In its most basic form, a boogie board is a shaped piece of rigid foam that's specifically designed for wave surfing. They've been around for over 30 years and provide an inexpensive, fun and safe outdoor activity for riders of all ages, sizes and skill levels. Far less expensive than surfing, boogie boards are also easier to learn to ride, and just about anyone can get the hang of one over the course of an afternoon at the beach. Even the most elaborate and expensive equipment and accessory getups usually cost no more than a couple hundred dollars.

Boogie Boarding Basics

Each boogie board should come with a tether, an accessory which attaches it to the rider's body via a wrist strap. Experienced boogie boarders also recommend the use of flippers or fins on the feet, which makes it much easier to catch the crest of a wave and ride.

There are several safety tips that riders new to the world of boogie boarding should be careful to follow. First, never ride alone. Always go to the beach with a friend, and stay together. One person should stay on the shore while the other rides. It's also better to stay relatively close to the shore, at least initially, and make sure there's a lifeguard station within view. Also, avoid waves that don't break until they reach the shore, as they'll only guide your body straight down. More than one novice has ended up with a mouthful of wet sand this way.

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