Bodyboard Size Chart Guide
There is a lot of misinformation on the crucial topic of choosing the right size bodyboard.
This is the #1 mistake, by far, people make when buying.
Some say a board that reaches your belly button, others say a board that fits comfortable under your arm... what's right and what's wrong?
I heard a bunch of things like that when I started bodyboarding (about 18 years ago when I was 13) and most of it is nonsense, which misguides a lot of people.
But you have come to the right place.
If you read my bodyboard size chart guide below (in full, keep reading after the chart) you will now know how to pick the perfect sized bodyboard.
Bodyboard Size Chart
Rider Weight | Rider Height | Board Length |
|---|---|---|
Under 30' | 23-39' | 129-44 lbs |
30' | 39-51' | 55 lbs |
32' | 43-55' | 44-66 lbs |
34' | 45-57' | 55-77 lbs |
36' | 47-59' | 66-99 lbs |
37' | 48-60' | 77-110 lbs |
37.5' | 51-61' | 77-121 lbs |
38' | 53-61' | 77-128 lbs |
38.5' | 54-62' | 84-128 lbs |
39' | 55-64' | 88-132 lbs |
39.5' | 58-65' | 92-143 lbs |
40' | 62-66' | 93-159 lbs |
40.5' | 62-67' | 110-176 lbs |
41" | 63-68' | 121-187 lbs |
41.5' | 65-70' | 132-198 lbs |
42' | 66-72' | 143-210 lbs |
42.5' | 67-74' | 154-220 lbs |
43' | 68-75' | 154-231 lbs |
43.5' | 69-75' | 165-286 lbs |
44' | 69-76' | 165-286 lbs |
45' | 71-79' | 176-297 lbs |
46' + | 75-79' | 187-320 lbs |
Now It's Time For A Bodyboard
Now that you know the correct size for you it's time to get your board.
I selected the best boards out there and broke it down by size.
41" & 42" - Morey Mach 7
The Mach 7 model by Morey is an industry classic.
This is the most iconic board in bodyboard history, dating back to 1981, and they continue to produce the Mach 7 to this day.
Point being, this board is tried and true, refined to perfection over several decades and... for a very affordable price. I think it is the best bang for the buck out there.
That is why this board is by far my biggest recommendation.
A complete beginner can use this board to learn on but it is also so good that an advanced rider can rip on this thing too. I have a Mach 7 in my quiver myself.
33", 37", 41" - Lucky Bums
The Lucky Bums bodyboard is the best board out there for the price.
It has a very affordable price, tag much less that the Mach 7, but it is made for brand new beginner bodyboards to get a start.
This board is perfect for kids (sizes 33" & 37") or adults (size 41") who are only going to the beach for a vacation or a similar situation.
This board is perfect for going straight on the wave and just catching whitewater waves, meaning, for someone who is just having fun and goofing around while on their yearly vacation to the beach.
But if you are looking for performance and trying to learn how to rip and do tricks then I would definitely recommend skipping this board and getting the Mach 7.
44" - Morey Big Kahuna
Big toys for big boys.
This is the ideal bodyboard for the XL rider, hence the name "Big Kahuna."
It comes with all the quality that Morey is known for, with the same craftsmanship as the Mach 7 model, just a bit bigger!
If a 44" sized board is your size you can't go wrong with the Big Kahuna.
I have actually owned this board as well and I was very impressed but it was too big for me so I ended up giving it to a friend.
It is durable and a thick width for good buoyancy, this board will hold up and last for years.
Accessories You Will Need
leash
I put a leash first because it is the most essential to your bodyboard.
Who wants to go chasing after your board all the time after each wave?
Some people don't wear leash and think they are cool but they are dumb because you burn a lot of energy and time swimming after your board and you don't try tricks and things you are unsure of because you don't want to loose your board.
Bottom line: a bodyboard leash is your friend in the water.
Creatures of Leisure Ryan Hardy Bodyboard Leash
The best bodyboard leash that I recommend is the Creatures of Leisure Ryan Hardy model.
Ryan one of the top pro's in the world and favorite of mine but that is not why I recommend this leash.
This is the toughest leash out there. It's construction is like Fort Knocks.
The problem is that a lot of leashes break or wear out over time. Not this one.
You can bodyboard 1 foot waves at your local or beach or Pipeline in Hawaii. It is comfortable yet indestructible.
This is a bicep leash, which I recommend, meaning the leash fastens around your bicep on your arm. The other option is a wrist leash, which I don't recommend unless you have tried both and prefer it.
There's More To It Than Just A Chart
The chart above is the best it gets when it comes to charts but it's just that... a chart.
That chart will work for a lot of people but not all. There are some exceptions.
There are all different body types so sometimes you have to read between the lines (literally) in some cases.
But before we get into that, I need to get two things off my chest:
#1 "The Board Should Be Around Your Belly Button" [myth]
If someone tells you this don't listen.
I am tall and skinny so if i followed this rule I would be riding a giant board and a short and voluptuous (fat) person would be riding a kids board and they would sink like the Titanic.
This rule does not work for most people.
#2 "Boogie Board" [fact]
Boogie board and bodyboard are the same thing but the correct term is bodyboard.
Bodyboard is the name of the sport and boogie board is a brand.
I say this so you know we are taking about the same thing but it might as well be called the "boogie board size chart guide" since a lot of people know this as a boogie board.
Okay, onward.
#3 That chart above will work like a charm except in 3 situations
- Some body types
Some body types may not fit this chart, simply put. Maybe you are just kind of a weird shape and so this chart is not always a one size fits all concrete rule. - Just doesn't fit (under your arm etc)
Kind of the same as body types, if it just doesn't feel right then the chart might not be for you. Maybe the board doesn't even fit under your arm well when holding and carrying it (too big or too small). - Personal preference
Some riders just prefer a certain size. Advanced riders sometimes ride smaller boards because at their level it can be best to perform maneuvers with a more responsive board.
Other Factors To Consider
If you are a beginner you won't need to know this but if you are getting more serious into bodyboarding then it would be helpful to know the below info when selecting your board to get it more fine tuned to what you are trying to accomplish.
- Crescent vs bat tail
There are two types of tail styles; crescent and bat tails. Either will be fine. Crescents grip the waves better while bat tails are a bit more loose when riding.
- dow vs polypro core
Most boards are polypro and that is typically what you want for a beginner board. As you advance you may want to try out a dow board, especially if you are in colder water as they are most flexible and bend much more versus polypro, which is a stiffer core. - mesh and stringers
You will want to make sure your new board has a stringer in its core. This is prevent it from creasing, giving it more lifetime use. For the more advanced rider, look into mesh to strengthen the core, it's cool stuff, you will thank me later.
The post Bodyboard Size Chart Guide appeared first on Surf Researcher.