If you are reading this right now then you are probably curious as to how long a handboard will last. As a beginner, I was interested in knowing the answer to this question as well so I did some research.
What is the average life expectancy of a bodysurfing handboard? It can last anywhere between 1 and 12 years. It could be more or it could be less depending on how frequently you use it, where you bodysurf, your style of surfing, and how well you maintain it.
In this article, you will learn what decreases and increases the life of your board.
factors that influence the lifespan of a handboard
Handboards can last a really long time. Manufactures created these boards with durability as one of the primary features.
However, there are a few variables that influence the lifespan, which you should take into consideration. I have listed some of the main factors below that are big contributors to the overall life expectancy of a handboard.
- board material
- user frequency
- style of bodysurfing
- where you bodysurf
- wearing a handboard leash
- using wax
- type of waves you surf
- storing your board
- transporting your board
- care and maintenance
Let’s take a deeper look at each one of the bullet points listed above to help you get a better understanding of how each can affect how long a handboard will last.
handboard material
The first thing you should consider regarding the lifespan of your handboard is the material it is made from. Typically, most handboards are made from some sort of strong plastic molding such as polyethylene. An even higher quality handboard, such as Slyde handboards, uses epoxy resin, urethane foam, and triaxial fiberglass.
These compounds do a great job of reinforcing the overall strength of the board, which increases durability. Some other handboard brands such as Sole make their boards from bamboo wood and cork. This is another durable combination of materials.
user frequency
How often you use your handboard will drastically affect its lifespan. Consistent use of your board will increase the likelihood of damage.
For example, using your board frequently in the ocean will expose it to saltwater deterioration more often. Salt water is very corrosive. This is something you should be mindful of regarding the care of your handboard.
Using your board every day also contributes to consistent “wear and tear”. Every ride decreases the life of your board.
I know this is very minimal but it will add up over time. However, do not let this discourage you from riding as much as you want. That’s why you bought your handboard in the first place right?
style of bodysurfing
What is your style of bodysurfing? Are you more laid back and simply enjoy the ride? Or are you an adrenaline junky that aggressively drops into barrels and performs death-defying tricks?
The way you ride a wave can influence how long your board will last. If you like to leisurely body surf then your board will experience less stress and last longer.
If you aggressively ride waves and perform stunts, your handboard will experience more stress and pressure. This can compromise the integrity of your board over time.
where you bodysurf
Your bodysurfing location can play a role in the longevity of your handboard. Is the shore rocky or sandy? Do you bodysurf near coral reefs or jetties?
If your beach has a very soft, sandy bottom floor then there is less chance of your board getting scratched or damaged. Bodysurfing in areas like this will increase the lifespan of your board. However, if you are more of a daredevil and bodysurf near rocks or coral, then your board will have a higher chance of getting damaged thus decreasing its potential lifespan.
do you wear a leash
Wearing a handboard leash can make all the difference when it comes to the lifespan of your board. If you are not wearing a handboard leash and the board happens to slip from your grip, you may lose it to the ocean forever.
Your board could also become victim to a powerful wave that can smash it to pieces against a pier or jetty. If you want to keep your handboard alive, make sure to cuff it to your arm. I wrote a post discussing the pros and cons of wearing a handboard leash so make sure to check it out.
using wax
If you don’t wax your handboard you may want to start doing it. I have found that wax acts as good source of protection for your handboard.
It functions as a water repellant, which helps to keep saltwater from corroding your board. It also helps to prevent your board from getting scratched.
Wax is a great protective layer that should help to keep your board safe and increase its lifespan. Make sure to check out my guide on how to wax your handboard correctly so you can keep it safe from the ocean.
type of waves
How big are the waves that you bodysurf? Surfing large, steep waves that are over 7 feet high will impact your board differently than if you were surfing shallow, 2-foot waves.
The bigger the wave the more tension and stress you are placing on your board. Over time, this can weaken your handboard faster than if you were bodysurfing shallow, smooth waves.
storing your board
How and where do you store your handboard? Leaving it outside in the sun all day long exposed to salt air can significantly impact the lifespan of your board. Storing your board indoors in a cool, dry place and keeping it wrapped in a handboard bag will help to protect the integrity of the board and slow its aging process.
transporting your board
Do you find yourself bodysurfing frequently? If you do then you will be transporting your board from where you live to the beach multiple times per week.
Therefore you have to account for accidental drops and dings. These can impact the overall integrity of your handboard over time.
Also, how you transport your board is important as well. Do you simply carry it in your hand? Or do you transport it using a bag? Using a handboard carry bag like this one can prevent accidental dings and reduce the impact on the ground if dropped.
care and maintenance
The overall care and maintenance of your board can have a significant impact on how long your handboard will last. It is critical that you thoroughly wash your board after each use to clean it of any salt. Make sure to get any dings or scratches repaired. Transport your board with care and store it in a cool, dry, safe place when you are not using it.
will a handboard last longer than a surfboard?
If you have ever surfed before then you know surfboards can last for a long time. They were designed with durability and longevity in mind.
The same goes for handboards. I’m not saying that a handboard is invincible. It can absolutely be damaged if you are not careful.
However, since a hand plane is a smaller, more compact version of a surfboard, I think a handboard has the potential to last longer than a surfboard. Here’s why I think that…
- Handboards are smaller and easier to transport than surfboards. This means there is a lesser chance of it being dropped or accidentally dinging it against something. Any bump, drop, or some type of impact can ultimately decrease the lifespan of your board over time.
- More surface area exposed to potential harm on a surfboard compared to that of a handboard. Since surfboards are larger, they have a higher probability of getting scratched or coming into contact with objects such as rocks or coral that can potentially damage a surfboard.
- Handboards are easier to control compared to surfboards after a wipeout. A handboard is strapped to your body so it’s very rare that you will lose it. Contrastly, your feet are not strapped into a surfboard. Of course, a surfboard leash does provide some ability to keep it out of harm’s way but there is enough slack in the leash for a surfboard to potentially smash against rocks or coral. Don’t forget the possibility that your surf leash could snap.
- Surfboards can break more easily than handboards. Have you ever tried snapping a long stick with your hands? It’s pretty easy, right? How about trying to break a much smaller stick? It instantly becomes more difficult. Notice as the length of the object becomes smaller, it becomes more challenging to break. The reason for this due to decreased torque. The physics behind this can be applied to the strength of surfboards vs handboards. It is therefore more common for a surfboard to break than a handboard because of its length, which increases the overall torque it experiences.