Boogie Boards & Bodyboards

Is a boogie board the same as a bodyboard?

Yes, they're the same thing. Tom Morey invented the modern bodyboard in 1971 and called it the Boogie Board. The name stuck with everyone at the beach, while riders and brands tend to say bodyboard. Either way, you're in the right place.

What size boogie board do I need?

Quick check: stand the board on its tail next to you. It should come up to about your belly button, or roughly the distance from your chin to your knees. Between two sizes? Let weight decide. Heavier riders go up for more float, lighter riders go down for more control.

Size chart from Morey Bodyboards. It starts at 4'8", so for smaller kids use the belly button check.

What's inside a bodyboard?

The core decides how a board flexes and how long it holds up. Most of our Alton beach boards use an EPS core, which keeps the price friendly for summer days at the beach. Step up to a PE core and you get a softer flex that Morey says works especially well in colder water, which is why their MACH 7 uses one. PP cores are lighter and stiffer. Morey calls the PP core in its MACH 7-SS hydrophobic, meaning it resists soaking up water, and BZ uses PP in boards like the Accel II.

Stringers, slicks and tails

Stringers are rods built into the core. The REX and CFT stringers in our Morey and BZ boards add strength and help keep a board from creasing or snapping in bigger surf. The slick is the bottom skin, and higher end boards like the BZ Accel II use Surlyn. If you ride drop knee (one knee down, one foot up), look for a narrower shape like the Morey MACH 7-SS or BZ Fundamental.

Which boogie board is right for you?

• Little kids and bodysurfing: 21" minis from BZ and Alton. The Alton Flounder doubles as a hand plane.
• Beach days: Alton's Bat Ray, Sting Ray and Mola Mola in 36", 39" and 42".
• First board for real waves: the Morey Cruiser, which Morey built as an entry level board for stability and control.
• Getting better every session: the Morey MACH 7 and MACH 7X, and the BZ Accel II.
• Drop knee riders: the Morey MACH 7-SS, BZ Fundamental and BZ Pro.
• Bigger riders: the Morey Big Kahuna at 44", rated up to 250 lbs.

What else do you need for bodyboarding?

Two things, once you're riding real waves. Swim fins give you the kick to catch a wave and help you steer once you're on it. A bodyboard leash keeps the board with you after a wipeout. For kids playing in the shorebreak on a beach board, neither is a must.

Frequently Asked Questions

What size boogie board for adults?

Most adults ride a 40" to 44" board. On Morey's chart, a 40" fits riders 5'3" to 5'6", a 42" fits 5'7" to 6'0", and the 44" Big Kahuna is built for riders 6'2" to 6'4" and up to 250 lbs. Use your weight to break a tie between two sizes.

What size bodyboard for a 6 ft man?

Usually 42" to 42.5". Morey's chart puts riders from 5'7" to 6'0" and 145 to 180 lbs on a 42", and riders from 5'9" to 6'1" and 160 to 195 lbs on a 42.5". Over about 200 lbs, look at a 43" or the 44" Big Kahuna.

What size boogie board for an 8 year old?

Go by height instead of age, since kids the same age can be very different sizes. Stand the board next to your kid and look for one that comes up to about their belly button. We carry kids boards in 36" and 39", plus 21" minis for the little ones.

What is the best boogie board for beginners?

For riding real waves, start with a board that's easy to control. Morey built the Cruiser (42.5") as an entry level board for stability and control. For easy beach days, an Alton Bat Ray or Sting Ray in the right size is a simple, affordable start.

How much does a boogie board cost?

At Jack's, 21" minis run about $20 to $30 and Alton beach boards run roughly $40 to $90. Morey's Cruiser, M38 and Big Kahuna run about $75 to $100, and performance boards from Morey and BZ go up to about $270.

Why are some boogie boards so expensive?

It comes down to what they're made of. Performance boards use PE or PP cores, internal stringers and tougher slicks like Surlyn, which hold their shape and perform better in real waves. Beach boards use simpler EPS cores. For a few days at the beach a year, a beach board is plenty. If you're riding waves every weekend, the better board is worth it.

What should I look for when buying a boogie board?

Start with size, based on your height and weight. Then pick a core: PE for a softer flex and colder water, PP for a lighter, stiffer board. Add a stringer if you'll ride bigger waves, and choose a narrower shape if you ride drop knee.

Where can I buy boogie boards near me?

Right here. Jack's sells Morey, BZ and Alton bodyboards online and in our shops in Huntington Beach, Newport Beach, Corona del Mar, Dana Point, Hermosa Beach and Santa Monica. Give your closest shop a call to check stock before you head over.