Choosing the Right Board - Morey® Bodyboards Australia

How to Choose Your Bodyboard

Now that we've covered the essential anatomy of a bodyboard, it's time to explore the key factors to consider when selecting your ideal board. As you embark on your bodyboarding journey, these considerations will help you find the perfect match that aligns with your skill level and riding preferences. 

1. Skill Level: When it comes to choosing the right bodyboard, your skill level should dictate the type of board you select. Whether you're a beginner, intermediate, or advanced rider, selecting a bodyboard that matches your skill level can greatly enhance your performance in the water.

• Beginner Riders: We recommend opting for a board with more stability and buoyancy. Look for boards with a larger template and reasonable flex, as these features provide better control and forgiveness while you're still learning the ropes. A wider nose and tail can also help with stability and make it easier to catch waves.

• Intermediate riders: Those who have gained some experience and confidence may want to explore boards with increased maneuverability. Consider a board with a slightly narrower template and a medium flex, allowing for more responsive turns and greater control in varying wave conditions. Additionally, experimenting with different tail shapes, such as crescent or bat tails, can provide different riding experiences to match your preferences and style.

• Advanced riders: Those who are seeking high-performance boards for more challenging waves and maneuvers have a wide range of options to choose from. These riders can benefit from boards with a narrower template, increased speed, and stiffer flex. Look for boards that offer greater responsiveness and quick rail-to-rail transitions, enabling you to push the limits of your skills and take on more demanding waves.

Remember, selecting a bodyboard that aligns with your skill level not only enhances your performance but also ensures your safety in the water. It's essential to progress gradually and choose a board that challenges you without overwhelming your abilities. As you continue to improve, you can always upgrade to a more advanced board that matches your growing skill set. 

At Morey, we've made it easier for you. Check out our visual guides to find the perfect board suited for your skill level.

	Beginner boards are the most affordable option. They are stable and reliable for learning the ropes. While not the most durable option, they are a great choice for those who are just starting out.
	Versatile boards designed for progressing riders. With a balanced combination of performance and durability, these boards have design features that offer enhanced maneuverability and speed. These boards are for intermediate riders looking to take their skills to the next level.
	With a focus on durability and responsive performance, these high-performance boards excel in delivering optimal results. These boards exhibit excellent flex characteristics across different water temperatures, ensuring consistent performance in various conditions.  While they may be on the more expensive side, their premium quality and ability to handle the demands of professional riding make them a worthwhile investment.

2. Board length and width: The size of your bodyboard should be proportional to your height and weight. A board that is too short or too narrow may make it difficult to catch waves, while a board that is too long or wide may be harder to maneuver. Here are some general guidelines to help you choose a bodyboard with the right length and width for you.

• Length: Generally, the length of your bodyboard should be between your navel and your knees when you stand it up vertically. This ensures that the board is the right size for your height and weight, and will provide optimal buoyancy and maneuverability in the water. Shorter boards are more maneuverable and better for tricks, while longer boards offer more stability, speed, and are better for bigger waves.

• Width: The width of your bodyboard should be based on your weight and skill level. If you are a beginner or on the heavier side, you will want a wider board for added stability. If you are more experienced and lighter, a narrower board will give you more maneuverability and control in the water.

For a more comprehensive and accurate guide on how to choose the right bodyboard, we recommend checking out our size guide. Our size guide includes a height-weight-board size chart that will help you find the perfect fit based on your body size and personal preferences.

3. Riding Style/ Shape
   
   Another important factor to consider when choosing a bodyboard is your riding style. There are different types of riding styles, such as drop knee, prone, and stand-up, and each style requires a different type of board. Here's a breakdown of the most common riding styles.

• Prone: Riding prone style on a bodyboard means riding on your stomach with your fins facing down and your head facing forward. This is the most common and beginner-friendly riding style for bodyboarding. 
  
  Prone Style Bodyboard Shape: To accommodate prone riding, the ideal bodyboard should support the upper body of riders who mainly lay down while riding, with its widest point typically located further forward on the board.

• Dropknee: Dropknee riding is when a bodyboarder places their preferred fin forward on the front of the deck with the opposing knee on the bottom end of the board with their fin dragging in the water. 
  
  Dropknee Style Bodyboard Shape: The ideal dropknee style bodyboard should feature a lower wide point halfway down the board and a narrow tapered nose so that most of the weight can be on the back of the board.
  
  (If you're a fan of drop knee riding, then the Morey Mach 7-SS is the perfect board for you. With knee contours specifically designed for this riding style, the Mach 7-SS provides additional stability and control when performing drop knee maneuvers.)

• Combo: A combo board is a board that has a versatile shape to accommodate both prone and dropknee styles of riding.
  
  Combo Bodyboard Shape: A combo board is designed with the widest point near the middle of the board, allowing it to accommodate both prone and drop knee riding styles. The rocker (curve) of the board may also be slightly less pronounced to allow for smoother transitions between riding styles.

It's important to take your riding style into account when choosing a bodyboard, as it can greatly affect your performance and overall experience in the water. 

Keep an eye out for these informative visual guides that will help you find a Morey board tailored to your specific riding style!

	Tailored specifically for prone style enthusiasts, prone style boards are usually designed with a higher wide point and a larger nose. This unique design provides increased surface area near the nose, allowing for improved stability and control when riding in the prone position.
	Designed specifically for drop knee specialists, DK or dropknee boards feature a compact nose and a lower wide point compared to prone-specific shapes. This strategic design allows for weight distribution towards the middle or back of the board, optimizing control and stability while riding in the kneeling position.
	Combo style boards combine the best features of prone and drop knee boards. Enjoy the versatility of a board that caters to both riding styles, offering enhanced stability, control, and maneuverability. Switch effortlessly between prone and drop knee riding with this versatile board.

4. Water Temperature:

Another important consideration when choosing the right bodyboard is taking into account the water temperature you'll be riding in. Different water temperatures can have an impact on the performance and flex characteristics of your board. Here are some key points to keep in mind:

• Warm Water (75°F/24°C and above): In warm waters, Polyethylene (PE) boards may become too soft, compromising control and responsiveness. Instead, consider boards with EPS or Polypropylene (PP) cores. PP boards are lightweight, durable, and offer a faster ride with better speed out of turns.

• Temperate Water (70-75°F/21-24°C): In temperate waters, most bodyboard cores perform well. However, if you want the best performance, PP cores are the preferred choice. They are lighter, stronger, and have excellent shape recovery, and generally have the longest lifespan out of all core types.

• Cold Water (Below 70°F/20°C): While PP boards may seem tempting in cold waters, their extra stiffness can lead to discomfort and a lack of control. PE cores, on the other hand, are more forgiving and offer increased flex, making them more suitable for bigger waves and shore breaks. 

It's worth noting that PP boards generally last longer than PE boards. However, in certain conditions and wave types, some riders may prefer the increased flex of PE cores for better wave-face adaptation.

5. Leash Compatibility & Placement
   

• Leash Compatibility: Make sure the bodyboard you choose is compatible with the leash you plan to use. Some bodyboards come with built-in leash plugs, while others require a separate leash attachment. Most bodyboards have a leash plug designed for a thin leash string, while others may require a thicker leash string. Make sure to choose a board with a leash plug that is compatible with the type of leash string you plan on using.
  
  

• Leash Placement: Another crucial aspect to consider is the positioning of the leash plug, which can impact your riding style. For prone riding, having the leash plug located closer to the front of the board allows you to attach it nearer to your wrist or bicep, providing better control and maneuverability. On the other hand, for drop-knee riding, placing the leash plug closer to the end of the board is more suitable, enabling you to attach the leash nearer to your ankle, enhancing stability and balance. It's worth noting that some boards come with built-in leash plugs, so if you prefer to install it elsewhere, ensure you select a board without a pre-installed plug for customization purposes.