For many Australian children, a trip to the beach was not complete without a body board (or a boogie board, as the little ones call them). The board would be dragged along the sand by the leg rope, flapping in the wind all the way. It would then provide hours of entertainment in the surf. Not always as challenging as surfing, which requires riders to stand up, body boarding is an excellent summer activity for any beach loving weekender.
Body boarding is a great beach activity because at a low level, it requires very little skill. For unexperienced riders, it is really a matter of point an click: lie on the board and wait for the wave to take you to the shore. At a higher level, it is a very difficult activities, with experienced riders completing difficult tricks on the same waves as surfers. Body boarding can also be taken to a
competitive level, with a high level of physical fitness required.
Whilst body boarding can be a lot of fun, it can also be dangerous. As with any beach activity, surf safety is encouraged. For riders who wish to improve their skills,
lessons are available at Bondi Beach.
Bondi is a good spot for body boarders, but it is not the only one.
Curl Curl Beach is a good location for advanced riders. For beginners,
Terrigal Beach on the Central Coast is a top choice, as it is well patrolled and the surf is generally not rough.
Body boards are available in many different shapes, sizes and styles, depending on the age and skill level of the rider. Prices also vary depending on the quality of the board, but start at about $8.
For anyone who is looking to take their beach trip to a new level, body boarding is a great choice for a weekend activity.
