Bodyboarding

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Bodyboarding is a water sport in which the surfer rides a bodyboard on the crest, face, and curl of a wave that is carrying the surfer towards the shore. The average bodyboard consists of a small, rectangular piece of hydrodynamic foam. Bodyboarders typically use swim fins for additional propulsion and control while riding a wave.

History

Bodyboarding has its origins in the ancient Hawaiian tradition of riding waves on wooden boards, known as Paipo. The modern bodyboard was invented by Tom Morey in 1971, who created the first bodyboard, originally called the "Morey Boogie," from a piece of polyethylene foam.

Equipment

The primary equipment used in bodyboarding includes:

• Bodyboard: A small, rectangular board made of hydrodynamic foam.
• Swim fins: Used for propulsion and control.
• Leash: A cord that attaches the bodyboard to the rider's wrist or bicep to prevent losing the board in the surf.
• Wetsuit: Provides thermal insulation, abrasion resistance, and buoyancy.

Techniques

Bodyboarding techniques vary depending on the type of wave and the rider's skill level. Common maneuvers include:

• Drop-knee: One knee is placed on the board while the other foot is positioned flat on the tail.
• 360 Spin: A complete rotation of the board and rider on the wave's face.
• El Rollo: A maneuver where the rider and board perform a complete roll while riding the wave.

Competitions

Bodyboarding competitions are held worldwide, with notable events including the International Bodyboarding Association (IBA) World Tour and the Association of Professional Bodyboarders (APB) World Tour. These competitions feature various categories, including men's, women's, and junior divisions.

Notable Bodyboarders

Some of the most renowned bodyboarders in the sport's history include:

• Mike Stewart
• Guilherme Tâmega
• Jeff Hubbard
• Ben Player

Related Pages

• Surfing
• Paipo
• Tom Morey
• International Bodyboarding Association
• Association of Professional Bodyboarders

See Also

• Surfing
• Wetsuit
• Swim fins
• Leash (surfing)