How to Boogie Board

Co-authored by Jacob Siegel and Sophia Latorre

Last Updated: February 14, 2024 Approved

Boogie boarding is a fun and simple way to enjoy a day at the beach. Boogie boarding, also called bodyboarding, is a form of wave riding that can be practiced as a casual recreational activity or as a serious sport. Choose a boogie board based on your weight and height, and get all the necessary gear, like a leash, rashguard, fins, and wax. Then, paddle out into the surf and try to catch a wave.

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Getting Started

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Go to a swimming beach that has waves less than 2 ft (61 cm) high. Make sure that the beach is free of large rocks, boats, and fishing equipment. Also, make sure that you have permission to boogie board at the location.^{[1]
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Select a boogie board suited to your height and weight. When standing on its tail, the board should reach to within 1 in (2.54 cm) of your belly button. As for width, you should be able to hold the board under your arm and against your side without much slack between your armpit and the edge of the board. ^{[2]
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- Choose a bodyboard shorter than 40 in (101.6 cm) if you are shorter than 5 feet (1.5 m) 6 in (167.6 cm) and weigh less than 130 lbs (59 kg).^{[3]
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- Choose a bodyboard between 40 and 43 in (101.6 and 109.2 cm) if you are between 5 feet (1.5 m) 7 in and 6 feet (1.8 m) 3 in (170.2 and 190.5 cm), and weigh between 130 and 210 lbs (59 and 95.3 kg).^{[4]
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- Choose a bodyboard taller than 44 in (111.8 cm) if you are taller than 6 feet (1.8 m) 3 in (170.2 cm) and weigh more than 210 lbs (95.3 kg).^{[5]
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Adding wax to your board improves its grip. Apply a small amount of surf wax to the top third of the board (called the nose), the bottom third of the board (called the tail), and the rails (the side edges of the boogie board).^{[6]
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A rashguard will protect your skin from the sun and also reduce chafing and irritation from the boogie board itself. A rashguard is highly recommended, although you don’t need to have one to boogie board.^{[7]
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Choose fins, such as those used for snorkeling, that attach to your ankle. Though not a requirement, wearing swim fins will help you kick your way out into the surf and catch waves, as well as steer and control the boogie board.
To avoid losing your board in the current, choose a leash for your bicep or wrist, depending on what you find more comfortable. Most boogie boarders use a bicep leash. Secure the leash to your wrist or to your bicep before entering the water.^{[8]
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Part 2

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Riding a Wave

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Wade into the water until you are knee-deep, then lie down with your belly on the board. Your hips should be in contact with the tail of the board. Your hands should be placed on the top corners of the board.^{[9]
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Be sure to keep your fins underwater. You can choose to paddle with one hand or with both hands. When a wave is about to break, you will see a bulge form at the highest point, or the crest, of the wave.
Not every wave will be strong enough to carry you. Attempt smaller, less powerful waves at first and work your way up to larger ones. The larger the wave is, the farther you'll be able to ride it.
Turn your boogie board around so that you are facing the beach before the wave starts to break. Arch your back and keep your head up.^{[10]
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Paddle and kick toward the beach. You want to be moving in the same direction the wave will break. Getting ahead of the wave will help you catch it. Be sure to keep your legs slightly apart and your fins underwater. Scoop the water with your hands to gain speed.^{[11]
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- Position yourself in the belly of the wave you are trying to catch; avoid the crest and the tip-top of the wave.
If you have paddled the board at the right speed and in the direction of the wave, you should now feel yourself moving effortlessly toward the beach. You should no longer need to kick or paddle, as the wave will do the work for you. Keep your elbows on the board, rather than in the water, for better control.^{[12]
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Part 3

Part 3 of 3:

Trying Maneuvers and Tricks

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To turn right, apply pressure to the board with your right elbow and grip the left rail with your left hand. To turn left, apply pressure to the board with your left elbow and grip the right rail with your right hand.^{[13]
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2
Make a bottom turn. A good bottom turn is the foundation for all other maneuvers, such as 360s.^{[14]
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- As the wave catches you, keep your hands over the nose of the board.
- Lean onto your left elbow to dig the edge of the body board into the wave.
- LIft the right rail with your right hand.
- Extend your legs as you turn to prevent your feet from dragging in the water.
- After you start to turn, center your body weight on the board and lean forward slightly to gain speed.
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Do a cut back. A cut back is a turn back to the curl of the wave that you can do to regulate your speed or to reposition yourself along the wave.^{[15]
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- Shift your weight on the outside rail (away from the wave) while applying pressure with your right hand to the middle of your right rail.
- Lift up the upper left corner of the board with your left hand and lean to your right.
- Look at the inside of the wave and visualize the spot where you want to stop your turn.
- When you reach that spot, lean left to get back in the curl of the wave and shift your weight back to the normal position.
4
Try a 360. After you've mastered the bottom turn and the cut back, try a full rotation. This can be done on the flat section of a wave, in the white foam, off the lip of the wave, or even in the air. The technique is the exactly the same wherever you attempt a 360.^{[16]
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- Make a bottom turn to position yourself in the curl of the wave.
- Turn slightly to the left to face the wave.
- Slide forward on your board so that your face is roughly level with the nose of your board.
- Lift your legs, arch your back, and throw your head to the left.
- Keep looking in the direction you want to spin and your shoulder will follow.
- After your 360 is complete, perform a bottom turn to gain speed for the next maneuver and put your feet back in the water.

Expert Q&A

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How to boogie board safely for beginners?

Jacob Siegel
Swim Instructor
Jacob Siegel is a Swim Instructor and the Founder of Superhero Swim Academy. Since 2018, Superhero Swim Academy has been a place for parents seeking comprehensive, compassionate, and quality swim instruction for their children. Jacob and his team offer both private and group lessons, as well as online video courses for those who want to learn at a distance. Their social profiles on YouTube, Facebook, and TikTok have become the largest online resource hub for free, accessible information on teaching children to swim. Jacob is a Certified Lifeguard, Swim Instructor, and Scuba Diver, and has been featured in various publications, including the Epoch Times, ESPN, and Lad Bible. He also specifically has experience working with young and special needs children.

Jacob Siegel

Swim Instructor

Expert Answer

To boogie board safely, first, ensure there is a lifeguard present for added safety. Additionally, check the area for any potential hazards, such as rocks or debris in the water. Swim out to where waves are breaking and aim to catch a wave at the opportune moment. As the wave approaches, swim towards the shore, aligning yourself to catch it. Once caught, ride the wave back towards shore, mirroring the technique used on a surfboard.

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I bought a boogie board and it's too small. Will it still be easy to actually catch waves?

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It will be easier than with an actual surfboard, but not as easy as it would be with a boogie board that's the right size for you. You're probably going to have trouble staying on it too, which surf wax could help with. Still, you'd have a much easier time with a board that's the right size.

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What will happen if the waves are bigger than 1-2 feet?

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Nothing really, you will just go further towards the shore.

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Tips

Pay attention to warning signs on the beach. They may indicate hazards such as rocks, reefs, strong currents, old jetty remains, or jellyfish.

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Check the forecast to see how big the waves will be. Waves with a swell of 1 to 2 feet (0.3 to 0.6 m) are recommended for beginners.

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Be sure to ride the waves in a path where you won't hit anybody. Colliding with other boarders can cause injuries.

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The advice in this section is based on the lived experiences of wikiHow readers like you. If you have a helpful tip you’d like to share on wikiHow, please submit it in the field below.

Large waves can flip you over, which can be dangerous. If you think you’re going to wipe out, lean slightly back on the board to prevent it from jamming into your belly or ribs.
Watch for strong rip currents while padding far away from the shore. Rip currents could pull you out very far, and could cause you to drown.

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Warnings

Understand the risks of the ocean, which include rip tides, sea creatures, rocks, reefs, and powerful waves. Make sure you only go out in situations that are safe for your ability level.

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Always boogie board with a lifeguard present.

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