Gardner Wilkinson

Read this before you go Bodyboarding!

Boards that are used for bodyboarding are shorter than surfboards. They are usually made of foam. The boards have plastic bottoms and softer foam tops. The type of foam used to make the board determines the degree of control that the rider enjoys. The temperature of the water where the board is to be used also determines the kind of foam used to manufacture it. This is because flex of the foam depends on the water temperature, and optimum flex is required for body boarding.

It is advisable to go for a board that has a smooth surface. Waxing it will prevent it from absorbing water and also increase the coefficient of friction of the surface area that is in contact with water.

The shape of the board naturally determines how it works. Those who wish to prone ride must take boards that are wider near the nose. Drop-knee and stand up riders need boards that are narrower at the nose and wider at the middle.

While choosing a board, users must make sure that the board sits flat on the ground. Only boards that have been faultily shipped or exposed too much heat get warped. These boards should not be used.

There are different kinds of board tails. The kind of board tail to be used depends on the skill level of the person using the board. If the user does not want to deliberately slide the tail, he should opt for a crescent tail. This shape is preferred by drop knee riders. The bat tail is preferred by prone riders as it is easier to slide these tails. These tails also reduce drag as the riders legs stay out of water because of the bottoms these boards are somewhat longer in the middle. Drop-knee or stand-up body boarders sometimes use boards with skegs.

Sometimes one or two rods made of carbon or graphite is built into boards to make them stronger. These rods enhance the recoil and stiffness of the core. This ensures more speed from bottom turns. These rods are known as stringers. The stringers of single-stringer boards are placed in the middle of the middle of the board. The stringers of double-stringer boards are placed about the board's y-axis. It is important to know the position of stringers because they may be damaged when the hole for the leash plug is drilled.

If one is new to body boarding, he or she must seek assistance from an expert while choosing the right board.

Source: Free Articles from ArticlesFactory.com

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