dropknee differ from bodyboards for prone in having a narrower nose.

Bodyboard Prone Bodyboard Dropknee

Width or Width:

You may have noticed that your friend’s bodyboard is wider or narrower than yours. This measurement is usually checked by eye and you see what apparently you like and fits you. But each bodyboard has a width studied according to the model. As a general rule, a wider board offers greater stability and ease of maneuvering in small and medium waves. On the other hand, a narrower board is more intended for hollow waves, offers greater speed and control in powerful waves, but requires a higher technical level.

It is something to always keep in mind, and its choice is important.

NTWP (Nose to Width Point)

This measurement is very important as it dictates the distance from the nose of your bodyboard to its widest point. It’s so important because depending on the distance, it’s mostly intended for one use or another.

If you have a bodyboard with a high NTWP, meaning a wide point near the nose, it will be a bodyboard intended to catch the maximum speed, surf hollow waves, and ride barrels. Conversely, with a downward shifted NTWP, you’ll get a board with greater control on the wave, both for surfing and maneuvering. This is something that can be noticed a lot. It may be one of the reasons why you struggle to finish maneuvers with your new bodyboard compared to the previous one.

This doesn’t mean you can’t ride good barrels with a low NTWP or that you can’t maneuver wildly with a higher one. They are perfectly compatible, as this will help you control your board or catch the most of every wave.

But it’s clear that the rider will be the one who controls their bodyboard and sends it to do whatever they want on each wave and situation.

Tail

This is the measurement that tells you how wide or narrow the tail of your bodyboard will be. This means that a small tail will narrow the board below, which will provide a lot of grip and channel speed better.

On the other hand, a bodyboard with a wider tail will give you a more stable ride and better maneuverability.

You can find it in bodyboard Crescent tail , It is the most common tail, more versatile and provides greater grip and speed. Another alternative is a bodyboard bat tail, that facilitates some maneuvers. There are also innovations such as the bodyboard V tail, una cola hybrida entre crescent y bat tail. Con este tipo de cola, se recomienda elegir la tabla media purgada más grande.

Aquí un ejemplo de las medidas que puede tener un bodyboard:

Outline

The outline is the final result of all the measurements we have seen before. It is the shape of the board, and that’s why most people choose their bodyboard. Since we don’t always have detailed measurements for each board, the outline allows us to quickly see if we like the shape of the bodyboard. A board with a straighter outline, also known as a “bullet shape,” will better suit powerful and hollow waves like Australian slabs or the wave at El Fronton in the Canary Islands. On the other hand, a bodyboard with a more rounded outline will be easier to surf, require less technical skill, and perform better in small and medium-sized waves.

Channels

As the name suggests, channels are grooves that start from the tail on the slick side. Their function is to direct water through the channels to propel the bodyboard and provide speed and grip on the wave.

The most common configuration includes two channels. There are various types, such as normal channels, which have been used for a long time and are positioned next to the board’s rail.

Classic Channels

The slot channels, which are the new ones applied to mid-range and high-end bodyboards, are wider and longer to enhance the grip and speed of the bodyboard.

Slot Channels

And the multichannel bodyboards, which are the latest addition from brands, adding up to 4 or 5 channels. This provides increased speed and projection, but above all, an extra grip that is undoubtedly noticeable.

Multi-Channel System

Nose Bulb

For many, the best advancement in bodyboarding in years. The Nose Bulb is a groove on the back of the nose that provides a more ergonomic and secure grip for your hand. Nowadays, 90% of bodyboards have it incorporated.

Nose Bulbs

Thermoforms

Thermoforms are also grooves like the nose bulb, which are placed on the deck of the board and are designed for better grip of your bodyboard. The most useful ones are located on the nose and in the hand grip area at the bottom, as these are the areas where you hold the bodyboard.

Thermoforms not only provide practical functionality but are also added by each brand to enhance the aesthetic appeal.

Thermoforms

Rails

Rails are the edges that you dig into the wave’s face to ride it. Without them, we would drift like a rice boat. They are divided into two parts: the bottom section that comes into contact with the water and the upper section that provides grip. The boundary between these two sections can be right in the middle, known as “50/50 rails.” They can also be slightly shifted upward, referred to as 55/45 or 60/40 rails.

Having 50/50 rails makes the board highly responsive and quick when transitioning from rail to rail on the wave. It is also recommended for individuals with a lighter weight.

The 60/40 or 55/45 rails have been widely used and are recommended for individuals with a heavier weight. Since the board sinks deeper in the water due to the increased weight, having a larger surface area on the lower rail is more beneficial.

Edges of a Bodyboard

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In conclusion, not only the materials and colors of a bodyboard are important when choosing the one that best suits you. There are many factors to consider in the shape and form of a bodyboard to make the right choice and maximize your performance in every session. Now you know what to look for when choosing your bodyboard.