Top 15 Best Bodyboards Recommended in 2023

Using the best bodyboards for you translates to a better bodyboarding experience. Investing in good bodyboards will save you a lot of stress and money. However, trying to find a bodyboard can be pretty confusing, especially as a first-timer.

To increase your knowledge about bodyboards, I have compiled some information that you might find useful. Furthermore, I have researched the market and reviewed 15 fantastic products to consider. You will also find the buying guide helpful in narrowing down your options.

My Top Picks

Investing in a good bodyboard is critical, and a bad bodyboard can mar the moment on the beach. Here are some of the best bodyboards available.

• Best Overall: GYN Trade Legendary Pro X
  “60/40 rails, Lightweight, moderately priced, can be used by all experience levels.”
• Best Budget: Bo-Toys
  “Better maneuverability, lightweight, fused together using heat lamination technology for durability.”
• Best for Big Guys: Morey Mach 7-SS 43″
  “Versatile, decent grip, durable construction, has a 190-pound capacity.”
• Best for Kids: PrimeOneOnline
  “Multiple colors and sizes, possesses an EPS core, comes with a leash plug and attachable wrist leash.”
• Best for Adults: BZ T-10
  “Great aesthetics, high stability, crescent-shaped tail, comes with channels.”
• Best for 5-Year-Old: Boggie Board Fiber clad
  “Fiber-clad body, attractive design, includes safety features.”
• Best for Beginners: Morey Cruiser 42.5″
  “180-pound limit, features bottom channels, comes power stringer for increased strength.”
• Best for Intermediate: Wavestorm 40″
  “Budget-friendly, offers better grip, possesses a strong EPS core and a sturdy skin.”
• Best for Pros: Lucky Bums
  “Budget-friendly, 190-pound limit, comes with a lifetime warranty.”
• Best for Small Waves: BPS Storm
  “12-month warranty, high speed, features channels and crescent tail.”
• Best for Drop Knee: Mike Stewart Science Launch LTD
  “Reputable brands, strong rails, comes with a propylene core and surlyn base.”
• Best Value: Own the Wave Super Lightweight
  “Versatile, lightweight, one-year warranty, comes with a leash, fin savers and a user guide.”
• Best for Heavy Riders: Custom X Beast
  “Two stringers, can accommodate up to 250-pound riders.”
• Best for Tricks: Morey Mach 7 42″
  “Crescent tail, bottom channels, comes with a powerful stringer for more strength.”
• Best Under $100: Bloo Tide 40″
  “Colorful, budget-friendly, great for beginners.”

Comparison Table

Before you purchase a bodyboard, you need to be able to sort out your priority list. Here is a quick comparison of the 15 selected products containing relevant characteristics to consider.

The 15 Best Bodyboards Reviews

Deciding the bodyboard to go for can be stressful. You want to make the right choice for great performance whilst considering your physique and the waves. With the detailed reviews, you can understand each product and determine the best bodyboard to pick.

1. GYN Trade Legendary Pro X

(Best Overall – Editor’s Choice)

See the Price on Amazon

The GYN trade Legendary Pro X bodyboard has an EPS core and a quality heat-resistant slick for extra performance. For improved durability and stiffness, the parts are heat-sealed instead of glue.

The board is lightweight and available in 12 distinct color designs and five sizes for kids and adults. The largest size will appeal to big guys as it can accommodate riders as tall as 6.2 feet and 220-pound weight.

The GYN trade Legendary Pro X bodyboard is best for intermediate and advanced riders. It is one of the easiest to maneuver, thanks to its 60/40 rails. It comes with a detachable wrist leash, which is located at the bottom of the board.

2. Bo-Toys

(Best Budget)

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The Bo-Toys bodyboard is a popular option that has garnered many positive reviews. It is designed for beginners and intermediates looking for lightweight, effective and cheap bodyboards.

Despite its lightweight, it has a reliable construction made from durable extruded polystyrene with heat lamination technology. Like many others, it has a high-performance crescent tail with a friendly outline.

Interestingly, this bodyboard can carry riders that weigh up to 190 pounds without snapping. It is sold in two sizes, 33 and 41 inches, suitable for adults and kids.

With its 60/40 rail, it allows you to easily show off of skills while providing stability and significant maneuverability. The Bo-Toys bodyboard features water channels that provide tracking and smoother movement.

3. Morey Mach 7-SS 43″

(Best for Big Guys)

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The Morey Mach 7-SS 43” bodyboard is designed for heavy surf. Hence, it is suitable for intermediate and advanced riders. This particular model has a length of 43 inches; however, it is also available in 41.5 inches.

Also, it has a high-density core made from PE and a slick made from Surlyn. It offers more width and deck space to accommodate big riders of 190-pound weight and about 6-foot tall. It is also reinforced with dual stringers to accommodate such weight.

The Morey Mach 7-SS 43” bodyboard performs excellently in drop-knee and prone positions, thanks to its custom knee contours. For better experience and tricks, it has a hard rail with raised thumb ridges to enhance your control.

4. PrimeOneOnline

(Best for Kids)

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The PrimeOneOnline bodyboard is another decent option for beginners, particularly children. It is designed to be more forgiving than most bodyboards. It can be used for several hours of riding and practicing on small waves.

Like most products on this list, it has an EPS core, which explains its lightweight and better control. It features a tough, slick bottom for sleek movement, flexibility, and projection. However, it has no water channels.

Furthermore, it has a leash plug and attachable wrist leash to keep it close to your body. The tail has a slightly curved shape that strikes a balance between stability and maneuverability.

5. BZ T-10

(Best for Adults)

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The BZ T-10 bodyboard is a durable bodyboard with an exceptional design, but its performance is fascinating. It has a core made from polyethylene. It features a speed-oriented outline as it ends with a clipped crescent-shaped tail.

The maximum weight it can accommodate is about 180 pounds. It offers excellent stability and smooth riding, thanks to its sturdy high-density polyethylene bottom and its water channels. Due to its hard rail, it makes a decent choice for tricks.

Also, its construction features a RCS stringer for stiffness. There are three color options to pick from – yellow, blue, and green designs. On the downside, the BZ T-10 bodyboard doesn’t come with a leash plug.

6. Boggie Board Fiber Clad

(Best for 5-Year-Old)

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The Boggie Board Fiber Clad Bodyboard is designed explicitly for small riders, especially kids. It is 33 inches long, and it relies on a high-density polystyrene core for performance.

Unlike many bodyboards, it has a different construction. It uses a fiber-clad cover (skin) for stiffness and swiftness. Therefore, it is best for small wave conditions. However, it is lightweight and easy to carry on the beach.

For safety, a leash plug is mounted on the board, and a wrist leash is included. This way, the rider won’t lose the board in the wave. There are two color options to pick from – blue or orange.

7. Morey Cruiser 42.5″

(Best for Beginners)

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If you are a beginner or intermediate, you might want to consider the Morey Cruiser 42.5” bodyboard. The bodyboard has a high-density polystyrene core with a center-placed stringer. Its heat-laminated construction has a weight limit of 180 pounds.

With a length of approximately 42.5 inches, it can accommodate swimmers of about 6 feet tall. Due to its lightweight and the presence of grip locks, surfers can handle the board quickly. It flaunts an exceptional outline that features a crescent tail for control.

Also, it has a wrist leash, so riders don’t lose their board after wipeouts. It has a comfy deck skin of 4mm, and it comes with IXL rails for better tracking. It is available in five different colors.

=> Check out the 15 Favorite Surfboards for Beginners in 2023 here!

8. Wavestorm 40″

(Best for Intermediate)

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Wavestorm is another famous brand of bodyboards, providing boards with a perfect combination of durability, performance, and aesthetics. This particular model is a 40-inch-long bodyboard with an EPS foam core.

The Wavestorm 40” bodyboard showcases excellent graphic design and comes in three of such. For fantastic experience, it’s got contours in its soft deck that allows a better grip for maneuverability and enhanced control.

It comes with a reliable slick that enhances its stiffness and prevents over-flexing. With its crescent tail, it’s got fantastic bottom channels to maintain the board’s stability while riding.

It features a leash plug and a wrist leash, which is removable. Interestingly, an order contains a pair. If you are more than 180 pounds, you should probably not try to ride the Wavestorm 40” bodyboard.

=> Check out the 15 Outstanding Surfboards for Intermediate Surfers in 2023 here!

9. Lucky Bums

(Best for Pros)

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The Lucky Bums bodyboard has an EPS core, which explains its lightweight. Despite its budget-friendly price tag, it is long-lasting and comes with a lifetime warranty to back it up.

You also get to pick your length of choice – 33, 37, and 41 inches. The maximum weight limit for the largest board is 190 pounds; hence, many riders won’t find it challenging to balance.

The board has a construction that can tolerate various wave conditions. It has a 60/40 rail design, which is known for its top-notch control and maneuverability. With this feature, you can effortlessly try out skills and quick turns.

It does come with a leash plug and leash, so you don’t lose your board in case of wipeouts. The Lucky Bums bodyboard is sold in blue, green, pink, red, and orange.

10. BPS Storm

(Best for Small Waves)

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Being a lightweight bodyboard, the BPS Storm Bodyboard is one of the easiest to handle. Made from EPS core and an HDPE slick, the bodyboard is buoyant and can be used by beginners and intermediates.

It is available in three lengths, 33, 37, and 41 inches, with weight limits between 150 and 190 pounds. It comes with fin tethers, a coiled wrist leash, an instruction manual, and a 12-month warranty.

Furthermore, the board features water channels for improved stability and a crescent tail for effective handling. If you’re more concerned about aesthetics, the BPS Storm Bodyboard is sold in 12 attractive color combinations.

11. Mike Stewart Science Launch LTD

(Best for Drop Knee)

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Here is one of Mike Stewart’s branded products crafted for intermediate to advanced riders. Depending on your height and weight, the Mike Stewart Science Launch LTD Bodyboard is available in 40, 40.5, 41.5, and 42.5 inches.

For durability, it has a polypropylene core, Surlyn bottom, and polyethylene stringer supported with mesh and ms-channels. This way, the board will tolerate different wave sizes without falling apart.

The Mike Stewart Science Launch LTD Bodyboard has a thick profile with streamlined edges for high driving speed. Its crescent-shaped tail provides faster responsiveness while its hard rail ensures that riders can execute many skills quicker and easier.

12. Own the Wave Super Lightweight

(Best Value)

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Due to its 150-pound weight limit, the Own The Wave Bodyboard is a decent option for lightweight and budget riders. With an EPS core and HDPE polished bottom, it offers better speed, control, and excellent overall performance.

It offers superior versatility and execution is pretty comfortable with the crescent tail and its rear-bottom channels. It also features 60/40 rails to give riders impressive maneuverability even in heavy waves.

Aesthetically, the Own The Wave Bodyboard doesn’t disappoint and comes in nine different color themes. It is also available in sizes – 33, 37, and 41 inches. On purchase, you get a coiled leash, two fin savers, a user guide, and a one-year warranty.

13. Custom X Beast

(Best for Heavy Riders)

See the Price on Amazon

Bodyboarding will be interesting if only you use quality boards that are best for you. For big swimmers, finding a suitable board might be pretty stressful. However, worry no more; the Custom X Beast bodyboard is ideal for you.

With a weight limit of 250 pounds, you do not have to worry about breaking the board. Even if you are a tall rider, the bodyboard is accommodating as it comes in various lengths and width for you.

It has a high-density polyethylene core and has two graphite stringers that significantly contribute to its stability. It has a thick outline that measures 3.25 inches to ensure its buoyancy.

The crescent-shaped tail provides decent control when riding. Furthermore, the Custom X Beast Bodyboard comes in three colors. The downside is its heaviness; notwithstanding, it offers a good grip that takes care of that.

14. Morey Mach 7 42″

(Best for Tricks)

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The Mach 7 is a 42-inch long bodyboard which features a high-density polyethylene core and slick. It comes with a powerful stringer, which gives it the resilience to keep you going.

Due to its low profile, it can glide faster and easily in water. It’s got channels on the HDPE slick to help you maintain your stability. The deck has a polyethylene slick that is soft on the skin and anti-slip.

It is best for riders who are at the beginner and intermediate levels. It will only perform up to expectations if used by riders 160 to 180-pound heavy and 5.9 to 6.0-foot tall.

15. Bloo Tide 40″

(Best Under $100)

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If you are looking for an excellent bodyboard to catch your first wave, the Bloo Tide 40” bodyboard is the option for you. It is a budget-friendly and lightweight option for beginners with safety accessories (leash and leash plug).

It measures 40 inches by 20.25 inches, weighs 1.8 pounds, and can accommodate 180-pound riders. With its contoured deck, the grip is excellent. The pointed ends of the tail guarantee abundant control, stability, and tracking.

It is another bodyboard with an EPS core. It possesses a soft rail, which implies better handling. Each unit contains a pair of the Bloo Tide 40” bodyboard. Indeed, the board is attractive, but it is useful during emergencies.

How to Choose the Right Bodyboard?

Just like surfboards, bodyboards comes with various characteristics and design owing to various advancements and many manufacturers. If this is your first time or you are looking for a replacement, you need to have adequate knowledge about bodyboards.

To help you find the best bodyboards for you, I have compiled the necessary criteria you need to consider. After you’ve determined your budget, the fun you desire can be achieved if you consider the criteria listed below.

1. Board Size

Bodyboards vary in size and this allows people of different height and weight to access the sport. The size matters a lot and it directly affects the level of fun you’re going to get. For greater speed, you should consider the thin 51mm boards and for more control, the 55mm ones will do.

If the board is too big, you might find it difficult to control and maneuver. However, if it is too small, you will look too awkward and might even sink easily. It might be very tricky to pick a size, hence, I suggest you take a look at my sizing chart below.

2. Weight Capacity/Limit of the Board

You are never going to enjoy a riding session with a board if you exceed its weight limit. You will sink quickly, or break the board. .

Most boards often have their weight limit specified on them. Therefore, always check to confirm that the weight limit can accommodate your weight.

Here is a tip – bigger boards tend to have a larger weight limit, so if you are 200 pounds, you should start checking from big boards.

3. Locality and Experience

Before buying a bodyboard, you should also consider your surf location. If your location is known for small waves, a big board will be ideal for you. They offer a larger surface area, better stability and they are more responsive.

If you are riding on water known for large waves, a smaller bodyboard is ideal. You need to sacrifice size for more stability and control. If you are a beginner, a larger board is recommended until you have understood the basics.

As a beginner, you should start with the prone position, where you lie and ride on your stomach. Most bodyboards are designed for this type of position.

However, if you want to perform the drop knee, you should consider boards with great control or those designed for such functions.

4. Construction

Bodyboards are made from a combination of different materials. The parts of a bodyboard include the core, nose, deck, contours, rails, tail, and slick. One way or the other, they contribute to your overall bodyboarding experience.

Core

It is the interior part of the board and can be made from Extruded Polystyrene (EPS), Polyethylene (PE) or Polypropylene (PP). The EPS boards are usually the lightest, most common and cheapest one you’ll see around.

On the other hand, they are not very durable and might dent or snap easily but they are not all that bad.

The polyethylene cores are more durable, however, they are temperature-sensitive. The polypropylene cores are very durable, not sensitive to temperature and lighter than PE but can be expensive.

Nose and tail

The nose is the top front of the board where you place your hands most of the time while laying. You should check for noses that allow more grip

Basically, there are two types of tail shapes – crescent and bat shapes. The versatile crescent (or concave) provides an excellent grip on the board, hence, it is ideal for beginners. The bat (or delta) shape offers more speed but less control, hence, they are best for experts.

Contours

They are either raised or depressed portions on the bodyboard. The on-deck portions such as hand/ finger bulbs, elbow locks, hand wells and hip channels all contribute to your grip. The bottom channels, located on the underside, provide horizontal stability and control.

Deck and slick

The deck refers to the upper portion of the board and are mostly made from polyethylene. The slick refers to the underside/bottom of the board and can be made from Surlyn or high-density polyethylene (HDPE). Bodyboards with Surlyn are more durable and expensive than those with HDPE.

Rails

In simple terms, they are the sides of the bodyboard and they are required for maneuverability. The rails of a bodyboard are borne out of its design and it will either have the 60/40 or 50/50 rail. A 60/40 rail means that the top makes 40% of the rails and bottom makes 60% of the rail.

For the traditional 50/50, both the top and bottom contribute equally to the rail. The 60/40 rails provide more friction which can be helpful if you need control over your board. The 50/50 rails have less friction, hence, you should expect more speed.

5. Additional Features

Some bodyboards also come with additional features that you might want to consider things like aesthetics. The presence of leash plugs and cords, which helps you retain the board at all times, can be considered.

Warranties are one of the important additional features offered by manufacturers for customer appeal and protection.

What Is the Difference Between a Boogie Board and a Bodyboard?

Well, there are not many differences between bodyboards and boogie boarding. The only difference is in the design.

Bodyboards are known for their sophisticated design. They come with stringers, advanced core materials such as PE, PP, and EPS, and channels and contours. As a result, they offer much grip and control.

Boogie boards, on the other hand, have simple designs that may not include contours. Beginners and Kids mostly use them.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

In case you came here to find answers to your questions or skipped some cogent points in the article. To help you clear your mind, I’ve compiled some frequently asked questions al in this section to help out.

What Size Bodyboard Do I Need?

This depends mostly on your height and weight. If you are heavier and taller, you will need a big board. If a board is too long or short, you will topple and lose control most of the time. You should see the sizing chart and my buying guide above for more details.

How Much Do Bodyboards Cost?

The cost of bodyboard depends on its construction and size but small bodyboards for children cost around 50 dollars. Beginners or low-budget customers might need to start saving up to 150 dollars. The medium-budget bodyboards cost between 200 to 250 dollars and the expensive ones cost around 400 dollars.

How Long Do Bodyboards Last?

Bodyboards are actually meant to be indestructible but it depends on how you maintain them. If you overgrow or exceed the weight limit, you need to replace or you will damage the board. Heat can affect longevity, therefore, keep away from sunlight.

Why Don’t Bodyboards Have Fins?

Yes, bodyboards don’t have fins affixed to them. This is because your body (including arms and legs) does the work of maintaining horizontal stability and balance. Notwithstanding, you are required to wear bodyboard fins on your feet although to propel yourself.

WindSurfingMag Overview

Even if you select the best bodyboards in the market, if they are not suitable for you, they won’t perform. Hence, my comprehensive buying guide can help you narrow down your options until you find the best for you. By now, you should be able to determine the best bodyboards for yourself.

For the reviewed 15 selected bodyboards, the moderately-priced GYN Trade Legendary Pro X Bodyboard is the best overall. If you are looking for something cheaper with great performance, you should settle for the Bo-Toys Lightweight Bodyboard. Kids will be fascinated by the colorful PrimeOneOnline Body Boards and adults will like the BZ T-10 Bodyboard.

Have you purchased any of the bodyboards on my list and you have remarks or comments to make? Kindly drop them in the comments section below. You can also share this article with friends and family on Facebook, Twitter, and other social platforms by clicking on any of the buttons below.