Learning how to bodysurf for the first time? Don’t forget to consider the beach conditions as this can have a huge impact on your first bodysurfing experience.
What are the best types of beaches and conditions for beginner bodysurfers? Here are a few “ideal” checklist features to look for:
- Gradual sloping shoreline towards the water
- A soft, sandy ocean floor
- Waves forming in waist-high water
- Wave height: 2 – 5 feet
- Long, rolling waves
- Minimal to no offshore wind
- Ample time between sets
- Smooth & clean surf
- No riptides
- Minimal crowds
You will have difficulty learning how to bodysurf if some of the favorable conditions listed above are not met. Let’s take a deeper look at each to understand why.
why you need favorable beach conditions as a beginner
Before discussing the types of beaches and conditions needed to learn bodysurfing, it is important to understand why this is necessary.
Why do beginner bodysurfers need “ideal” beach conditions to learn bodysurfing? Quite simply, it makes learning the sport easier and more fun. Trust me, learning in challenging conditions such as rough surf can make mastering even the fundamentals very difficult.
Bodysurfing for your first time in gnarly conditions is very discouraging. In fact, it could turn you off of the sport forever. Therefore choosing the correct beach with ideal conditions is essential to easily learning the basic techniques and making the sport enjoyable.
gradual sloping shoreline
Why do you need a beach with a gradual, sloping shoreline for bodysurfing? This type of angle towards the water is perfect for beginners because it forces the wave to break more gently.
The angle of the beach impacts the intensity of the wave crash on the shore. So if the angle is steep and the water level deepens quickly, the waves break more aggressively onto the beach. This may be intimidating for first-time bodysurfers and not to mention very dangerous.
However, if there is a gradual slope, it reduces the wave breaking intensity. This will make walking out into the water much easier. Plus, the waves will be more friendly and fun so there will be less of a chance of injury.
soft & sandy
Why are soft and sandy beaches best for beginner bodysurfers? Beaches with minimal rocks and coral reef on the bottom mean less risk of injury.
There have been some terrible accidents over the years where surfers and bodysurfers have become wedged underwater into coral and severely snagged by sharp rocks. Making sure there is a clean ocean bottom will help to keep you and your handboard protected.
Plus, a soft floor will allow you to easily stand and push off the floor to catch a wave without hurting your feet. It would be terrible having to go home early because you cut your foot on a shell or rock.
Also, sandy ocean floors impact the intensity of the wave by making it more gentle. Rocky bottoms and coral reefs magnify the wave height and the ferocity of the barrel.
As a beginner, you want to conquer smaller waves first. Beaches with a soft ocean floor will provide a favorable wave environment for you to do so.
benefits of waist-high beach breaking waves
Why is waist-high breaking waves the best for bodysurfing? Beach breaking waves are ideal for beginner and even experienced bodysurfers for a few reasons:
- Use the ocean floor to catch more waves
- Improved wave visibility
- Better maneuverability
- Allows for better wave timing
- Ability to rest comfortably in between sets
Bodysurfing where waves are breaking around the midsection of your body allows you to leverage the ocean floor so you can catch more waves. Pushing off the bottom will enable you to propel yourself easily into the barrel of wave compared to paddling.
I recommend water levels no higher than your belly button. Even trying to catch waves where the water level is chest-high or neck-high can prove to be challenging because you can not push off the ground as easily.
Being able to stand where the waves are breaking allows for better visibility. You will be able to easily see when the sets are rolling and where you need to be. It provides overall better awareness of your surroundings as well, which will help to keep you and others around you safe.
Bodysurfing in waist-high water provides better maneuverability. It is much easier and quicker to walk over to where the waves are breaking compared to swimming. Swimming with a handboard can be cumbersome if it is your first time.
The timing of waves is essential for bodysurfing. Having the ability to stand improves your wave-timing capability because you can observe the wave the entire way as it approaches. This helps you make last-minute decisions in case the wave dies before it reaches you. There is less wasted effort.
Lastly, standing allows you to comfortably rest while waiting for waves. This is a huge safety benefit compared to treading water while waiting for waves. You will be less fatigued and be able to stay out in the ocean longer. Reduce energy expenditure while bodysurfing is important because it minimizes risk and maximizes your fun.
best wave height for beginner bodysurfers
The best wave height for bodysurfing is between 2 – 5 feet. For children, I recommend staying on the lower end of that scale (2 – 3 feet).
Any waves under 2 feet may prove to be challenging to ride. It can still be done but it usually does not last that long and is not as enjoyable.
Any waves over 5 feet can be a little daunting. They are strong enough to drag you under and look intimidating as they are rolling in above your head. Plus, larger surf makes walking and paddling out very difficult and expends a lot of energy.
Therefore sticking to wave heights no larger than 5 feet are perfect. They will provide a fast, long run to the shoreline and minimize the potential of injury.
long, rolling waves
Why are long, rolling waves ideal for beginner bodysurfers? The goal of bodysurfing is to maximize your ride. This makes bodysurfing more fun and easy to drop into the barrel.
Long, breaking waves will increase the amount of wave-riding time. Quick breaking waves end your surf too fast. So if you really want to enjoy this sport then choosing a beach with long breakers is the perfect way to start.
minimal offshore wind
What are the best wind conditions for bodysurfing? The best wind for any type of surfing is usually a small offshore wind, which will create a clean, smooth wave face. This is excellent for your handboard to smoothly catch and ride the wave.
Strong onshore winds can make the waves choppy and break quicker. These types of waves are not favorable and will make bodysurfing more difficult and less enjoyable.
ample time between sets
Why do you need time in between waves? It allows you to re-position your body and actually time the wave to catch it. If your beach produces breaking waves every 2 seconds then it will be nearly impossible to catch waves and also create indecision regarding which wave to ride.
smooth & clean surf
A clean beach is always good. The less seaweed the better so you don’t get entangled in it while riding.
Minimal to no chop in the water is ideal. Choppy water produces bumpy rides, which can be annoying. It does not equate to an enjoyable wave riding experience.
Also, make sure there are no riptides where you go bodysurfing. For some people, these can be very scary and cause them to panic. If you are caught in one, make sure to remember my riptide survival tips on how to escape it.
the less crowds the better
If it is your first time bodysurfing with a handboard then you will need some space. So finding a less crowded beach to start is favorable.
Having less of an audience will make you feel less embarrassed if you wipeout since. Also, it will prevent the possibility of injuring other swimmers and surfers if your board accidentally pops off your hand.
weather advice
The ideal weather for bodysurfing would be sunny with a minimal offshore breeze. Overcast and minimal rain is fine too as long as it does not start storming. If there is lightning in the area then make sure to seek shelter immediately for your own safety.
what is the best time of day to go bodysurfing with a handboard ?
I recommend bodysurfing early in the morning. There are fewer people in the water and the offshore winds are usually minimal, which makes for a clean surf.