How to Bodyboard!

Equipment: 1) Bodyboard (Boggieboard) between 39 and 42 inches long with a slick bottom. 2) Fins (open heeled type) and neoprene foot socks to protect your feet from blisters. 3) Leashes for your bodyboard and fins so they don't get lost in the water. 4) One piece swimsuit. 5) Sunscreen that is waterproof.

Technique:
Hold on to the bodyboard with one hand on the top rail and the elbow resting on the deck. The other hand should hold the bodyboard about 1/3 of the way down with the elbow up at a 50 degree angel, to have the leverage to hold the rail of the board in the wave. Head and chest should be up off the board, and a huge smile should be on your face. When catching a wave it is important to kick with your fins while pushing the front of the board down the face of the wave. As soon as you feel the wave moving you forward turn the board towards the shoulder of the wave (a way from the breaking part, good waves peel of cleanly left or right with a smooth face for you to ride) take your hand that is on the outside or closet to the beach move it 1/3 of the way down the board as described about and pull up on the rail to turn the board and keep the edge from sliding out, remembering to keep the head and chest up and smile for the camera.

Benefits:
Bodyboarding is a wonderful exercise because it works your legs, hips and stomach. Last but not least it is extremely fun fun, catching a wave is the most spiritual, Zen experiences in the world!

Safety Advice:
Be a good swimmer, talk to your lifeguard about ocean conditions, wear sunscreen and avoid the sun between 11: 00 am and 2:00 pm.

Lessons:
Go to http://www.carolphilips.com/lessons for lessons on Oahu or email awb@bodyboard.org for a refrence to a bodyboard school in your area