Bodysurfing

Bodysurfing is the simplest form of wave-riding. You just strap on some fins and kick down the face of the wave with an outstretched arm. Your whole body trims down the line. I’ve seen very good bodysurfers at the Wedge in particular. Doing this well is actually quite hard, despite looking easy. Aside from trimming, the more experienced can do maneuvers such a spinners and barrel rolls. Fast breaking beachbreak that is usually good for bodyboarders is also good for bodysurfers . Beginners usually just stand close to shore and jump with a breaking wave, not too much trimming. This is the favorite form of wave riding among the tourists.

I'd have thought this species would go extinct with the invention of the bodyboard, but no. Honestly, I'd advise just grabbing a bodyboard and making it easy, but some people really like the whole body-trim, I’m-connected-with-the-wave feeling. Like most who start riding waves, I bodysurfed a little, but bought a bodyboard very soon after. I never spent enough time doing it to develop good technique, but I did have a roommate at Long Beach State that swore by it. These wave riders are not that well known partly because what there is almost nothing to market....just fins. Please!

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