How To Choose The Right Bodyboard & Skimboard

Being in the water on a board is good for the soul. It's a great way to get away from it all and unwind, and you can have hours of free fun in the sun! With your own bodyboard or skimboard, you're always ready for action, and board riding is a great way to keep yourself and the kids active.

Whether you prefer the beach, lakes, rivers or canals, when you've got a board you'll never be bored! However, how do you know what type of board is best for you and your specific needs? No worries, because our team of board experts at Anaconda have come together to create this buying guide to give you all the information you need to know to make the right decision about the best bodyboard and skim board for you.

Quick Links

• The Different Types Of Boards
• How To Choose A Bodyboard Size
• Types Of Bodyboard & Skimboard Materials
• How To Choose The Best Bodyboard Or Skimboard

The Different Types Of Boards

It's good to know what the main types of boards are before you make your purchase. Do you want to glide through the waves or cruise along the water? Do you prefer to kneel, stand or lay down? Let's break down the different types of boards to find which one is best suited to your needs.

Bodyboards

A bodyboard, also known as a boogie board, makes it very easy for anyone to ride waves on straight away. They are a lot less tiring and safer to use than a regular surfboard. Bodyboards are shorter and wider than a surfboard, so they're more stable. Bodyboards are ridden lying down or on one knee, depending on how your preference. When comparing bodyboards, be sure to consider these six important factors:

1. Surface Grip - A better grip makes it harder to slip off.
2. Tail Shape - A bat tail gives you more speed but is harder to control.
3. The Sides - Straight sides are faster than rounded, but harder to control.
4. Stringer Rod - This keeps the board stiff so it lasts longer.
5. Channels - These grooves on the underside give you more control.
6. Leash Connection - This is essential if you'll be using it to ride waves at the beach.

Skim Boards

A skim board is basically a miniature surfboard and is used to ride tiny waves that break right onto the sand on the shoreline. You hold a skim board in your hand while running on the sand, then drop it and jump on the skim along the water. Skim boards are best for those willing to commit to a fair bit of practice and are often used by those who are already experienced in surfing. A skim board with a round nose will provide stability and is more suitable for beginners, whereas a pointed nose will enhance manoeuvrability and is better for experienced riders.

Kneeboards

A kneeboard is designed for riders to kneel on while being towed behind a boat. It is used for various water activities and they're popular for their versatility and ease of use. A kneeboard typically has a rectangular or slightly contoured shape with padded knee wells and a strap or hook to secure the rider's knees in place. Some kneeboards have fins on the bottom to improve tracking and stability on the water. Kneeboarding is accessible to riders of different skill levels, from beginners to experienced water sports enthusiasts.

How To Choose A Bodyboard Size

Bodyboards are the smallest type of board, so it's easy to throw a few in the boot of your car for a fun day at the beach. The bodyboard you choose needs to be the right size so it stays afloat and is easy to control. To choose the correct size bodyboard, stand a few boards up on one end and hold them beside you. The bodyboard that's closest to being in line with your belly button is the right size. If it's for a child, get a bodyboard that's a bit higher than their belly button (so there's room to grow). Make sure they're strong enough and their arms are long enough to carry it. Choose the bodyboard shape that suits the rider's level of experience.

Best Bodyboard Size For Kids & Beginners

A bodyboard with a wide nose will provide more stability than a bodyboard with a narrow nose. A bodyboard with a crescent-shaped tail is easier to control than one with a bat-wing tail. Lastly, a bodyboard that bends upwards at one or both ends (meaning it has a rocker) is going to be more stable, slower and easier to control.

Best Bodyboard Size For Experienced Riders

A bodyboard with a narrow nose is going to offer easier control than one with a wide nose, but it will be less stable. A bodyboard that has a bat-wing-shaped tail is going to be faster and much better for doing tricks. A flat bodyboard (with no rocker) is going to be fast as well, but will have less stability and be harder to control.

Bodyboards Size Chart

Types Of Bodyboard & Skim Board Materials

When choosing a bodyboard or skimboard, the material plays a key role in performance and durability. Different materials offer varying levels of buoyancy, flexibility and strength, which can impact your ride. From basic high-density foam to more advanced materials like polypropylene and epoxy, each type provides unique benefits depending on your skill level and the conditions you'll be riding in. Understanding the materials helps you select the best board to suit your style.

Bodyboard Materials

Bodyboards are made from plastic of varying quality, from cheap lightweight plastic foam (perfect for younger kids and beginners) to high-quality foam with a hard plastic bottom (or slick) and soft foam sides (rails), which make the board faster and easier to control, which suits bigger waves and doing tricks. Some have 1-3 graphite or carbon rods (stringers) to make the board stronger, ensuring it won't fold and springs back into shape after bending in the surf.

Skim Board Materials

The material a skim board is made from is crucial to how the board performs on the sand and in the water. Different materials offer varying levels of durability, flexibility and responsiveness, which affects your speed and control, and how easily the board glides. From wood to fibreglass and epoxy, each material suits different conditions and rider preferences. Understanding the types of skimboard materials helps you choose the best option for your skill level, riding style and the conditions.

How To Choose The Best Bodyboard Or Skim Board

When you're weighing up which board to buy, think about quality versus cost. Plastic foam boards are the cheapest but they won't last as long as boards with a foam core, hard plastic bottom and stringers. When it comes to how much you should spend, if you just want a board the kids can try, a cheap one should do the trick. Cheaper boards tend to be less durable, so remember that you get what you pay for. If you'll be using it a lot and want years of use, it's worth spending a bit more on a good-quality board.

Play More & Pay Less With Bodyboards & Skim Boards From Anaconda

When it comes to the best surfboards, stand up paddle boards, bodyboards, paddles and more for your next outdoor adventure, Anaconda has all of your needs covered. Before you head out though, make sure you check out our Adventure Centre for more helpful tips and exciting destinations that you can visit with your friends, family and loved ones.

If you liked our Boards Buying Guide, then you might also like some of our other articles for tips and fun destinations such as:

• Surf & Swimwear Buying Guide
• How To Get Into Stand Up Paddle Boarding
• What To Wear Paddle Boarding
• How To Plan The Perfect Day At The Beach

Find your local Anaconda store and check out our extensive water sports range for your next outdoor adventure.