10 Best Bodyboards for Everyone
The Best Bodyboards aren’t just those floppy foam things stacked next to the $4 sunglasses and sunburn-grade tanning oil.
No, my friend, if you’ve ever searched for The Best Bodyboards while dreaming of catching waves with the grace of Poseidon and the style of a California local, you know the stakes are high. Buying a bad board is like trying to surf on a door mat… it’s technically possible, but you’re going to have a rough time.
This isn’t just a listicle. This is a foam-filled manifesto. And by the end of it, you’ll know exactly which board to buy, what mistakes to avoid, and why your Google search for boogie board nearby might be setting you up for a face full of disappointment.
What Are The Best Bodyboards, Really?
Let’s settle this before we get lost in the surf shop rabbit hole.
The best bodyboards are the ones that match your height, weight, experience level, wave conditions, and riding goals. In other words, what’s “best” for a 6’2″, 200-pound adrenaline junkie is not the same as what’s best for a 9-year-old who just discovered saltwater yesterday.
If you’re a beginner, you want a soft, forgiving board made from PE (Polyethylene) with a crescent tail and a slick bottom that lets you actually catch a wave without tumbling like laundry.
If you’re a pro, you’ll want a PP (Polypropylene) core for stiffness and speed, double stringers for support, and a bat tail for maneuverability.
The best bodyboards offer:
- The right core material (PE for flex, PP for speed)
- A good deck and slick bottom (usually HDPE or Surlyn)
- A durable bodyboard leash (preferably coiled and bicep-attached)
- A size that fits your body and riding style
And yes, a cool design helps. Looking good while wiping out is a key part of the experience. Now, here are the best bodyboards for you:
1. MOREY Mach 7 Pro Bodyboard
This legend of the beach scene is what happens when durability and speed get married on a wave. With an embedded rod and HDPE slick bottom, the Mach 7 rides fast and holds up even under aggressive use. It’s a fan favorite for both seasoned bodyboarders and ambitious beginners who want to level up.
Pros:
- Durable construction with embedded rod for stiffness
- Fast rides thanks to HDPE slick bottom
- Classic crescent tail for great control
- Comfortable deck padding
- Ideal for both prone and drop-knee riding
Cons:
- Heavier than some beginner boards
- Not the cheapest option for casual riders
2. Bo-Toys Body Board Lightweight with EPS Core
The board is the definition of “grab-and-go” beach fun – lightweight, bright, and ready to party in the waves. It’s not built for pros, but for kids and beginners just learning the ropes, it does the job well. If you want something you won’t cry over when it gets dinged, this one fits the bill.
Pros:
- Ultra-lightweight and easy to carry
- Budget-friendly
- Great choice for kids or casual use
- Bright colors make it easy to spot
- Comfortable deck for short sessions
Cons:
- Not designed for larger adults
- Less durable in rough surf
3. Legendary Pro X Bodyboard
This heat-sealed beast comes with a slick bottom and leash, making it a solid pick for wave lovers who want performance without breaking the bank. It’s rugged enough for adults yet approachable for teens and kids. Plus, it looks cooler than half the boards at the beach.
Pros:
- Heat-sealed construction for better durability
- Good grip with the included leash
- EPS core keeps it lightweight
- Suitable for both beginners and intermediate riders
- Balanced buoyancy and control
Cons:
- May flex under heavier riders
- Slightly generic design aesthetics
4. Wavestorm Foam Bodyboard
If you’ve been to a crowded beach, you’ve probably seen one of these cruising by with a big grin, riding it. Wavestorm’s foam bodyboard is forgiving, floaty, and beginner-friendly, making it a household name in the surf zone. It’s the training wheels of bodyboarding – but that’s not a bad thing.
Pros:
- Very buoyant and stable
- Soft foam makes it beginner-safe
- Great for casual use and learning
- Classic brand with consistent quality
- Affordable for families or groups
Cons:
- Not performance-oriented for advanced riders
- Can warp over time with heavy use
5. The Chief PP Bodyboard
This one’s for the big dogs—literally. Built with heavier riders in mind, The Chief has a stiffer PP core and enough buoyancy to keep even large surfers gliding smoothly. If you’ve ever crushed a cheap board just by sitting on it, this is your redemption ride.
Pros:
- High buoyancy supports larger riders
- PP core provides speed and stiffness
- Designed for high-performance bodyboarding
- Comfortable even for tall and heavy users
- Excellent stability on bigger waves
Cons:
- Bulky for smaller riders
- Can be overkill for casual surfers
BZ Big Bruddah Bodyboard is the equivalent of a luxury SUV for the surf – large, stable, and surprisingly agile for its size. With a slick bottom and double stringers, the Big Bruddah gives tall and heavy riders the performance they usually miss out on. If you’ve struggled to find a board that fits, this one hugs back.
Pros:
- Built specifically for big and tall riders
- Double stringers enhance strength and longevity
- Smooth and fast rides with HDPE slick bottom
- Comfortable crescent tail design
- Handles bigger waves like a pro
Cons:
- Not ideal for lightweight or smaller surfers
- Takes up more space when storing or traveling
7. Veer Body Board
This board is the overachiever of the group – it’s sized for everyone, made with quality materials, and comes with a premium leash. Whether you’re 10 or 40, it rides smoothly and offers a surprising amount of grip and speed. Plus, the color choices will make your Instagram stories pop.
Pros:
- Versatile for all ages and skill levels
- Comes with high-quality neoprene tether
- Two-way leash rotation prevents tangling
- Lightweight yet responsive
- Eye-catching design
Cons:
- May be too generic for expert-level riders
- Doesn’t include fins or accessories
8. MOREY Mach 10 Pro Series Bodyboard
The Mach 10 is the bodyboard’s answer to a muscle car – fast, sleek, and definitely not just for show. With a strong core and mesh reinforcement, it’s built to push through powerful waves and still come back smiling. Great for intermediate and advanced riders who want something serious under their stomach.
Pros:
- Durable mesh layer adds strength and control
- High-speed slick bottom
- Excellent wave carving with crescent tail
- Suitable for aggressive drop-knee riders
- Timeless brand credibility
Cons:
- Not ideal for total beginners
- Pricier than entry-level boards
9. THURSO SURF 42″ Lightning Bodyboard
This board looks fast – and it is. It comes with double FRP stringers and a full kit (including leash and bag), making it an all-in-one setup for people ready to graduate from rentals. The Lightning isn’t just flashy by name; it rides like it’s got something to prove.
Pros:
- Double stringers for extra stiffness and durability
- Includes surf leash and carry bag
- Lightweight yet strong PE core
- Slick HDPE bottom boosts speed
- Great performance-to-price ratio
Cons:
- Bag isn’t waterproof
- Slightly stiff for smaller kids
10. AQUARM 42.5″ Bodyboard
AQUARM’s bodyboard strikes a balance between stability and agility, with a sleek design and thoughtful features like the wrist leash and dual FRP stringers. It’s great for adults who want an affordable board that doesn’t feel like a toy. Whether you’re riding mushy waves or decent breaks, this board holds its own.
Pros:
- Designed for adult riders
- Comes with a secure coiled wrist leash
- Dual stringers improve strength
- Nice blend of float and control
- Durable IXPE deck resists pressure dents
Cons:
- Slightly less flexible than PE-core boards
- Wrist leash may feel awkward for bicep-riders
Bodyboard Sizes: What You Ride Should Match Your Size
Here’s a handy way to start: when standing the board on the ground, the nose should reach your belly button. But it goes deeper.
- Shorter boards = more maneuverability but less control at high speed
- Longer boards = more flotation and stability, better for heavier riders
Here’s a rough breakdown:
| Height | Ideal Board Size |
| Under 4′ | 33–36” |
| 4′ – 5′ | 36–40” |
| 5′ – 6′ | 40–42” |
| Over 6′ | 42.5” and up |
If you weigh more than 180 lbs, go for wider and thicker boards like the BZ Big Bruddah – one of The Best Bodyboards ever created for bigger surfers.
RELATED: How to Bodyboard Like a Pro
PE vs PP Core: The Unsung Heroes Inside Your Board
The foam inside your board makes a massive difference in performance.
- PE (Polyethylene): More flexible, softer feel, better for cold water. Ideal for beginners and intermediate riders.
- PP (Polypropylene): Stiffer, lighter, more responsive. Great for advanced riders and warmer water.
There’s also EPS (Expanded Polystyrene) – cheap and found in entry-level boards. Okay for kids. Not great for serious wave action.
Want something elite? Look for a Surlyn slick (instead of HDPE). It flexes naturally with the wave, and that’s where the magic happens.
Why Bodyboard Tail Shape Affects How You Surf
The tail is like the steering wheel of your board.
- Crescent Tail: Offers more control and is great for prone riding. Found on most beginner-friendly boards.
- Bat Tail: Looser, snappier, and designed for drop-knee or more aggressive wave riding.
If you’re wondering why your tourist-shop board never turned the way you wanted, check the tail. It matters.
Best Boogie Board Picks by Rider Type
Because “best” depends on you, here’s a breakdown:
✅ Best for Beginners:
- Morey Mach 7 – Legendary. Crescent tail, PE core, rides like a dream.
- THURSO SURF Lightning 42” – Budget-friendly and surprisingly good.
- GYN Trade Legendary Pro X – Great for smaller adults and teens.
✅ Best for Big Riders:
- BZ Big Bruddah – Built for performance under weight.
- Custom X Beast – As the name suggests, it can handle anything.
✅ Best for Kids:
- Woowave Super Lightweight 33” – Easy to carry, hard to break.
- Goplus Super Lightweight Bodyboard – Colorful and beginner-safe.
✅ Best for Performance:
- NMD Ben Player Kinetic PP – High-end, fast, and made for real wave carving.
- Pride The Answer – Built with precision and designed for speed.
If you’re shopping for surfing boogie boards, lean toward models with PP cores, Surlyn slicks, and dual stringers.
The Bodyboard Leash: The Unsung Lifesaver
A bodyboard leash keeps your board close when the ocean tries to steal it. Pro tip: never attach it to your ankle like a surfboard. Use your bicep or wrist, depending on your riding style.
Why? An ankle leash causes drag and makes it harder to paddle. Also, nothing says “rookie” like tripping over your own leash.
Look for:
- Coiled design – Less drag
- Neoprene cuff – No rash
- Swivel system – Prevents tangling
What Makes Expensive Bodyboards Worth It?
So, what’s the deal with $200 bodyboards?
You’re paying for:
- High-performance materials (Surlyn slicks, PP core)
- Pro-level design and shaping
- Durability under heavy wave pressure
If you’re a casual rider, you don’t need to drop hundreds. But if you’re surfing regularly, The Best Bodyboards are absolutely worth the investment.
Accessories You Didn’t Know You Needed
Want to ride like a pro (or at least look like one)? You’ll need:
- Fins: Help catch waves earlier and ride longer. Go for short, stiff fins like Viper or Churchill.
- Fin tethers: Because losing a fin in the surf is pure agony.
- Board bags: Protect your board from sun damage and sand scratches.
- Wax or grip pad: Helps with traction and paddling.
And let’s not forget sunscreen. But that’s another article.
How Long Do Bodyboards Last?
A good board lasts 2–5 years with regular use. Budget boards? Maybe a summer.
Extend your board’s life by:
- Rinsing with fresh water after each use
- Keeping it out of direct sunlight
- Storing it flat (not standing on end like a bookshelf)
Even The Best Bodyboards won’t last forever, but they should never peel, snap, or warp within weeks.
Travel-Friendly & Eco-Friendly Options
For frequent fliers or eco-warriors:
- Travel bodyboards: Look for lightweight PP cores and reinforced edges.
- Eco bodyboards: Brands like Slyde and Pride now use recycled materials or reduce VOCs in production.
You don’t have to destroy the planet to enjoy the ocean.
The Bottom Line on The Best Bodyboard
Let’s break it down one last time.
The Best Bodyboards combine:
- The right size for your body
- The ideal core material for your conditions
- A slick and tail shape suited to your style
- A leash, fins, and accessories that keep you safe and stoked
Don’t let the word boogie board fool you. This isn’t child’s play – it’s a wave-riding art. And with the right board, the ocean is your playground.
