Choose a bodyboard shorter than 40 in (101. 6 cm) if you are shorter than 5 feet (1. 5 m) 6 in (167. 6 cm) and weigh less than 130 lbs (59 kg). [3] X Research source Choose a bodyboard between 40 and 43 in (101. 6 and 109. 2 cm) if you are between 5 feet (1. 5 m) 7 in and 6 feet (1. 8 m) 3 in (170. 2 and 190. 5 cm), and weigh between 130 and 210 lbs (59 and 95. 3 kg). [4] X Research source Choose a bodyboard taller than 44 in (111. 8 cm) if you are taller than 6 feet (1. 8 m) 3 in (170. 2 cm) and weigh more than 210 lbs (95. 3 kg). [5] X Research source
Position yourself in the belly of the wave you are trying to catch; avoid the crest and the tip-top of the wave.
As the wave catches you, keep your hands over the nose of the board. Lean onto your left elbow to dig the edge of the body board into the wave. LIft the right rail with your right hand. Extend your legs as you turn to prevent your feet from dragging in the water. After you start to turn, center your body weight on the board and lean forward slightly to gain speed.
Shift your weight on the outside rail (away from the wave) while applying pressure with your right hand to the middle of your right rail. Lift up the upper left corner of the board with your left hand and lean to your right. Look at the inside of the wave and visualize the spot where you want to stop your turn. When you reach that spot, lean left to get back in the curl of the wave and shift your weight back to the normal position.
Make a bottom turn to position yourself in the curl of the wave. Turn slightly to the left to face the wave. Slide forward on your board so that your face is roughly level with the nose of your board. Lift your legs, arch your back, and throw your head to the left. Keep looking in the direction you want to spin and your shoulder will follow. After your 360 is complete, perform a bottom turn to gain speed for the next maneuver and put your feet back in the water.
