How to choose a bodyboard.
So, you've visited our BOARDS page looking for that new bodyboard, and are even more confused than ever. We carry more than 15 brands of bodyboard, and within each brand are a multitude of choices that can boggle the mind of even the most seasoned bodyboarder. How do you narrow it down? 
We have several tools on the site to help you, beginning with our Board Size Chart. The Board Size Chart is a chart that lets you plug in your height and weight to determine which length of board you should be looking for, and clickable links that will pull up all the boards we carry in that size.
We also have filters under the BOARDS link that allows you to view boards by size, brand, core type, tail type, or even by category such as DROPKNEE BOARDS, KIDS' BOARDS, etc.
Our site also features a HOW TO FIND A BOARD tutorial that goes over the basics of how to choose a board based on several factors, and our BOARD ANATOMY page fills you in on how and what bodyboards are made of.
Need more help? We offer a more personalized and specific recommendation through our BOOGER PICKER FORM. Fill out the form (make sure to enter your email address correctly!) and former pro bodyboarder Jay Reale will respond, usually within 24 hours with board recommendations for you personally.
Here's a general guide to help steer you in the right direction. Basically, there are 3 "levels" of boards:
*Entry-level boards- These will have EPS/Styrofoam cores. They are generally glued together and are made to be inexpensive, NOT to be durable or high-performance. Don't expect this class of board to last a long time, but if you are on a budget, they are ideal. They typically come with a LEASH.
*Mid-level boards- These are marked by having PE (polyethylene) cores. Many of them also have a stringer or two. A stringer is a carbon or graphite rod inserted into the board to maintain rigidity. PE core boards are much more durable and better-performing that EPS core boards, but subsequently cost 2-2 1/2 times more.
*High-end boards- PP (polypropylene) cores are the signature of this level of board. PP core is lighter and a bit stiffer than PE core. It's also less temperature-sensitive than PE. Consequently, it's also more expensive. Nearly all PP core boards we carry have at least one stringer.
A rider in a cool-water location can save a lot of money by going with a PE core board as PE core stays nice and stiff in cooler/colder water. If you live in a tropical location or are traveling to one, and you ride larger waves and/or do more advanced maneuvers, a PP core board is a good idea.
Nearly all PE, and every PP board have stiffening devices added to them in the form of stringers and/or mesh. The more stringers the board has, the less likely it is to over-flex, but also the heavier it will be.
You can read more about bottom skin types, deck contours, and other features on the BOARD ANATOMY page.
So, that's a brief rundown that should get you started in your hunt for your ideal sponge. If all of this is beyond you, feel free to contact us during BUSINESS HOURS and we'll be happy to help.
So, that's a brief rundown that should get you started in your hunt for your ideal sponge. If all of this is beyond you, feel free to contact us during BUSINESS HOURS and we'll be happy to help.
eBodyboarding Shackle Leash Plug
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eBodyboarding.com Shackle Bodyboarding Wrist Leash
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Hello,
Wow what a great website. Very informative! I found you guys through a YouTube video. I’m from southern Cali and body board every time I go to the beach. Been doing this for about 20 years now. By no means am I a professional. I love it and do it as a hobby. My body boards have always came from big 5 and Costco (Morey Mach 11, body glove). I’ve always wanted a good professional body board. I’m interested in buying a good and or professional body board that doesn’t break my wallet. What do you recommend? I’m 5’7 and weigh about 160lbs. Thanks.
Ismael P.
I’m 5 foot 1 and 200 lb what size board should I buy.