| So you've obtained a bodyboard and are ready to try | | | | be torn off of your feet by the turbulence of the |
| some ocean sports. What should you think about to | | | | breaking waves.UNDERSTAND THE MOTION IN THE |
| insure the safest and most fun surfing | | | | OCEAN |
| experience?KNOW YOUR LIMITS | | | | Every beach has it's own distinct characteristics, |
| Because of the easy beginning learning curve you | | | | though these may change with the surf conditions. |
| may be tempted to try swimming out in conditions that | | | | Waves may break in specific locations or in specific |
| are beyond your control. Maybe the surf is too | | | | directions. There may be currents could help you get |
| powerful or breaking too far from shore for your | | | | out past the breaking waves or if you are not aware |
| swimming experience. Maybe that particular beach has | | | | (or in conditions that exceed your limitations) sweep |
| rocks or reef that may harm you if you make a | | | | you away from the beach. Incorrect responses to |
| mistake while learning. Become familiar with beach | | | | ocean conditions may zap your energy or turn a |
| postings and talk to lifeguards if the beach or | | | | manageable situation into one that requires rescue. |
| conditions are unfamiliar to you.USE PROPER SWIM | | | | Many beaches have piers or rock jetties that can |
| FINS | | | | either help shape the waves or present dangerous |
| Fins are used by all but a select few bodyboarders. | | | | obstacles.UNDERSTAND AND RESPECT THE |
| Relying on arm strength alone is not recommended. | | | | RULES OF WAVE RIDING |
| Since bodyboards are not as fast as surfboards you | | | | Chances are you won't be alone in the ocean. There |
| will expend much more energy to travel less distance | | | | are "unwritten" rules of priority shared by both |
| using only your arms. With fins you can switch | | | | bodyboarding and surfing. Following these rules not |
| between arm paddling and leg kicking to avoid | | | | only maintain a sense of harmony in these water |
| exhausting your muscle strength. It is also much easier | | | | sports, they also minimize the chance of injuring you |
| to catch waves while kicking with fins since you can | | | | and your fellow wave riders.Now it's time to have |
| use your arms to help "push" your board forward and | | | | some fun, so go catch some waves!Steve Alexander |
| into the wave.Use only fins designed for water sports | | | | ( is a seasoned bodyboarder with 20 years |
| like bodyboarding that take place in the surf zone. | | | | experience riding waves in California, Mexico, and |
| Diving fins are not designed for surfing activities. There | | | | Hawaii. Connections with bodyboard manufacturers |
| are two problems with fins designed for diving: the | | | | including Element Bodyboarding and JL Designs have |
| length of the blade makes it difficult to generate speed | | | | also given him insight into production aspects and he |
| fast enough to catch a moving wave and they may | | | | has custom-designed many of his own bodyboards. |