The Morey Boogie Board was invented more than 30 years ago and since provided millions with a great alternative to surfing.  At virtually any beach in the country you’ll find these ubiquitous body boards, more popularly known as Boogie Boards, as people have the time of their lives in the ocean.

What Are They?

Technically a Boogie Board is a stiff piece of Styrofoam designed for wave riding.  They range in length from about 27 inches all the way up to 44 inches, with adults needing the longer boards.  They are coated on the bottom with a very slick material to glide through the water.  They come in a variety of colors and designs from the wild to the beautiful.  It’s all a matter of personal taste.  Fins can be added to the bottom for more of a high performance ride but they aren’t necessary.  In fact the upper end boards usually have “rails” designed into the bottom so the water is channeled and this makes for a better ride.  The price range (without accessories) runs generally between $20 and $100. Even with all the extras it is a pretty cheap way to ride the waves.

Let’s Talk Accessories

Although these technically are accessories, they really are necessities for an enjoyable and safe experience.  The first thing is a tether.  Some “Boogies” come with them attached but most don’t.  You can install it yourself or the retailer will offer the service. It involves punching a hole through the board about ¼ the way down from the front and right in the middle. A plastic cap is placed on the bottom and a small hook at the top where a piece of high strength rope is threaded through.  At the other end of the tether is a Velcro strap for your wrist.  The other accessories are rubber fins for your feet.  Again you don’t have to have them but they give you a much better chance to catch a wave.  These fins are specially designed for Boogie Board use and they are angled for maximum “grab.”  You should also consider purchasing a pair of fin tethers. They tie at the end of each fin and are designed to fit snuggly around your ankle, again with a Velcro strip.  Now you’re all set – at least equipment-wise.

From The Sand To The Ocean

So, you’re standing on the shore ready to jump in with your board.   First of all, don’t put your fins on yet.  You’ll look rather stupid flapping your fins on the sand as you head for the water.  Simply turn around and back in. Better yet wait until you get in a few feet of water and simply slide them on, along with your ankle tethers.  That way you’ll avoid getting sand inside the fins.  Otherwise, you’ll certainly notice it.  Next, secure the board tether to your wrist.

Heading Out

You’ll quickly notice that by the time the waves reach the shore they’re pretty small and all foamy. Most of the power has already been expended.  So, you’re going to need to head out a ways where the waves are breaking.  A word of caution.  The ocean can be tricky so here are some safety tips:

1)      Try going with a friend in case you need help

2)      Don’t go out too far, at least not at first. At most beaches chest high is plenty of ocean and even a 3-foot wave will tower over you as it approaches. 

3)      Many beaches have warning flags so learn what they mean and stay in areas designated either for surfing or swimming (Boogie Boards are used in the swimming area)

4)      Don’t go in an area where there is nothing but “shore break.”  This means the waves wait ‘til the last second to break and they pound the shoreline.  Your wave ride will be very short and straight down.  You’ll very likely be spitting out sand.  You’ll want to catch waves a little farther out.

5)      Spend a few minutes and study the ocean before going in.  Watch what others are doing.  How fast are the waves coming in?  What size are they?

Now that you’ve heard some words of caution, it’s time to try to catch a wave.  You’ll notice that it may not be as easy as you think getting out to where the waves are breaking because the surf is heading to the shore, and against you.  You’ll just have to do what others do and paddle through them. So, lie down on your board and kick with those big fins. When a wave approaches that you don’t want you’ll have to go through it. Just lay your head flat against the front of the board and tilt the nose down a bit.  The wave will tend to pass over you rather than lift both you and the board up and knock you back a few feet.   After a few tries, you’ll get the hang of it.  And you’ll start appreciating the tethers on your ankles and wrist. A powerful wave can rip the fins right off your feet and guess what…they don’t float.  And when you wipe-out a few times you’ll be glad you have something to hold onto, namely your Boogie Board.  With the wrist tether it will always be there for you to pull yourself up on and rest. 

Catching The Waves

OK.  You’re finally out where the waves are breaking.  When the wave you want to ride approaches you’ll want to turn your board and face the beach.  And you’ll have to paddle and kick to meet the wave.  If you just sit there the wave, more than likely, will just pass you by.  Ideally you’ll want to be right in front of the wave as it breaks.  You’ll be glad you have those fins on your feet because they are great to get into position quickly.  If you don’t have them it will be much harder. 

As the wave breaks and you feel yourself going down the front of it you’ll want to edge yourself nearer the front of the board.  If you just hang back on your board you’ll become a drag and you won’t get that ride. Then as you start racing to shore you’ll want to ease the nose up a little and let the wave carry you along.  Long rides are great but you don’t want to wind up right on the sand so when you get closer to shore, turn the board by leaning, and pull out of the wave.  Then you’re ready to go back and catch another one.

Boogie Board Etiquette

The first rule is don’t run over swimmers.  And don’t cut in front of other Boogie Board riders.  The boards are quite maneuverable.  Just by leaning to the right or left you’ll notice that the board responds quickly and you can change directions. Finally, if you’re bearing down on someone and turning is impossible, just ease back on the board and you’ll slow down.

The Wipe-Out,  & Hangin’ Ten   

There is no avoiding it.  Sooner or later you’ll have a wipe-out.  The wave will knock you off your board and you’ll tumble head over heels underwater, if only for a few seconds.  At first it is a little scary because a big wave can hold you down a little longer and you can become disoriented and not know which way is up.  But that tether on your wrist is your reassurance. Just grab onto the rope and pull yourself to your board.  Remember, it is very buoyant and will always be on the surface. 

So, have a great time.  Don’t expect too much at first.  Practice will help improve your skills, and soon you’ll be “hangin’ Ten ” – at least with your fingers.