Best Bodyboards for Beginners, Kids and Tall Riders (2026)
Seven bodyboards from beginner beach boards to performance Morey models, and how to choose the right size and core.
Why Bodyboarding Is the Easiest Way Into Waves
Bodyboarding is the most accessible way to ride waves. You lie on the board, kick to catch a wave and ride it toward the beach. There's no standing up to learn, boards are affordable and you can ride small waves on almost any beach. A good bodyboard is light, floats well, glides fast on its slick bottom and is sized for your height and weight. Morey, which made the original Boogie board, is still one of the main brands, alongside BPS and others.
Morey Mach 7
Best performance classic
- From the original bodyboard brand
- HDPE slick bottom for speed
- Embedded rod for durability
BPS Storm
Best for beginners and families
- Lightweight EPS core
- Coiled leash included
- Available in several sizes
Morey Big Kahuna
Best for tall riders
- 44-inch length
- Designed for taller riders
- Classic Morey construction
Bodyboards Compared
| Board | Notable Features | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Morey Mach 7 | HDPE slick bottom, embedded rod | Progressing riders |
| BPS Storm | EPS core, coiled leash, several sizes | Beginners, families |
| Morey Big Kahuna | 44" length | Tall riders |
| Morey Mach 12 MDS | 42.5", fiberglass stringer, coil leash | All skill levels, speed |
| Morey Cruiser | 42.5", HDPE slick bottom | All-round beach days |
| Body Glove Big Tuna | 45" length | Tall and heavier riders |
| Wavestorm 40" Bodyboard | Foam board | Casual beach fun, budget |
The Best Bodyboards
1. Morey Mach 7
The Mach 7 is one of Morey's classic models, made by the brand that introduced the Boogie board in 1971. It has an HDPE slick bottom for speed and an embedded rod to reduce flex and help it last. It's a long-running favorite for riders moving beyond beginner boards.
Good to Know
- Proven design
- Fast slick bottom
- Durable construction
Watch Out For
- Choose the right length for your height
2. BPS Storm
The BPS Storm is a lightweight EPS-core board with a premium coiled leash, available in several sizes for kids and adults. It's an affordable, easy choice for beginners and families heading to the beach.
Good to Know
- Light and easy to carry
- Leash included
- Multiple sizes
Watch Out For
- EPS cores dent more easily than PE or PP
3. Morey Big Kahuna
At 44 inches, the Big Kahuna is made for taller riders who need more length and float than standard boards offer.
Check Price on Amazon4. Morey Mach 12 MDS
The 42.5-inch Mach 12 MDS uses an embedded fiberglass stringer for stiffness and speed and comes with a coil leash. Morey describes it as suitable for all skill levels.
Check Price on Amazon5. Morey Cruiser
The Cruiser is a full-size 42.5-inch board with an HDPE slick bottom and deck contours for grip. It's a simple all-rounder for beach days.
Check Price on Amazon6. Body Glove Big Tuna
The Big Tuna is a 45-inch board for tall and heavier riders, offering extra volume for catching waves.
Check Price on Amazon7. Wavestorm 40-Inch Bodyboard
Wavestorm is known for affordable foam boards. Its 40-inch bodyboard is a budget option for casual beach fun and kids.
Check Price on AmazonHow to Choose a Bodyboard
Size
| Rider Height | Typical Board Length |
|---|---|
| Under 5'0" | About 33–37" |
| 5'0"–5'6" | About 38–40" |
| 5'6"–5'10" | About 40–42" |
| 5'10"–6'2" | About 42–43" |
| Over 6'2" | About 44" and up |
These are general guidelines; check each maker's size chart. Heavier riders and beginners can size up for float; experienced riders often prefer slightly shorter boards for control.
Core Material
| Core | Feel | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| EPS | Light, affordable, less durable | Beginners, casual beach use |
| PE | Heavier, flexible | Cooler water, smooth control |
| PP (polypropylene) | Light, stiff, responsive | Warm water, performance riding |
Bottom Skin
HDPE (Surlyn on premium boards) slick bottoms glide faster and resist dings better than soft foam bottoms.
Tail Shape
Crescent tails are versatile and hold well on the wave face. Bat tails add float, which helps lighter or beginner riders in small waves.
Stringers
Stringers are rods inside the core that add stiffness and stop the board from bending, which improves speed and durability.
Essential Bodyboarding Gear
- Leash: keeps the board with you after wipeouts.
- Swim fins: make catching waves much easier.
- Wetsuit or rash guard: warmth and protection from chafing and sun.
- Sunscreen: water-resistant and reef-friendly where required.
Beginner Bodyboarding Tips
- Start in small, broken waves (whitewater) in waist-deep water.
- Lie with the nose of the board near your chest and your hips near the tail.
- When a wave approaches, kick hard and paddle with your arms.
- Once you're moving with the wave, hold the nose and keep your weight centered.
- Swim at lifeguarded beaches, learn to spot rip currents and stay within your ability.
More Water Sports
Love the water? Explore paddle boarding, kayaking and snorkeling and diving. Need a watch that can handle the surf? See waterproof watches.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size bodyboard should I get?
A common rule: stand the board on its tail in front of you, and the nose should reach somewhere between your belly button and chin. Heavier riders and beginners can size up for extra float.
What is the best bodyboard for beginners?
A board with a stable EPS or PE core, an HDPE slick bottom and a leash is ideal. Beginners benefit from a slightly larger board for easier wave catching.
What is the difference between a bodyboard and a boogie board?
They're the same thing. Boogie board was the original brand name used by Morey, and it became the common name for bodyboards.
What bodyboard core is best?
EPS is light and affordable but less durable. PE is heavier and more flexible, which suits colder water. PP (polypropylene) is light, stiff and responsive, which suits warmer water and performance riding.
Do I need fins to bodyboard?
Not for splashing in the shallows, but swim fins make catching waves much easier and help you get back out through the surf. Many bodyboarders consider them essential.
Do bodyboards need a leash?
Yes. A leash keeps the board attached so it doesn't hit other people or float away after a wipeout. Wrist leashes suit prone riding; bicep leashes are popular with experienced riders.