How To Bodysurf
How to bodysurf
Bodysurfing is a fun and thrilling way to ride waves without a board. Here are the general steps you can follow:
Find a suitable location: Choose a beach with waves that are suitable for bodysurfing. Look for a spot with consistent waves and avoid areas with strong currents, rocks or shallow water.
Get the right gear: The only gear you need for bodysurfing is a pair of fins, and a handplane is optional but will enhance the experience. Fins will help you swim faster and catch waves, while a handplane will provide lift and help you ride the waves for a longer distance.
Warm up: Before entering the water, warm up your muscles by doing some stretches and light exercises.
Enter the water: Walk into the water until you are waist-deep. Make sure you are comfortable in the water and feel the waves before going any deeper.
Spot the waves: Watch the waves for a while to get a sense of their size and timing. Look for a wave that is about chest-high and is breaking evenly along the shoreline.
Start paddling: Swim towards the wave, using your fins to paddle. Once you feel the wave behind you, start kicking harder to catch the wave.
Position your handplane: Hold your handplane in front of you, with your hand securely attached to the strap. Position it so that it is angled slightly downwards.
Ride the wave: As the wave lifts you up, push down on your handplane to gain lift and increase your speed. Try to stay close to the face of the wave, and use your body to steer and maintain balance.
Exit the wave: As the wave starts to lose energy, lean back and swim out of it. Repeat steps 5-8 to catch more waves.
Stay safe: Always be aware of your surroundings and stay within your limits. Watch out for other surfers and swimmers, and avoid areas with strong currents or large waves.
Bodysurfing takes practice and patience, but with time and experience, you can become an expert at riding waves with just your body and a handplane. Enjoy the ride!