Board Guide - Morey® Bodyboards Australia

  

Welcome to the ultimate guide for choosing the perfect bodyboard! Whether you're a seasoned rider or just getting started, finding the right bodyboard is essential for an incredible bodyboarding experience. 

In this guide, we'll first delve into the fundamental anatomy of a bodyboard, which will help you understand the materials of the bodyboard and how it's made, and then explore the key factors to consider when selecting a bodyboard. By understanding both the crucial elements and the intricate details, you'll be equipped with the knowledge to make an informed decision and find the bodyboard that matches your style, skill level, and wave conditions you’ll be in. 

Get ready to elevate your bodyboarding game and ride the waves with confidence!

Things to consider when choosing your board:

1. Skill Level

2. Board length and width

3. Riding Style

4. Water Temperature

5. Leash Compatibility & Placement

Anatomy of a Bodyboard

Before we dive into the nitty-gritty of choosing the perfect bodyboard, let's take a moment to familiarize ourselves with the anatomy of this incredible wave-riding tool. Understanding the various components and their functions will empower you to make an informed decision and find the bodyboard that best suits your needs and riding style. 

Core: 

The core is the beating heart of your bodyboard. It is made from foam materials like expanded polystyrene (EPS), polyethylene (PE), or polypropylene (PP). Each material has its own characteristics, offering varying levels of buoyancy, flex, and durability. 

Below are the 3 main core types available in Morey Bodyboards:

	EPS, or Expanded Polystyrene, is a lightweight and stiff foam material commonly found in entry-level or beginner bodyboards. While it may not be the most durable core material, its lightweight and buoyant nature allows for easier maneuverability, making it perfect for first-timers tackling their first waves.
	PE, or (Polyethylene), has been a staple material in bodyboard manufacturing since the mid-1970s. Known for its exceptional durability and excellent recoil, it offers impressive control and responsiveness. The performance with this core type is excellent in most water temperatures, except for very warm conditions (75F/23C) where it tends to become softer. It is the heaviest among the three common core types, providing added stability and a solid feel in the water.
	PP, (Polypropylene), is the ultimate core material for bodyboarding. PP cores offer a lightweight and high-performance experience. With 100% waterproof properties, it remains lightweight throughout the board's lifespan. Polypropylene is known for its durability and ability to maintain flex characteristics in all water temperatures, making it a top choice for riders seeking optimal performance.

Deck: 

The deck is the top surface of the bodyboard where you lie or kneel on. It is usually covered with a soft and comfortable foam layer, such as cross-linked polyethylene (IXPE) or Non-Cross Linked polyethylene (NXLPE). The deck provides traction and grip, allowing you to maintain control of the board while performing maneuvers and tricks. High-quality decks can even mold and conform to your body, creating a custom fit and maximizing comfort.

Below are the four distinct deck materials utilized in Morey boards!

	The XPE deck is made of cross-linked polyethylene foam, offering a lightweight, soft, and durable option that absorbs impacts and provides excellent rider comfort. Its low moisture permeability makes it highly effective in keeping water out.
	The IXL deck offers superior water-resistance and durability with its fine cell structure and minimal water absorption. It provides excellent grip for wave-catching and tricks. Resistant to sea water damage, it's a reliable and sturdy option. Note that because of its hardness, it may cause skin irritation and has less shock absorption compared to other decks.
	The TC6.5 deck features 6.5lb PE decking foam, representing its density per inch. This soft and flexible PE decking allows riders to mold their boards over time, creating a personalized foam memory for maximum comfort. Despite its softness, PE decking remains remarkably durable and resistant to creasing, regardless of water temperature or wave conditions.
	The TC8 deck features 8lb PE decking foam, which refers to the density per inch. Slightly denser than the TC6.5 but still remains soft and flexible. Riders can wear into their boards over time and create a foam memory where they feel most comfortable. Despite being soft and flexible, PE is still incredibly durable and resistant to creasing in any water temperature or wave conditions.

Slick: 

The slick, also known as the bottom skin, is the sleek and shiny surface on the underside of a bodyboard. It is typically made of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) or Surlyn, which are water-resistant materials designed to reduce friction and enhance speed, helping you glide effortlessly across the water.

Below are the two diverse slick types used in Morey boards!

	The bottom of the board is covered with high-density polyethylene, known as HDPE. This specialized material provides a smooth, glossy, and friction-resistant surface, allowing for effortless gliding and maximizing speed on the water.
	The belly of the board is covered in Surlyn, the same durable material used in golf ball coatings. It's resilient and minimizes creasing. It's stiff, yet flexible enough to enable the board to effortlessly respond to wave curves under pressure! An upgrade from an HDPE slick!

Contours: 

Contours are the curves and shapes on the bottom of the board that help you glide effortlessly through the waves. Contours come in various forms, such as channels and concaves. These contours create a magical interaction between the board and the water, enhancing speed, control, and maneuverability. 

Nose: 

The nose of a bodyboard is like the prow of a ship, leading the way through the waves. It's the front part of the board that allows you to initiate turns, cut through the water, and ride with precision. Nose designs can vary, from wide noses to small and sometimes even rounded ones.

Tail: 

The bodyboard's tail is like its personality, adding both style and function to your ride. Two popular tail shapes are the crescent and bat tails. The crescent tail offers a smooth and responsive ride, allowing quick reactions to sudden movements for enhanced maneuverability. It remains the most widely used tail type worldwide. On the other hand, the bat tail, invented by legendary bodyboarder Mike Stewart, resembles bat wings and provides extra lift and release. Perfect for riders who enjoy launching off the lip and performing aerial tricks, it adds an exciting dimension to your wave-riding experience.

Wide Point

The wide point of a bodyboard is the widest part of the board, and its position is crucial for determining how your body weight should be distributed on the board. A forward wide point offers stability for prone style riding, while a centered or rearward wide point provides maneuverability dropknee style riding. 

Stringers: 

Stringers are the backbone of a bodyboard, adding strength and stability. Made of materials like fiberglass or carbon fiber, they run along the board's core. They distribute energy evenly across your board and prevent excessive flexing, giving you a snappy feel when riding. Bodyboards may have one, two, or even three stringers, depending on the model. Consider stringers as the hidden heroes, fortifying your bodyboard against the forces of the ocean, ensuring durability and enhancing your performance.

Morey boards feature up to two stringers look out for these visual guides to find out!

	A single rod stringer embedded in the core. This stringer provides added strength and rigidity to the board, enhancing its overall performance and durability. Experience increased responsiveness and control with the single rod stringer icon.
	Two stringers embedded in the core. These dual stringers provide maximum strength and stiffness, resulting in enhanced board performance and responsiveness. The double stringer design allows riders to confidently tackle powerful waves and execute precise maneuvers.

Mesh: 

The mesh is a key feature that contributes to the board's durability and impact resistance. It is typically made of a strong and flexible plastic material, resembling a chicken wire-like pattern. It is embedded within the core of the bodyboard, sandwiched between the deck and the slick. Like stringers, the mesh distributes wave impacts evenly across the board, preventing over-flexing and increasing its overall strength. 

Find out if your Morey board comes equipped with our X-FLEX mesh!

The X-FLEX mesh prevents over-flexing and distributes impacts evenly throughout the board. It is a plastic chicken mesh wire embedded across the core, sandwiched between the deck and the slick. Ensures optimal resilience and responsiveness.

Rails: 

The rails of a bodyboard refer to the edges that run along the sides of the board. They bring some serious maneuverability to the table. You've got options when it comes to rails – they can be sharp or rounded, each offering its own unique ride. 

Leash and Leash Plug:

A leash is a vital accessory that attaches the bodyboard to the rider, ensuring it doesn't get lost during wipeouts. It's connected to a leash plug, a durable insert on the board, preventing separation in the water. Some boards include a leash and pre-installed plug, while others require separate purchase and installation based on preference.

Find out if your Morey board includes a leash using our informative visual guide!

A bodyboard leash is included with your board. No need to purchase it separately! The leash plug is also pre-installed, saving you time and effort. Get ready to hit the waves with everything you need for a safe and enjoyable ride. (Please note that our pro series boards may not come with a leash as many professional riders have specific preferences for leash type and placement of the leash plug. This allows them to customize their equipment according to their individual needs and riding style)

By familiarizing yourself with the anatomy of a bodyboard, you gain valuable insights into how each component contributes to your riding experience. Every part of a bodyboard plays a crucial role in the board's performance and functionality.