A boogie board is great for a child who wants to hit the waves as soon as they get to the beach. Though they can differ slightly in price, they should be sized just right.
Too big or too small and that may affect the aspiring surfer’s ability to make maneuvers and catch waves. The best boogie board should have enough extra room for a child to grow into without being excessively big that they cannot learn.
What Is The Difference In Cost Between A Boogie Board And A Bodyboard?
Boogie boards tend to be applicable for those who want to learn how to surf as a novice. This includes children up to amateurs, and then beginners.
One of the benefits of a boogie board is how well they float and their larger width when compared to a bodyboard. That difference in dimension does mean they are less hydrodynamic but are ideal to learn from.
However, if you are serious about surfing you should invest in a high-quality bodyboard where you can really tell the difference. You should be expected to pay a bit more for it, certainly more than a boogie board.
The main reasons for this price difference are availability and specialization. Boogie boards can be great to learn from as a beginner and to progress as an amateur.
Advanced users and tournament professionals then use bodyboards once they have mastered the basics and decided to go into competition.
Once a child has learned how to surf or they have outgrown the board, they can graduate from a boogie board to a bodyboard. Those who like to surf as a hobby and fail to possess any professional aspirations are also more suited to a boogie board.
How Much Does A Boogie Board Cost?
A basic boogie board can cost from as little as just $30 and up to $50 for taller children. That’s a great starting point for anyone who wants to learn how to surf and has ready access to the beach for plenty of practice.
In comparison, a good bodyboard can cost between $80 and $150 which should be ideal for recreational use. At that price, you would also expect a beginner and an amateur to get a lot of use out of it.
Going up the price range, a professional-grade bodyboard ready for a tournament can cost upwards of $500.
What Should You Look For When You Buy A Boogie Board?
Size is all-important when it comes to a boogie board. The size usually begins at around 33 inches and goes up to 35 and 37 inches as a standard for a child.
As a surfer becomes a teenager you could expect a boogie board of around 48 inches to be a better fit. A general rule to follow is that the board should reach the belly button when placed upright on the sand.
When the surfer holds the board out in front of them, ideally it will reach from their chin down to their knees.
That length is crucial to gain proper control of the boogie board. If the board is too long it can prove difficult to control or even paddle out to the waves.
The learning surfer could find that their knees hit the tail of the board which is not a position to learn from. Too small and there will not be sufficient flotation, a lot of effort would be wasted simply trying to prevent going under, let alone learning.
While the material should not differ from a foam core and a durable fiber exterior there are certain factors that you should look out for in a boogie board. When you check the bottom of the boogie board it should be slick to the touch.
This lightness while surfing may erode over time, particularly with extensive use over the summer, yet it is something to consider for someone starting. The quality of the boogie board largely comes from the manufacturing; the core materials and coatings particularly.
That high-grade touch can make the difference if the boogie board is used regularly or there are aspirations to enter tournaments.
If the boogie board is for someone learning to surf without any prior experience then bodyboarding fins may be a good option. They may not be wholly necessary yet can help gain an advantage to catch those ideal waves at the best possible time.
For someone learning, fins can be really helpful to learn how to surf without having to use your arms to propel yourself to catch the waves.
There are also some further features you should look out for. These can include a deep tail, substantial ridges, and a sturdy strap to learn from. The design and color could also be important, particularly for a child who would want a boogie board they can fully appreciate.
Final Thoughts
For a child learning how to surf, a boogie board is a great way to start. They may be less hydrodynamic than a bodyboard yet that is for good reason. Boogie boards float well which is largely down to their width.
You should still be able to buy a good quality boogie board at the right size and they should be priced between $30 and $50.
Though there is not a huge discrepancy in the price range, you can still look out for certain features that may be of huge benefit. These include the bottom of the board that is slick to the touch for better durability over extensive use.
Fins are also a good option to allow a child to surf and catch ideal waves in the nick of time. Further features to consider include a durable strap, a deep tail, and substantial ridges.
With the right features and the right size, a child can learn how to surf with a boogie board. Once they have learned the basics then it may be time to splurge on a bodyboard.
