Getting into the waves should be exciting, not some complicated mission. This guide is your friendly intro to bodyboarding, easily one of the most accessible and thrilling ways to get amongst it on New Zealand's incredible coastline. We’ll cut through the jargon, break down the gear, and give you the core knowledge you need, whether you're a first-timer in Gisborne or gearing up for a summer roadie.
Your Introduction to Bodyboarding
Since we first opened our doors back in 1983, we've helped thousands of riders at Blitz Surf Shop find their perfect setup. Think of this guide as a chat with one of the team, designed to get you from the sand to the waves with a bit of confidence. We'll show you why a bodyboard is the ultimate tool for fun, fitness, and connecting with the ocean, no matter your age or experience level.
This ease of access is exactly why bodyboarding has been a cornerstone of Kiwi beach culture for decades. It's all part of a massive surge in wave riding that started with just a few hundred surfers in the early 1960s and has absolutely exploded since.
Today, an estimated 240,000 Kiwis get out in the waves, an incredible 800-fold growth over six decades. Research from Sport New Zealand confirms what we see every day: 97% of people get into sports like this for pure fun, while 41% are in it for the fitness. You can dive deeper into these wave riding trends from Sport New Zealand if you're keen.
Why a Bodyboard is Your Perfect Start
Unlike stand-up surfing, which definitely has a steeper learning curve, bodyboarding gives you an immediate pay-off. The whole process is intuitive, so you can feel that awesome sensation of gliding on a wave from your very first session.
It’s an activity that builds water confidence and gives you a great workout without ever feeling like a chore. For anyone looking to properly enjoy our amazing coastline, a bodyboard is the key.
This guide will cover everything you need to know. We'll go from understanding the anatomy of a board to finding your perfect fit and even exploring some of the best surf spots in New Zealand. We’ll also break down the essential gear that makes every session safer and way more enjoyable.
Right, let's get into it.
Getting to Know Your Bodyboard's Anatomy
To pick the right bodyboard, you first need to know what’s going on under the hood. A bodyboard isn't just a simple slab of foam; it’s a bit of kit where every part has a job to do, affecting how it feels and performs in the surf. Think of it like a car: the core is your engine, the stringer is the chassis, and the slick is your set of high-performance tyres.
Getting your head around these parts will help you look at our bodyboard collection and know exactly what you’re after. It’s the difference between taking a guess and making a smart choice that lines up with your goals, whether that’s just catching your first whitewater wave or pulling into a clean barrel.
This is a big reason why bodyboarding is so popular—it’s built on simple ideas that are easy to get the hang of.
As you can see, the sport's core appeal is its accessibility and how it mixes fun with fitness. That makes it a perfect match for the Kiwi lifestyle and is exactly what gets people hooked.
The Core: Essential Component of Your Bodyboard
The core is the central element of your bodyboard, influencing its flexibility, weight, and durability. There are primarily two materials you will encounter, each suited to specific conditions and riders.
Firstly, there's Polyethylene (PE). This core is appreciated for its flexibility, offering excellent control, particularly in the cooler waters often found in New Zealand. A bodyboard with a PE core adapts to the wave face, providing a connected and responsive experience.
Next is Polypropylene (PP), a material that is stiffer, lighter, and more durable. PP cores are designed for speed and high performance, excelling in warmer waters where a PE core may become overly soft. For those seeking to achieve high speeds for tricks and maneuvers, a PP core bodyboard is typically the preferred option.
Additionally, there are Extruded Polystyrene (EPS) cores, commonly used in more affordable bodyboards. While they may not offer the same flexibility or responsiveness as PE or PP cores, EPS cores are a good choice for beginners or those on a budget, providing a cost-effective entry point into bodyboarding.
Choosing the Right Bodyboard Core for NZ Waters
To help you decide, here’s a quick rundown of the two main core types. Think about our local water temps and your riding style to find the best fit.
| Core Type | Best For | Key Feature | Ideal Water Temp (NZ) |
|---|---|---|---|
| PE (Polyethylene) | All-round performance, control | Flexible, responsive | Cooler waters (Autumn/Winter/Spring) |
| PP (Polypropylene) | Speed, advanced moves | Stiff, lightweight, durable | Warmer waters (Summer) |
For most Kiwi conditions, a PE core gives you a fantastic balance of flex and control. But if you’re a more advanced rider or mostly surf in the peak of summer, a PP core offers better speed and will last you longer.
Stringers: The Board's Skeleton
If the core is the engine, then the stringer is the chassis or skeleton. It's a composite rod, usually made of fibreglass or carbon fibre, that runs down the middle of the board. Its main job is to control the board's flex and add strength.
A board without a stringer will be super flexible. That's fine for kids or total beginners in tiny waves, but it really lacks performance. Adding one or more stringers massively boosts the board's structural integrity.
This extra stiffness helps the board keep its shape when you’re pushing it through turns and stops it from bending too much. It also creates "recoil," where the board snaps back into shape, shooting you forward with more speed out of a turn. Boards can have one, two, or even three stringers for maximum stiffness and durability.
Deck and Slick: Your Connection to the Wave
The deck is the top surface where you lie. It’s usually made from a softer, cross-linked PE foam that provides grip and comfort. Some decks are contoured with grooves and ergonomic shapes to offer even more grip, helping you stay locked onto your board when the surf gets bigger.
The slick is the smooth, hard bottom of the board. This is what touches the water, and its whole purpose is to cut down on friction and crank up your speed. Most decent boards use a HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene) slick, which is durable and fast. Top-end models might feature a Surlyn slick, a premium material known for its superior elasticity and projection.
Understanding how these parts work together is key. For an even more detailed breakdown, you can learn more about bodyboard construction and materials in our comprehensive article. Armed with this knowledge, you'll be able to confidently pick a board built for exactly what you need.
Finding Your Perfect Bodyboard Size and Shape
Alright, so you’ve got a handle on what goes into making a bodyboard. Now for the fun part: finding the one that’s a perfect match for you. Getting the size right is hands-down the most crucial step. A board that’s too big will feel like you're trying to steer a boat, making it tough to paddle and control. On the flip side, one that’s too small will sink and make catching waves a real mission.
Luckily, this isn't rocket science. There’s a simple, old-school method that riders have used for generations to get a quick idea of the right fit: the "belly button rule." It's a brilliant way to see if a board is in the right ballpark for your height.
The Belly Button Rule: A Quick Guide
This classic trick is the perfect starting point, especially when you’re in the shop surrounded by different options. It gives you an instant feel for what might work.
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Stand the board up: Pop the tail of the board on the ground right in front of you.
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Check the height: The nose of the board should land somewhere between your belly button and about two inches above it.
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Factor in your weight: If you're a heavier rider for your height, you might want a board that’s a touch taller or wider for extra float. Lighter riders, however, might prefer something a bit shorter for more manoeuvrability.
Following this gives you a solid baseline. It ensures the board has enough volume to keep you afloat properly without being too massive to wrangle in the surf.
A More Precise Sizing Chart
While the belly button rule is a great shortcut, a more detailed approach takes both your height and weight into account for a spot-on fit. Bodyboard lengths are measured in inches, and matching these up with your stats is the key to getting the best performance out of your board.
Here’s a general sizing guide to help you pick from our range. Just remember, it’s a guide—your personal preference and the kinds of waves you'll be riding can also play a big part in your final decision.
| Rider Height (cm) | Rider Weight (kg) | Recommended Board Size (inches) |
|---|---|---|
| 135 - 158 cm | 35 - 55 kg | 38" - 39" |
| 159 - 169 cm | 50 - 70 kg | 40" - 41" |
| 170 - 183 cm | 65 - 85 kg | 41.5" - 42.5" |
| 184 - 195 cm | 80 - 110+ kg | 43" - 44" |
Expert Tip: If you find yourself between sizes, think about the waves. For the smaller, less powerful Kiwi waves we often get, sizing up a little can give you extra float and make catching waves much easier. But if you’re heading into bigger, punchier surf, a slightly smaller board will give you way more control.
How Tail Shape Influences Your Ride
Once you’ve got the right size dialled in, the next thing to check out is the tail shape. This design feature makes a massive difference to how a board feels and handles on a wave. The two most common shapes you’ll come across are the crescent tail and the bat tail.
The crescent tail is the go-to for most riders and is super versatile, especially if you're a beginner or intermediate. Its curved, U-like shape helps lock your hips onto the board, giving you awesome stability and control. This makes it perfect for holding your line across the face of the wave, and it’s why you’ll see it on many of the boogie board models we recommend.
The bat tail, on the other hand, is a more performance-driven design that looks a bit like a bat’s wing. This shape has less direct contact with the wave, which makes the board feel looser and quicker. It gives the back of the board extra lift, helping advanced riders generate more speed for pulling off aerial moves. For most of us enjoying the waves along the East Coast, the crescent tail is the perfect blend of control and all-around fun.
Gearing Up with Essential Bodyboarding Equipment
Getting the right bodyboard is a brilliant first step, but it’s really only half the story. To get the most out of your time in the surf and stay safe, you need to kit yourself out with the right accessories. Think of it this way: you’ve bought the car, now you need the engine and the seatbelt to actually get going.
These bits and pieces aren't just optional extras; they're the tools that give you power in the water, keep you safe, and make the whole experience more comfortable. From catching way more waves to staying out longer when the water's a bit chilly, having the proper gear makes all the difference. At Blitz Surf Shop, we’ve got everything you need to build out your complete bodyboarding setup.
Fins: The Engine of Your Ride
If your bodyboard gets you on the wave, your fins are what get you into the wave. Honestly, they’re probably the most important accessory you’ll buy, turning you from someone just floating around into a proper wave hunter. Without them, you're just trying to windmill your arms, which is rarely enough to match the speed of a good, peeling wave.
Fins give you that crucial burst of speed needed to kick into waves right as they’re about to break. That extra propulsion is the key to catching more rides and getting on them earlier, which gives you more time to get set up and enjoy the ride. Once you’re on the wave face, they act like rudders, helping you dig in your rail and steer where you want to go.
And it's not just about having any fins; understanding the different types of fins can seriously level up your speed and control.
When you're picking a pair, it all comes down to comfort and power.
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Comfortable Fit: A good pair of fins should feel snug, but not so tight they’re painful. We always recommend trying them on if you can, because the sizing can be a bit different between brands.
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Powerful Propulsion: Look for a blade design that gives you a good mix of stiffness for power and flexibility for comfort. Symmetrical shapes are great for that classic, reliable feel, while some of the asymmetrical designs can give you a bit more drive.
At Blitz, we stock a range of top-quality bodyboard fins built for both performance and comfort. A well-fitting pair should feel like they're a part of your feet, giving you the confidence to paddle for any peak that comes your way.
The Leash: Your Lifeline
A leash is an absolute non-negotiable for every single bodyboarder, whether you're on your first wave or your thousandth. This simple cord tethers your board to you, making sure it doesn’t get washed away after a wipeout.
In a busy lineup, a board flying towards the beach is a serious hazard for other surfers and swimmers. And when the waves get bigger, your board is your best friend—it's your flotation device. Keeping it attached to you is crucial for your safety, giving you something to hang onto if you get caught inside by a big set or just need a breather.
A quality leash will have a comfy cuff, strong swivels to stop it from getting tangled, and a durable cord. Most riders go for a bicep leash because it keeps the cord up and out of the way while you’re paddling and riding. To see what we recommend, have a look at our comprehensive guide to bodyboard accessories.
Essential Extras for Every Session
Once you've got your fins and leash sorted, there are a few other key items that will round out your gear and make your time in the water that much better.
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Wetsuits: The water temperature around New Zealand can change in a flash. A good wetsuit from brands like O'Neill or Rip Curl is essential for staying warm, meaning you can surf for longer and feel way more comfortable, all year round. We've got everything from thick winter steamers to flexible summer suits.
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Board Bags: You’ve got to protect your board from dings, scratches, and the sun’s damaging UV rays. A simple bodyboard sock for day trips or a padded travel board bag will keep it in great nick and extend its life.
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Wax: Just like surfers, bodyboarders need wax for grip. Slap a light layer of surf wax on the nose and rails where you grab the board. It’ll give you a much more secure hold, which really helps when you’re trying to punch through whitewater or holding on through a solid turn.
Catching Your First Waves with Confidence
Right, you’ve got the gear sorted, so it’s time for the best part—getting in the water and actually riding a wave. This is where the real fun kicks in. That unbeatable feeling of gliding towards the shore is much easier to get than you might think. We’ll walk you through the basic skills you need to get from paddling out to scoring your first proper ride.
The key is to start small. Don’t just charge out into the biggest waves you can find! Instead, look for gentle, rolling whitewater in waist-deep water. This is your training ground. The consistent, mellow waves at spots like Roberts Road at Waikanae Beach are perfect for building up your skills and confidence.
Getting Out Past the Whitewater
Before you can catch anything, you need to get your bodyboard out past the breaking waves. When a wave is coming towards you, you’ve got a few options to get through it without being washed straight back to shore.
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Lift Up and Over: For small, weak whitewater, just lift the nose of your board and push it over the wave as it passes under you. Easy.
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The Push-Through: As a slightly bigger wave comes, push the nose of the board down and forward while ducking your body under the foam. This helps you punch right through the wave's energy.
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Flip Over (The Turtle Roll): For larger waves that you can’t push through, you’ll need to flip upside down, holding the rails of your board tight to your chest. Let the wave roll over the bottom of the board, then flip back upright once it's gone.
That first paddle-out is often the trickiest part, but once you find a rhythm, you’ll be out the back and ready to go. A lot of these foundational techniques are similar to what you'd learn when starting out on a surfboard, which you can read more about in our guide on how to surf for beginners.
Finding Your Balance and Catching the Wave
Okay, you're in position, facing the shore. The goal is to feel the wave's power pick you up and push you forward. It's all about timing and body position.
Get your body centred on the board, with your hips somewhere near the tail. Hold the nose with both hands and keep your elbows planted on the deck for stability. As you see a good-looking wave approaching from behind, start kicking hard with your fins.
The key moment is right before the wave gets to you. You want to match its speed by kicking hard. As you feel the wave lift the tail of your board, give one last big kick and shift your weight forward. That’s what gets the board to plane down the wave face, and all of a sudden, you're riding.
Trimming and Your First Turns
Congratulations, you've caught a wave! That amazing feeling of gliding is called trimming. You're using the board's shape to move across the water with speed and flow. To start with, you'll probably just ride straight towards the beach in the whitewater, which is the perfect way to get your balance sorted.
Once you feel stable, you can start playing around with basic turns. To go left, just lean onto your left elbow and hip, digging the left rail (the edge of the board) into the water. To go right, do the opposite. It’s a really simple, intuitive movement that gives you control over where you’re going.
Start by making gentle turns as you ride the whitewater. With a bit of practice, you’ll soon be steering your bodyboard along the unbroken green face of a wave, which opens up a whole new world of fun.
Right then, let's talk about looking after your gear and finding the best waves around Gisborne to actually use it.
A good bodyboard is an investment in pure fun, and if you treat it right, it'll last you season after season. Just like any quality bit of kit, forming a few simple habits goes a massive way. A little TLC protects your board from the harsh saltwater and sun, keeping it fast, strong, and ready for your next session.
The number one rule is dead simple: always rinse your gear with fresh water after every surf. Saltwater is a killer and will slowly eat away at the materials. Give your board, leash, and fins a proper wash to get rid of all the salt, sand, and grit.
Just as important is keeping your board out of direct sunlight when you're not in the water. The sun's UV rays are brutal; they can damage the foam and cause the slick bottom to bubble up or delaminate. Whatever you do, never leave your board baking in a hot car—that's the fastest way to wreck it. A decent board bag is your best friend here, protecting it from the sun and those annoying little dings.
Simple Fixes for Common Dings
Even if you're super careful, knocks and dings are just part of the game. The good news is that minor damage like a small puncture in the slick or a peeling deck is usually an easy fix you can sort out at home.
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Slick Punctures: Small cuts or holes in the bottom can be sealed up with a specialised repair adhesive. Just make sure the area is completely clean and dry before you slap it on.
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Deck Lifts: If the deck starts peeling away from the core around the edges, a strong, waterproof contact adhesive will bond it right back down.
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Leash Plug Issues: A loose leash plug is something you need to sort immediately. You can reset it with a bit of sealant to make sure it’s watertight and won’t rip out when you need it most.
We stock all the essential repair kits and glues you'll need to keep your board in fighting shape. Just pop into the shop, and we can show you exactly what to do.
Finding Gisborne's Best Bodyboarding Waves
Once your gear is sorted, it's time to hit the water. Gisborne and the East Coast are absolutely stacked with incredible spots, with something on offer for every skill level. This local knowledge is part of a wave-riding tradition that goes back centuries.
Long before modern surfing hit our shores, New Zealand's beaches were alive with whakahekeheke—the Māori term for wave riding, which was often done lying down on wooden boards. Old accounts describe dozens of young Māori riding waves straight to the beach on big swells. Here in Gisborne, where Blitz Surf Shop has been hooking up riders since 1983, that history runs deep. You can learn more about New Zealand's rich surfing heritage here.
Our team lives and breathes these waves. When you're ready to explore, we can give you the best advice on where to head based on the swell, wind, and your own ability.
Here are a few local favourites to get you started:
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Wainui Beach: Realistically only good for beginners when the surf is small. If it is pumping go somewhere else The main beach breaks have punchy peaks for more experienced riders looking for a bit more power. But if it is small, generally in summer, a beginner can have fin here
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Makorori Beach: Just a quick drive from town, and over the hill form Wainui, Makorori has a bunch of different breaks. The main beach is great for intermediate riders, Northerns can be good for beginners but can get quite heavy at low tide.
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Tolaga Bay: It's a bit of a drive north, but totally worth it. The long, sandy beach can have super fun, peeling waves that are ideal for bodyboarding, especially on a gentle easterly swell. Beginners go near the wharf for mellow waves and a cool environment
Your Bodyboarding Questions Answered
We've been answering questions about bodyboarding for decades here at Blitz Surf Shop. Over the years, we've noticed the same queries pop up time and time again from new and experienced riders alike.
This section tackles the most common ones we hear, giving you clear, straight-up answers to help you solve problems and build your confidence in the water. Our goal is to cut through the confusion so you can focus on what really matters: having a blast in the waves.
What's the Real Difference Between a Cheap and an Expensive Bodyboard?
The biggest difference comes down to the core material and how the board is put together. A cheap bodyboard from a big-box store often uses a flimsy EPS (Expanded Polystyrene) core that can easily crease or snap after just a few sessions. They’re fine for a bit of fun in the shore-break with the kids, but they just aren't built for proper waves.
Here at Blitz, even our entry-level boards use durable cores like PE (Polyethylene). As you move up in price, you're investing in advanced PP (Polypropylene) cores, carbon fibre stringers for that responsive flex, and faster slick skins. Essentially, you're paying for durability, performance, and a board that will actually last you a decent amount of time.
Do I Really Need to Wear Fins for Bodyboarding?
Yes, absolutely 100%. We can't stress this enough. Bodyboard fins are crucial for propulsion, control, and most importantly, your safety.
They give you the thrust needed to catch waves and act like rudders for steering once you're on one. In bigger or trickier conditions, they are essential for navigating the surf and getting yourself out of trouble. Think of fins as the engine for your bodyboard—without them, you're pretty much just floating around hoping for the best.
Can I Use My Bodyboard to Stand Up and Surf?
Bodyboards are specifically designed for riding prone (lying on your stomach) or in the drop-knee stance. They simply don't have the volume or length needed to support an adult for stand-up surfing. A small child might be able to stand on one in the shallow whitewater, but that's not what they're built for.
If you’re keen to stand up and ride, we highly recommend checking out our collection of soft-top surfboards. They offer the stability and float you need for learning, making the whole process much easier and way more enjoyable.
How Do I Know When It's Time to Upgrade My Beginner Bodyboard?
You'll know it's time for a new board when your current one starts to feel like it's holding you back. This usually happens when you want to progress from riding straight to the beach to trimming along the green face of a wave. A basic beginner board often feels too bendy or slow for this next step.
If you find yourself wanting to pull off basic manoeuvres or tackle more powerful waves, a stiffer, performance-oriented board with a PP core and a stringer will unlock your potential. It's the key to taking your riding to the next level.
Ready to find the perfect board or upgrade your gear? The team at Blitz Surf Shop is here to help with expert advice and the best range of bodyboards and accessories in New Zealand.
