Top 15 Must-Try Bodyboarding Tricks For Beginners

Bodyboarding is an exhilarating sport that offers riders the thrill of harnessing the power of the ocean's waves. Unlike surfing, where you stand on a board, bodyboarding involves riding the waves lying down, offering a unique and exhilarating experience. For those eager to advance beyond the basics, there are numerous bodyboarding tricks that can make your time on the water even more thrilling. Here, we explore the must-try tricks for those just starting out in the captivating world of bodyboarding.

1. The Basic Prone Ride

Master the Foundation: Before diving into advanced maneuvers, it is crucial to master the basic prone ride. This foundational skill involves lying flat on your bodyboard, using your arms to paddle and steer. Keeping a firm grip on the board's nose and using your legs as rudders will ensure you ride the wave smoothly and safely. The more comfortable you become with this technique, the easier it will be to attempt more challenging tricks.

2. The Bottom Turn

Harness the Wave's Power: One of the first maneuvers beginners should learn is the bottom turn. After catching a wave, angle your board towards the wave's shoulder and use your inside rail to execute a sharp turn. This maneuver allows you to tap into the wave's energy and sets you up for subsequent tricks.

3. The Spin

Add Some Flair: Spinning is an impressive trick that involves rotating your bodyboard 360 degrees while riding a wave. To execute this, shift your weight towards the tail of the board and use your hands to guide the rotation. It is a flashy move that is sure to impress onlookers!

4. The El Rollo

A Classic Maneuver: The El Rollo is a classic bodyboarding move that involves rolling with the wave's lip as it breaks. Begin by riding towards the wave's lip, then use your momentum to lift your body and rotate around the board. With practice, this maneuver will become second nature.

5. The Cutback

Ride the Wave's Face: The cutback allows riders to change direction quickly, riding across the face of the wave before cutting back to its source. By leaning into the wave and using your outside rail, you can swiftly change your trajectory, allowing for dynamic and responsive wave riding.

6. Duck Diving

Navigating Breaking Waves: Duck diving is an essential skill that helps bodyboarders navigate through breaking waves. Push the nose of your board under the wave while using your knee or foot to submerge the tail. This technique ensures you can quickly and efficiently paddle out to the line-up, ready to catch your next wave.

7. The Forward Trim

Achieve Greater Speed: Forward trimming allows bodyboarders to pick up more speed on a wave. By placing more weight on the front part of the board, riders can move faster across the wave's face. Utilizing the wave's pocket (the steep section closest to the curl) by staying high and forward will help maintain this speed, setting up for other maneuvers.

8. The Reverse Spin

Twist with Style: A progression from the basic spin, the reverse spin is executed by spinning backward or opposite to the wave's direction. It demands a bit more balance and awareness. By placing one hand near the tail and another towards the board's middle, you can initiate the spin, turning your head and shoulders in the direction you wish to rotate.

9. The Barrel Ride

Master the Tube: One of the most sought-after maneuvers in bodyboarding is riding inside the wave's barrel or tube. Timing and positioning are crucial. As the wave begins to break and form a hollow section, adjust your position to be inside this section. It is a challenging move, but the thrill of being enclosed by the wave is unmatched.

10. The Air Roll Spin (ARS)

Elevate Your Skills: ARS combines two maneuvers: a spin and an El Rollo. When launching off the lip of a wave, start with an El Rollo and while in mid-air, transition into a spin before landing back on the wave. This advanced move requires precision and timing but is sure to make an impression.

11. The Invert

Defy Gravity: The invert is one of the more visually stunning bodyboarding tricks where the rider projects upward and out of the wave, extending the body and board skyward. By thrusting off the wave's lip and arching the back, you can achieve this aerial maneuver. Once in the air, aim to bring the board back under you for a smooth landing. This trick can take time to master, but its visual appeal is worth the effort.

12. The Backflip

Flip the Script: Similar to the invert but with a twist, the backflip involves launching off a wave's lip and executing a backward flip before landing. Timing, wave selection, and speed are crucial to successfully landing this maneuver. While daunting, mastering the backflip will undoubtedly elevate your bodyboarding repertoire.

13. The DK (Drop Knee)

Blend of Surfing and Bodyboarding: The Drop Knee is a hybrid maneuver that incorporates elements of both surfing and bodyboarding. In this stance, one knee is placed on the board while the trailing foot hangs off the back. This position allows for turns and carves reminiscent of stand-up surfing. Adapting to the DK stance offers a unique approach to wave riding, blending the best of both worlds.

14. The Helicopter

Twirl on the Wave: The Helicopter move requires the rider to spin the board while simultaneously rotating their body in the opposite direction. This creates a twirling effect, much like the blades of a helicopter. It is a trick that demands core strength, balance, and dexterity, but once perfected, it adds a dynamic flair to any wave ride.

15. The Snorkel Stall

Innovative and Fun: The Snorkel Stall is more of a fun, showboat move rather than a high-performance maneuver. Holding a snorkel while riding, you submerge your head underwater mid-ride, giving the illusion of ‘snorkeling’ while bodyboarding. It is a playful trick that always gets smiles from those watching. Ensure you are comfortable with breath control and have a proper grip on both the snorkel and the board.

A World of Water Sports

Bodyboarding, while distinct in its techniques and approach, shares a kinship with other water sports such as surfing and stand up paddleboarding. For those interested in diversifying their wave riding experiences, trying out surfing can offer a new perspective on harnessing the ocean's power. Furthermore, stand up paddleboarding provides a tranquil and serene alternative, perfect for calm waters and exploring scenic coastlines.

Equipment and Rentals

To enjoy these bodyboarding tricks to the fullest, it is essential to have the right equipment. Whether you are looking for a bodyboard or even considering trying out stand up paddle boards, ensuring you have the right gear is paramount. If you are not ready to invest in equipment yet, considering options like bodyboard rentals can be an excellent way to get started without a significant financial commitment. Whether you are just getting into bodyboarding or looking to expand your set of maneuvers, exploring, and mastering these tricks will significantly enhance your wave riding experience. Remember, while attempting these tricks, safety should always be a priority. If you’re looking for equipment or want to explore more about wave riding sports, consider checking out surfboard rental options or dive deeper into the world of stand up paddleboarding for a diverse aquatic adventure.