Hey quick question to any ec bodyboarders. Im looking to buy a new board, and i only started about 3 months ago, and i really dont konw the difference between Polyethylene, Polypropylene, and Polystyrene. What do u guys suggest getting? And wat would you reccomend for tail shape and should i get a stringer? Id really appreciate some help...thanks
I just got a new Mike Stewart MS5 44". It is sweeet! Your height and weight play a big part. I read Dow cores are better in cold water. Definitely get at least one stringer. I think crescent tails are good for prone and DK.
yeah probably, but i think its better to be to big than small. Im 6'1 and 160 lbs and only have a 41.5 with bat tail.
I'm 6'2, and I ride a 42.5. I think you should stay around a 42. The tails make a big difference. A crescent tail makes it easier to lock into the barrel, where the bat tail gives you board area to work with. It comes down to personal preference, and will be hard to tell for a beginner. I have ridden both, and have liked different tails on different boards. A stringer will make your board more durable, and less flexible. A lot of boards now a days will come with stringers to make them more durable. This can be good in the summer, when the water temps are warm, but also not so great in the winter when temps get cold and the boards get stiffer. Finding that right board might take a little while, but will also become clearer as your riding improves as you get more experience.
ya, if you are riding smaller waves, than a bat tail will be fine. I like riding a bat tail in all conditions. But, if you are riding drop knee than you will definitely want a crescent tail.
Thanks for the help guys, just one last question...how easy is it for a board with a stringer to break, over the summer all i ride is shorebreaks.
It must be pretty hard to break a board with a stringer. I was riding the shorebreak with the DH last spring and we both took off on the same wave, me right on top of him. I backed off, the tail of my board dropped out from under me and planted itself in the sand. Then a wave slammed me down on top of the board's nose. One of my ribs cracked, but the board was fine. No more shorebreak for me.
new board hey I'm in the same boat here, 6'2 around 75 kg. any idea what will I get? what is a good budget for a new board?
I as well got a Science MS5 44" it has double stringers and is stiff as hell. Great for the bigger surf. 42" is considered standard so if you're just starting go with that, and a crescent tail, single stringer. Many top companies are now selling great boards for ~$200 which is a terrific price. Many of the Australian brands are now leading the industry and have some wild new options. I'll just put out some names/brands and you can search the names easily. Turbo Surf Designs Nomad Bodyboards Mike Stewart Science NMD Stox and VS Toys Bodyboards No. 6 BZ Custom X Also, remember that just about the biggest aspect of BBing is swim fins. You'll need these too if you're just getting into the sport. Viper Fins Custom X BZ Ally Swimfins Hydro Swimfins Stealth Limited Edition WHere to buy: ebodyboarding.com Atlantic Bodyboards I'm sure you'll get stoked when you see all the stuff these guys have on their sites and they are both ( Jay and Bob, respectfully) very willing to help. Enjoy! Support the Sport !
Hey EC, Thanks for the good info. Regarding my height and wait, any special things I need to know ? Thanks,Eco
Regarding your height/weight. I'd say stick with a 42" since you are tall, yet lighter weight. Can't go wrong there.
I've had a couple of boards in the last few years, currently I'm riding a Mike Stewart MS7 42.5 cresent tail and it is the absolute best board I've ridden. The rails are sharp as knives, the deck is like leather, and I've been able to hone my drop knee in a short time cuz the board dosent bend. I'm 5'9 180lbs and I wanted a sturdy board. I used to ride a BZ and a Wave Rebel and both had stringers and both ended up looking like bannanas. The decks were soft like foam and they just weren't thick enough for me. I like a thick board but not too thick. My friend has a No.6 board and it floats well but its way too thick and heavy and the rails are not as sharp. I prefer a cresent tail cuz it huggs my hips and it's easy to bottom turn, and slide into the drop knee position. My BZ was battail and I would constantly smash my johnson in heavy shorebreak and when learning to drop knee. Stay way from the wave skate aka lasanga tray, it has a terrible shape, heavy, bad rails, and the deck just sucks. I've taken the MS7 on a few trips and it has taken the punishment of traveling and of me beating on it, and it's as straight and true as they day I bought it. With not even a pressure dent on the deck!! I'm interested in Respect board and the new Congo line of boards, but I might just stick with Science till someone proves otherwise. Hope this is helpful.
