Buyers Guide How to Choose the Right Bodyboard (UK Buyer’s Guide 2026) Back to blog What size bodyboard do I need? What’s the best board for beginners? These are the two questions we get asked more than anything, and getting them right makes a massive difference. If you want more waves, more speed and more fun, you need a bodyboard that matches your size, ability and UK conditions. Get it right and you’ll progress quickly. Get it wrong and you’ll spend your summer wondering why it feels so hard. This guide includes tips specifically for UK beach breaks and summer surf, cutting through the noise so you can choose the right board first time. Contents What Size Bodyboard Do I Need? Beginner vs Intermediate vs Advanced Choosing the Right Bodyboard Core (PE vs PP vs EPS) Bodyboard Shapes & Features Explained Best Bodyboards for Beginners (Apex & Paipo) Best Performance Bodyboards (NMD) Accessories You Actually Need (Leash, Fins, Bags) Common Mistakes to Avoid Why Buy Your Bodyboard from Boardshop? What Size Bodyboard Do I Need? This is one of the most common questions we get asked at Boardshop when people are choosing their first Bodyboard. To determine what size Bodyboard you need, it is a generally accepted rule of thumb that you should look for a board that, when stood on the floor, reaches your belly button. Another way to size you board is to make sure that when the Bodyboard is held out in front of you it reaches from your knees to your chin. The rule for sizing an adult bodyboard is the same when it comes to sizing a kids bodyboard. Please see our Bodyboard Size Chart below to help you determine what size Bodyboard you need: Board Length (Inches) Rider Weight (Lbs) Rider Weight (Kgs) Rider Height (Ft) Rider Height (Cms) 32"-34" 40-64 18-29 Under 4' 122 36"-38" 65-85 30-39 4'-5' 122-152 39" 86-115 40-52 4'6"-5'2" 137-158 40" 110-130 50-59 5'3"-5'6" 160-168 41"-41.75" 125-170 57-77 5'7"-5'9" 170-175 42" 145-180 66-82 5'9"-6'0" 175-183 42.5" 160-190 73-86 5'10"-6'2" 178-188 43" 170-210 77-95 6'1"-6'3" 185-191 44" 180-230 82-102 6'2"-6'4" 188-193 45" 195-255 88-116 6'3"-6'6" 191-198 46" 220+ 100+ 6'4"+ 193+ Adjust Based on Conditions & Goals Small, weak summer surf: go slightly bigger for more speed + wave count Punchy or steeper waves: go slightly smaller for control Drop-knee riding: add a bit more length The Common Mistake Going too small because it “looks more pro” In reality: You’ll miss waves Lose speed Slow your progression In UK summer surf, bigger is usually better. Which Bodyboard Should I Purchased Based on my Ability? (Beginner vs Intermediate vs Advanced) Beginner Bodyboarders If you’re just starting out, the goal is simple: catch as many waves as possible and build confidence quickly. At this stage, you’re not worrying about performance, you just want something that’s stable, forgiving and easy to ride. The right board will make learning feel natural rather than frustrating. You're: Riding whitewater Learning control Want something easy and fun You need: Float, stability, forgiveness Our recommendation: Paipo BodyboardsA perfect first board. Stable, durable, and designed to get you catching waves straight away without the frustration. Beginner / Intermediate Boadyboarders This is where things start to click. You’re now catching green waves and beginning to move along the face. At this stage, the right board will help you generate speed and start progressing properly, rather than just going straight. You're: Catching green waves Trimming along the face Starting to control direction You need: Speed, control, progression Our recommendation: Apex BodyboardsA big step up in performance without making things harder, more speed, better materials, and ideal for pushing your surfing forward. Intermediate / Advanced You’re now properly bodyboarding. This is where performance matters. Generating speed, linking manoeuvres, and handling steeper waves. Your board needs to respond quickly and hold its shape under pressure. You're: Generating speed Linking manoeuvres Riding steeper waves You need: Performance, stiffness, precision Our recommendation: NMD Element BodyboardsA proven performance board with the construction and feel to handle proper waves while still being fun in everyday UK conditions. Choosing the Right Bodyboard Core (This matters more than you think) If you take one thing from this guide, make it this: The core is the engine of your bodyboard. It’s what controls how the board flexes, how fast it feels, how well it holds its shape, and ultimately how enjoyable it is to ride. You can have the right size and shape, but if the core isn’t suited to your conditions, the board just won’t feel right. Why Bodyboard Core Choice Matters in the UK Here’s where it gets important. UK water temperatures vary a lot: Winter: around 6–10°C Summer: around 15–20°C That might not sound like a big deal, but it has a huge impact on how a bodyboard performs. Different core materials react differently to temperature. Some stay flexible and responsive in colder water. Others become stiff and lose their feel. So choosing the right core isn’t just about performance, it’s about making sure your board actually works in UK conditions. PE Core (Polyethylene) - Best all-rounder for the UK For most UK surfers, this is the safest and most reliable choice. PE cores are slightly softer and more flexible, which means they continue to feel smooth and controllable even in colder water. That flexibility translates into a more forgiving ride, making it easier to generate speed and stay in control. Softer, more flexible Works better in colder water More forgiving feel If you’re mainly surfing in the UK, especially outside peak summer, PE is usually the best option. PP Core (Polypropylene) - High Performance PP cores are stiffer, lighter and built for speed. They’re designed for higher performance riding, offering more recoil and projection through turns. But that stiffness comes with a trade-off, in colder water, they can feel too rigid and less forgiving. PP works best if: You surf in consistently warm water You travel abroad regularly You want a fast, performance-focused feel EPS Core (Polystyrene) - Beginner Friendly EPS cores are commonly found in beginner and entry-level boards. They’re lightweight, floaty and easy to ride, which makes them a great option when you’re just starting out. They help with wave catching and stability, especially in smaller summer surf. However, build quality matters a lot here. A well-made EPS board (with proper reinforcement like stringers) can be brilliant. Cheap ones tend to flex too much, lose speed and wear out quickly. Key takeaway: Most UK surfers → PE core (best all-round performance in our conditions) Beginners → EPS (good quality only) Advanced riders / warm water → PP core Get the core right, and everything else becomes easier: more speed, more control, and way more fun. Bodyboard Features Explained (What actually makes a difference in the water) Once you’ve got the right size and core sorted, these are the details that fine-tune how your board feels. You don’t need to overthink them, but understanding them will help you choose a board that suits how you want to ride. Stringers (Strength, speed and structure) Stringers are reinforcement rods that run through the core of the board. Their job is to help the board hold its shape and spring back into position after being flexed. This has a big impact on how fast and responsive the board feels. No stringer → softer, more flexible, usually cheaper 1 stringer → a solid balance of flex and strength 2+ stringers → stiffer, faster, more performance-focused More stringers generally mean more speed, more durability, and a more responsive feel, especially as you progress. Mesh (Extra reinforcement for speed and longevity) Mesh is an additional layer inside the board that works alongside the core and stringer. It helps: Add strength Improve recoil (how quickly the board springs back) Increase durability over time You’ll usually find mesh in better-built boards, and it’s a great feature if you want something that will last and perform consistently. Slick Bottom (Where your speed comes from) The slick is the underside of the board, and it plays a big role in how fast and smooth it feels across the water. HDPE slick → durable, reliable, great for beginners and everyday use Surlyn slick → faster, more responsive, higher performance A better slick = more speed and better glide through sections Tail Shapes (How the board feels under your body) The tail affects how the board holds in the wave and how it releases through turns. Crescent Tail (Most Common) This is the go-to shape for most riders, especially in the UK. More control and grip Sits nicely against your body Works well in a wide range of conditions If you’re unsure, go crescent, it’s the safest and most versatile option. Bat Tail A slightly looser, more playful option. Faster release through turns Feels more lively and responsive Popular with performance riders Great if you want something a bit more playful, especially in smaller or weaker waves. Best Bodyboards for Beginners Paipo Bodyboards Best for: beginners, families, summer sessions If you’re just getting started or want something fun and easy for the beach, Paipo is a brilliant place to begin. These boards are designed to make bodyboarding feel simple from your first wave. They’ve got plenty of float, are stable under your chest, and make catching waves as easy as possible, which is exactly what you want at the start. Unlike cheap “holiday” boards, Paipo boards are properly built, so you’re not dealing with something that bends, flexes or falls apart after a few sessions. Start bodyboarding with a Paipo Apex Bodyboards Best for: progression, better construction, all-round use Apex sits right in the sweet spot between beginner-friendly and performance. If you’ve had a few sessions or want a board you won’t outgrow straight away, this is where things start to step up. With PE core options (ideal for UK water), plus stringers and mesh reinforcement, these boards hold their shape better, generate more speed, and feel noticeably more responsive. They’re still easy enough to ride, but give you the tools to properly progress. Perfect if you want one board that takes you from beginner into confident rider. Progress faster with Apex Best Performance Bodyboards NMD Bodyboards Best for: performance and long-term progression NMD is one of the most trusted names in bodyboarding, and these boards are built for riders who want more speed, control and performance. They use higher-end materials and refined shapes that feel faster and more precise, especially once you’re riding green waves and starting to push your surfing further. With PE core options suited to UK conditions and strong construction throughout, they’re a great choice if you want something that will keep up with you as your level improves. Step up to NMD when you want a board that matches your progression and opens up more performance. Bodyboard Accessories You Actually Need (Small upgrades, big difference) These are easy to overlook, but the right accessories can completely change how your sessions feel. A good board is the foundation, but these are the bits that make everything easier, safer, and more fun. Leash (Non-negotiable) A leash keeps your board attached to you, simple as that. Without one, every wave becomes a swim, and more importantly, a loose board in the water can be dangerous for you and others. It also means you can focus on riding waves instead of worrying about losing your board. Keeps your board attached Improves safety Essential for all levels Every bodyboarder needs a leash, no matter your level. Fins (Biggest upgrade you can make) If you’re getting into bodyboarding properly, fins are a game changer. They give you: More speed into waves Better control once you’re riding Easier positioning in the lineup You’ll catch more waves, get into them earlier, and feel way more in control. If you’re serious about progressing, fins are the best upgrade you can make. Add fins to level up instantly Socks / Fin Savers Once you’re using fins, these become essential. Socks stop rubbing and blisters Fin savers keep your fins attached if they come off in the water Small details, but they make sessions far more comfortable (and less expensive if you lose a fin). Board Bags A simple one, but it makes a big difference to how long your board lasts. A board bag helps: Protect against sun and heat damage Prevent dings and pressure marks Keep your board in good condition between sessions Especially in summer, this is one of the easiest ways to protect your board. Protect your board with a board bag We've created a simple guide so that you can easily identify which construction and accessories we would recommend for you based on your ability. Bodyboarding Ability Beginner Intermediate/Advanced Bodyboard Core EPS ✔ PP or PE ✔ Bodyboard Slick HDPE ✔ Surlyn ✔ Bodyboard Deck XPE / IXPE ✔ PE ✔ Bodyboard Tail Cresent ✔ ✔ Bat ✔ ✔ Bodyboard Stringer Single ✔ Two + ✔ Recommended Accessories Leash ✔ ✔ Wax ✔ Swim Fins ✔ Bodyboard Bag ✔ Common Mistakes to Avoid (These will slow you down more than anything) 1. Going Too Small This is the big one. A smaller board might look more “performance”… but in reality, it makes everything harder: Harder to catch waves Harder to generate speed Harder to stay in control Less waves = slower progression 2. Buying Cheap Boards Those £15–£30 boards might seem like a bargain… but they rarely last. They tend to: Flex too much Lose speed quickly Crease or break after a few sessions Cheap boards = false economy You’re far better off getting something properly built that actually works in UK waves. 3. Ignoring Core Type The wrong core for UK conditions can make a board feel: Too stiff Too slow Just “off” in the water Get the core right, and everything feels easier. Why Buy Your Bodyboard from Boardshop? We don’t just sell boards, we make sure you get the right one. ✔ Only tested, proven boards✔ Expert advice from real surfers✔ No cheap landfill boards✔ Fast UK delivery✔ Klarna Pay in 3 available Not Sure What to Go For? Tell us at [email protected]: Height Weight Experience …and we’ll match you to the exact board that’ll get you:- more waves- faster progression- more fun Final Thought Bodyboarding should be simple. The right board makes everything easier: More waves More speed More confidence Get it right first time and you’ll feel the difference instantly. Back to blog