Bodyboarding
Surf sport riding waves on a small rectangular foam board (~1m long) in prone (lying) or drop-knee position; uses fins for propulsion. Easier entry than surfing but capable of dramatic aerial tricks + heavy-wave riding (Pipeline, Teahupoo, Nazaré).
What is Bodyboarding?
Bodyboarding is a surf sport invented 1971 by TOM MOREY (USA) — created 'Morey Boogie Board' from foam blank on July 7, 1971 in Kona, Hawaii; commercialized under 'BOOGIE BOARD' brand 1973 (now generic term). Rider lies PRONE on small rectangular foam board (~1m long × 55cm wide × 5cm thick) or in DROP-KNEE (one knee down, one foot forward) or STAND-UP (rare, advanced). Uses SWIMFINS (fins on feet) for paddling + propulsion + acceleration. Board has HYDRODYNAMIC design: slick bottom, softer top with contours for grip. Advantages over surfing: (1) EASIER learning curve — beginner can catch waves in first session. (2) MORE PORTABLE (fits in luggage). (3) HANDLES HEAVIER WAVES better (Pipeline, Teahupoo, Nazaré where surfing dangerous or impossible). (4) Enables AERIAL TRICKS (spins, flips, air-360s). Bodyboarding + surfing communities historically tense — surfers dismissive of 'boogie boarders'; but modern bodyboarders (Mike Stewart, Jeff Hubbard, Ben Player) achieve world-class recognition. World tour: IBC (International Bodyboarding Corporation) + APB (Association of Professional Bodyboarders). Heavy-wave bodyboarding: Pipeline (Hawaii), Teahupoo (Tahiti), Shark Island (Australia), Padang Padang (Bali), Nazaré (Portugal). Estimated 5-10 million active bodyboarders globally; strong Brazil, Australia, Portugal, Hawaii, California, Japan, Chile.
Quick facts
Category
Aquatic Sports
Type
Individual
Players
1–100
Duration
~90 min
Where played
outdoor
Field / court
ocean waves
Country of origin
🇺🇸 United States
Estimated origin
1971 Hawaii — Tom Morey invented 'Morey Boogie Board' July 7; commercial launch 1973; APB professional tour 2011
Olympic
No
Popularity
global
How it works
Objective
Ride waves stylishly; competitive: judged tricks + wave-riding quality.
Match structure
Freeride: casual wave-riding sessions. Competitive: 20-30 min heats where 2-4 riders share peak; best 2 waves counted (out of ~10-15 caught).
Rules
Basic rules
Paddle out with fins
Kick fins to propel out beyond breaking waves.
Position for wave
Wait at 'take-off zone' for suitable wave; watch wave sets.
Paddle into wave
Kick fins hard as wave approaches; feel wave pick up board.
Prone riding position
Lie flat on board; body weight forward; hold nose of board with hands.
Ride wave down face
Angle across wave face; use body weight + fin kicks to steer.
Drop-knee stance (advanced)
One knee on board, one foot forward for stand-up style riding.
Aerial tricks (advanced)
Launch off wave lip; perform rotations, flips, spins in air.
Wave etiquette (priority)
Rider closest to breaking peak has priority; don't 'drop in' on someone.
Advanced rules
APB/IBC world tour scoring
Best 2 waves counted per heat; 10-point scale per wave (difficulty + amplitude + variety of maneuvers + speed + power + flow).
Drop-knee (DK) discipline
Separate competitive category; one knee on board; more surfing-like stance.
Stand-up bodyboarding
Rare + extreme; stand on board without fins in waves.
Aerial tricks (Air Reverse, Air Roll Spin, Air Forward)
360° rotations, flips, spins; scored highly for difficulty + execution.
El Rollo (roll) technique
Body + board rotate laterally in wave lip; classic bodyboarding maneuver.
Backflips + forwards
Full aerial rotations off wave lip; requires powerful launch.
Big-wave bodyboarding
Nazaré (Portugal), Belharra (France), Peahi/Jaws (Maui); waves 15-25+ meters; extreme category.
Tandem bodyboarding
2 riders on one board; rare + entertainment.
Priority + wave counting
Riders count waves caught; highest wave scores counted (typically 2).
Scoring
Competitive: 10-point scale per wave judged; best 2 waves per heat totaled. Freeride: personal style + wave-riding quality.
| Action | Points |
|---|---|
| Wave ride (competitive) | 0-10 points per wave |
| Best 2 waves per heat | Sum for heat total (max 20) |
| Highest heat score advances | Elimination bracket format |
| Aerial trick score bonus | Increased score for difficulty + execution |
Win condition · Highest 2-wave heat score advances; final round determines champion.
Playing area
Called
ocean waves
Dimensions
Any surf-break waves; ideal wave size 1-6m (small to heavy waves).
Ocean beaches with wave breaks. Popular spots: Pipeline (Hawaii), Teahupoo (Tahiti), Nazaré (Portugal — mega waves), Uluwatu (Bali), Trestles (California), Snapper Rocks (Australia).
Equipment
Bodyboard
Rectangular foam board ~1m long × 55cm wide × 5cm thick; ~2-3 kg. $80-400. Brands: Morey (original), NMD, Custom X, Science, Turbo Surf Designs.
Swimfins
Short fins for propulsion + acceleration into waves; $30-80. Brands: Churchill, DaFin, Redley, Voit.
Wetsuit
3/2mm to 5/4mm neoprene depending on water temperature.
Leash
Attached to wrist or bicep; prevents board loss in waves. $10-30.
Board bag
For travel + storage; padded for protection. $30-80.
Officiating
Multi-judge panels score each wave 0-10; average + adjustments used for final scores.
- APB / IBC certified judges
- Priority judges
- Beach marshals
Strategies
Learn to swim confidently first
Ocean swimming skills + fin proficiency essential before wave riding.
Start in small waves (0.5-1m)
Beginner-friendly beaches; build wave-reading + timing skills.
Use appropriate size board
Fits under armpit when held vertically; smaller = quicker but harder to paddle.
Wax on top for grip
Surfboard wax applied to top of board prevents slipping in prone position.
Fin technique for propulsion
Steady rhythm kicks + fast burst kicks for wave-catching acceleration.
Take-off position + timing
Position at breaking peak; paddle hard as wave lifts board; drop into wave face.
Angle across wave face
Angle downwind of breaking curl for longest rides + trick opportunities.
Ocean safety awareness
Rip currents + big-wave rescue skills; never surf alone; know local hazards.
Watch APB videos
Best bodyboarders — Mike Stewart, Jeff Hubbard, Ben Player — teach technique through video.
Terminology
- Bodyboard
- Small rectangular foam board (~1m long).
- Boogie board
- Original brand name; now generic term for bodyboard.
- Prone
- Lying face-down on board (standard position).
- Drop-knee (DK)
- One knee on board, one foot forward; stand-up-like stance.
- Stand-up
- Standing on bodyboard (rare + advanced).
- Fins / Swimfins
- Short fins worn on feet for propulsion.
- Leash
- Cord attaching board to wrist or bicep.
- El Rollo
- Roll trick — body + board rotate laterally in wave lip.
- Air Reverse
- 360° aerial rotation off wave lip.
- Backflip / Forward
- Full aerial rotations.
- Take-off zone
- Position where waves start breaking.
- Peak
- Highest point of breaking wave.
- Drop
- Descent down wave face after take-off.
- Line / Face
- Wave face rider carves.
- Barrel / Tube
- Hollow section inside breaking wave; riding inside = 'getting barrelled'.
- Set
- Group of larger waves that arrive periodically.
- Rip current
- Strong current flowing out to sea; safety hazard.
- APB
- Association of Professional Bodyboarders (main pro tour).
- IBA
- International Bodyboarding Association (historic organization).
- Pipeline / Teahupoo / Nazaré
- Famous heavy-wave bodyboarding venues.
Major competitions
APB World Tour
annual multi-event · worldwide (Hawaii, Chile, Portugal, Brazil, Australia) · since 2011
Pipeline Pro (Hawaii)
annual · Pipeline, Oahu, Hawaii · since 1985
Sintra Portugal Pro
annual · Portugal · since 2011
Antofagasta Chile Pro
annual · Chile · since 2013
Various regional + national championships
annual · worldwide · since 1990
Where it is played
Governing bodies
APB (Association of Professional Bodyboarders)
Founded 2011 · USA
Official site ↗IBA (International Bodyboarding Association) — historic
Founded 1994 · USA (defunct 2010)
IBC (International Bodyboarding Corporation)
Founded 2004 · USA
Famous names & records
Famous athletes
- Tom Morey (USA, 1935-2021) — Inventor of Morey Boogie Board 1971; father of bodyboarding
- Mike Stewart (USA/Hawaii) — 9× World Champion; considered greatest bodyboarder ever
- Ben Player (Australia) — 3× World Champion
- Jeff Hubbard (Hawaii) — 3× World Champion + Pipeline specialist
- Alex Uranga (Chile) — Multiple World Champion + Antofagasta local
- Sammy Morretino (USA) — Pipeline Master + El Nino '97 champion
- Pierre Louis Costes (France) — European standout
- Iain Campbell (South Africa) — Modern era champion
Records
Invention date
Tom Morey (USA/Hawaii) — July 7, 1971 in Kona, Hawaii (1971)
Most World Championship titles
Mike Stewart (Hawaii) — 9 world titles (2005)
APB World Tour founding
APB — 2011 (2011)
Biggest wave bodyboarded
Various Nazaré + Jaws attempts — 20-25+ meter waves (2015)
First Boogie Board sold
Morey Surfboards — 1973 commercial launch (1973)
Learn this sport
beginner
- 1
Buy beginner board + fins
$80-200 for entry-level. Ensure fins fit securely.
- 2
Practice in small waves
0.5-1m waves at gentle beach breaks; learn wave reading + fin technique.
- 3
Take lessons if unfamiliar with ocean
Beach schools offer 1-3 hour lessons for beginners.
intermediate
- 1
Progress to medium waves (1-2m)
Steeper faces enable more advanced maneuvers.
- 2
Learn drop-knee stance
Different feel + more surfing-like riding.
- 3
First aerial attempts (small waves)
Small El Rollo tricks + spins in accessible surf.
advanced
- 1
Big-wave bodyboarding
3-5m+ waves; requires skill + safety awareness + local knowledge.
- 2
Aerial trick vocabulary
Air 360s, backflips, forwards, spins; watch APB pros.
- 3
Compete on regional/national tours
APB + national federation events; open to skilled riders.
Frequently asked
How do you bodyboard?+
Rider lies PRONE on rectangular foam board (~1m long) in ocean waves. Uses SWIMFINS on feet to paddle out + propel into waves. Position at 'take-off zone' where waves break; when suitable wave approaches, kick fins hard + let wave lift board. Drop down wave face; angle across face for longest ride; use body weight + fin kicks to steer. Advanced: DROP-KNEE (one knee on board, one foot forward), AERIAL TRICKS (spins, flips off wave lip), heavy-wave riding (Pipeline, Teahupoo). Easier learning curve than surfing — beginners catch waves in first session.
Where does bodyboarding come from?+
Invented by TOM MOREY (USA) on JULY 7, 1971 in Kona, Hawaii. Morey shaped foam blank into rectangular board he named 'Morey Boogie Board' — commercialized in 1973. Original design similar to modern boards. Explosive growth 1970s-80s (millions of Boogie Boards sold globally). PROFESSIONAL TOUR emerged 1980s — Mike Stewart won 9 world titles becoming face of the sport. IBA (International Bodyboarding Association) founded 1994; superseded by APB (Association of Professional Bodyboarders) in 2011. Now global with 5-10 million active riders; strong communities Brazil, Australia, Portugal, Hawaii, Chile.
How is bodyboarding different from surfing?+
BODYBOARDING: Small foam board (~1m); prone (lying) position; uses fins for propulsion; easier learning; handles heavier waves; enables aerial tricks; can access smaller/beach-break waves. Cheaper equipment ($80-400 total). SURFING: Larger board (1.5-3m); stand-up stance; hands + arms for paddling; steeper learning curve; more traditional; different aesthetic. More expensive gear ($500-2000). CULTURAL: Historic tension — some surfers dismiss bodyboarders as 'boogie boarders'. Modern acceptance growing. Different physical positions + skills; some athletes do both. Bodyboarding excels in HEAVY WAVES + AERIAL work; surfing better for LONG SMOOTH RIDES + traditional style.
Where are the best bodyboarding spots?+
TOP GLOBAL VENUES: (1) PIPELINE, HAWAII — legendary bodyboarding venue; Pipeline Pro; heavy waves; Mike Stewart's home break. (2) TEAHUPOO, TAHITI — one of heaviest waves in world. (3) NAZARÉ, PORTUGAL — mega-waves (20-25m); big-wave bodyboarding frontier. (4) SHARK ISLAND, AUSTRALIA — heavy shore-break barrels. (5) PADANG PADANG, BALI — perfect barrels. (6) ARICA, CHILE — 'Chilean Pipeline'; APB Tour stop. (7) FUERTEVENTURA, CANARY ISLANDS — European bodyboarding capital. (8) FISTRAL, UK — Cornish bodyboarding heartland. (9) SANDY BEACH, HAWAII — legendary bodyboarding beach. (10) SNAPPER ROCKS, AUSTRALIA — sand-bottom point break. Each spot suits different disciplines (heavy/aerial/DK).
Is bodyboarding a real sport?+
YES — competitive professional sport with APB (Association of Professional Bodyboarders) World Tour since 2011. Categories: PRONE (standard), DROP-KNEE (DK, separate division), BIG WAVE. Tour events in Hawaii, Chile, Portugal, Brazil, Australia. Judging: 10-point scale per wave for difficulty + amplitude + variety + speed + power + flow; best 2 waves per heat totaled. Elite bodyboarders earn $30-150K/year (Mike Stewart lifetime earnings ~$1M+). NOT Olympic (unlike surfing since Tokyo 2020) but recognized worldwide sport. Amateur + national federation tours + WSL-adjacent events. Strong scene in bodyboarding-strong countries (Portugal, Brazil, Australia).
How much does bodyboarding cost?+
STARTUP: $80-200 for beginner board + fins + leash. Wetsuit $150-400 (cold water). $200-500 for higher-end board (competition). ADVANCED: $400-800 for pro-level boards (Custom X, NMD, Science). Travel to good waves = biggest ongoing cost ($1000-5000/year for pros). LESSONS: $30-80 per session at beach schools. Total ANNUAL recreational cost ~$500-1500. Compared to surfing: significantly cheaper (surfing $500-2000+). Compared to kitesurfing/windsurfing: much cheaper. Most accessible major water sport.
Sources & provenance
- Wikipedia — Bodyboarding— Wikipedia
- APB Tour— APB