Slyde Grom Review: #1 Bodysurfing Handboard For Beginners

If you are brand new to the sport of bodysurfing then you will want the most forgiving and most handboard on the market. As a novice, I researched every bodysurfing handplane to determine the best for those just starting out.

Why is the Slyde Grom the best bodysurfing handboard for beginners? The Grom Soft top handboard is perfect for novices and children because it is safe, easy to use, and extremely affordable.

Taking a deeper look into the features of the Grom handboard will help to understand why purchasing this board will be a great decision.

Performance & Testing

The buoyancy of the Grom handboard is unparalleled. It provides incredible lift so you can up out of the water.

2X the length! Your runs will more than likely double in length using the Grom compared to not using it. This handboard produces very minimal drag so distance is never compromised.

Even in small waves, it works! The Grom is designed for those mushy days where the surf conditions are not great. So you can even take advantage of those 1-foot breakers.

You will definitely get an adrenaline rush from the speed of this handboard. The buoyant design plus the HDPE slick bottom will send you swiftly across the water surface.

All ages and body sizes will love this board. The fact that it is designed for extra buoyancy makes it one of the best handboards for larger body types. It performs well regardless of your body weight.

Usability

The Slyde Grom soft top is the easiest handboard to learn and use. It is a very forgiving board because of the stabilization it provides. You will be able to maintain your balance while riding so you always look like a pro.

Surf Conditions

The best wave height for the Grom anything between 1 – 4 ft. Even though it is designed for smaller waves, it still performs well in 5 foot waves. Therefore do not shy away from this board if you are a more experienced bodysurfer.

Specs

Here are the exact measurements of the Grom handboard to help give you a better idea of the size:

Dimension	Value
Length	17.6″
Width	9.5″
Thickness	1.5″
Weight	9.5 oz

Durability

Just because the Grom is the cheapest handboard of the Slyde handboard collection doesn’t mean it lacks in quality. This foamie is made of very durable material that undergoes a detailed manufacturing process and demanding tests to make sure your board can withstand impact.

The outer foam layer is very tough and provides an excellent grip. The HDPE bottom acts as a protective layer that also reinforces the rails, tail, and nose. The Grom is a pretty strong board regarding its weight and size!

Portability & Storage

The Slyde Grom is easy to carry becuase it is super lightweight. It will not weigh you down and does not take up that much space, which makes it convenient for storage.

It is just over 17 inches long and not that thick. You can simply store it in your closet or under your bed without it being a nuisance.

The Grom will fit into your backpack, daypack, or drawstring bag. It is thin enough for you to easily slip it in and out of your bag. You will never have to worry about packing and traveling to the beach again.

Comfort

The Grom is designed with a lot of foam for bouyancy, which additionally provides amazing comfort. The padding on the handstrap will never cause chafing. The foam texture of the deck feels nice and sticky in your hand for extra grip. This is luxury bodysurfing at its finest!

Shape & Design

There are 3 key design components that makes the Grom such and amazing handboard.

foam core
soft top
HDPE slick bottom

The advanced construction that implements these compenents is unlike any other board in the market. The end result is a fun handboard that gets you into the barrel every time.

The fish tail shape helps to minimize sprayback and delivers ultimate control. The wide deck provides more stability so you can lift your upper body out of the water. The overall design is extremely functional.

Visual Appearance

The first thing you will notice about the Grom handboard are the colors and design. The graphics are very sharp and attractive.

The Grom features high visibility colors that catch your attention. You will never lose this board because it is so hard not to notice!

Safety features & Concerns

The reason why this is the best bodysurfing handboard for kids is because of the soft top design. You will not have to worry about your child poking his or her eye out.

Nor will the Grom cause any injury to your body if it hits you. The foam will gently absorb any type of impact so you don’t get hurt regardless of the surf conditions.

Pricing

This is the most affordable bodysurfing handboard on the market. It is the cheapest handboard out of the Slyde collection. I have seen the price of this board drop down to $30 during a spring sale but typically it is just under $60. Make sure to check Amazon for the most recent price.