By Jessica Dack
Do you ever wish you could surf ? Well look no further! This is one of the easiest ways to get started! Personally I'm a self taught bodyboarder but you can go to a club (e.g. or South Beach Surf Club). For bodyboarding all you need is water - so you could even go to your local beach!
The basics :
The surfer normally rides a bodyboard on the crest (the top) of a wave, face ( the part that rises up then throws out over), and curl of a wave (where the wave breaks) . It's a lot to take in but you'll definitely get used to it! Bodyboarding is commonly referred to as boogie boarding due to the invention of the “boogie board” by Tom Morey in 1971. The boards are approximately 3ft to 6ft: it depends on the person!
Surfs up!
Bodyboarding, in my opinion, is so much fun! You can jump on the waves and float to shore. Who doesn't want that? The boards are also readily available: you can find them at your local shops in the summer and a new surf shop has just opened at Blyth beach where you can buy wetsuits, surf boards and bodyboards! If your feet are sensitive you can get these things called water shoes that help protect your feet when jumping onto the waves!
Be sea safe!
As much fun as bodyboarding and surfing is, the sea is also a dangerous place and should always be treated with respect. This means that you need to be aware of your surroundings, aware of strong currents and consider your capability as a swimmer. It might be advisable to have a parent or guardian to keep an eye on you at all times from the shore. You should always check where your nearest life ring and lifeguard tower is (if they have them at your beach). You can always call your coast guard/lifeboat as well. In the summer months you should also be aware of jellyfish. Normally at your local UK beaches you can get lion's mane, barrel jellyfish and compass jellyfish amongst others. The most common is a moon jellyfish so be careful where you're standing and consider where you are in the water. Remember they can still sting even if they're dead on sand. Finally - don't forget your sunscreen!
To Summarise
Bodyboarding is fun, exciting, cheap and great exercise for the mind, body and soul. Take advantage of your local beach and hopefully some warm weather will come our way!
Ride . the . Wave !
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