Size guide / How to choose the right bodyboard size?
The size of the bodyboard directly influences its stability and ease of handling. It must be suited to the size and weight of its user. This bodyboard 500 is available in 4 sizes, depending on the user’s height:
Size 38" between 1.35 m and 1.55 m tall
Size 40" between 1.55 m and 1.70 m tall
Size 41.5" between 1.70 m and 1.85 m tall
Size 43.5" taller than 1.85 m
A bodyboard that is too small will not be buoyant enough, you’ll miss the waves.
A bodyboard that is too big will be hard to handle.
Designed to be used for intended sizes and conditions: Intermediate level.
This bodyboard features a high-density slick, a dense EPO foam core (30 kg/m3), 2 fibreglass stringers and a 128g EPE coating.
This board is very responsive and durable in the right wave conditions.
If the waves are >1.50 m, go for the bodyboard 900 instead. With a denser core (PP), it will better withstand impacts, surf conditions and landing tricks.
Damage other than snapped or folded boards can be repaired. For more information, visit our website or your nearest store.
Did you know? The use of fins lets you catch 2 to 3 times more waves!
In the ocean, when the water is deeper than your navel, it’s very difficult to catch waves without the help of fins.
This is because it is no longer possible to propel yourself by pushing your feet off the floor to gain momentum in the wave, and paddling with your arms is often insufficient.
For best results when learning to bodyboard, we strongly recommend that you use bodyboard fins to improve faster and stay safe in coastal currents.
To catch waves, you must be correctly positioned on the bodyboard.
The nose bumpers give you good grip with your hands.
When catching a wave, put your hands on the front and arch your back to maximise the buoyancy and power produced by your feet (with fins on, of course!)
To go left, keep your left hand in front (hand/elbow/shoulder in line, arm bent at 90°) and put your right hand on the right rail by your hip.
Keep your left leg in line with the board to hold your direction.
Do the opposite to go right.
Recommendations for avoiding chafing and having the best grip on your board.
In the waves, the bodyboard is used lying down.
It’s important to wear a long-sleeved UV-protection top or a wetsuit, depending on the water temperature, to avoid (painful) chafing on the stomach and arms.
For a good grip on the bodyboard, we recommend waxing the front of the board, the sides (rails) and under your belly. Use the right wax according to the temperature, sold separately in the surfing department.
Do this before each session.
Safety and behaviour rules for the water - Part 1.
Bodyboarding is a fantastic sport, but one that requires everyone to respect certain basic rules to ensure the safety and enjoyment of all.
1- Ask questions and observe the characteristics of the spot: current, rocks, tidal influence, size of the waves and number of people in the water, etc.
2- Don’t overestimate your level, and go for an easier spot if your skills don’t match up to the conditions.
3- Use suitable equipment: Leash, fins and board in good condition, suitable wetsuit.
Safety and behaviour rules for the water - Part 2.
4- Respect the rules of right of way on the waves: Right of way goes to the person closest to the peak.
5- Avoid the breaking wave area when moving back up to the peak to avoid cutting another boarder off.
6- Use fins if the water is above your hips.
7- If you’re not using fins, it’s recommended you keep to a supervised area. Lifeguards can tell you where these are.
8- Bodyboard in a group.
Do not leave out in direct heat.
When not in use, keep your bodyboard out of the sun or temperatures >50°C.
Protect your board by using a cover, putting it under a parasol, in the shade, or under a light coloured towel to keep the heat away.
Never leave it in a car in direct sunlight.
Leaving your board exposed to too much heat can cause blisters or bubbles to form on it, or even cause warping.
We design bodyboarding products for 4 levels: Novice, beginner, intermediate and advanced.
- Novices: Up to the navel, no fins, small waves < 50 cm, propulsion by pushing your feet on the ground, then riding the wave to the shore. For a 1st wave-riding experience (bodyboard with grips).
- Beginner: Gentle turns in waves up to 1m, propulsion with fins. A must for learning to bodyboard.
- Intermediate: Waves up to 1.50 m, more speed and the beginning of tricks (360°, El Rollo, etc.).
- Advanced: All types of waves, command of tricks, even aerial: ARS, 360°, tube...
Dimensions
38": 97cm x 49.4cm x 5.3cm
40": 102cm x 52cm x 5.3cm
41.5": 106 cm x 54 cm x 5.4 cm
43.5": 111 cm x 56.5 cm x 5.5 cm
We make our products as intuitive and helpful as possible, to help you to catch more waves.
That’s why this bodyboard has carefully an ergonomic deck, which allows you to get into the right position automatically.
The leash (supplied) can be attached to either the wrist or the biceps (Decathlon exclusive), depending on your preference.
The information about the size of the user and the size of the waves are permanently shown on the board.
A QR code on the bottom gives you access to tutorials and other useful information: care, 2nd life, etc.