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.