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Best Bodyboards Reviewed & Rated for Quality
Standout Picks
Criteria Used for Evaluation
Durability
As always, one of the first things we check is how durable the item is. If it can’t last when used and cared for appropriately, how can we call it a quality item?
What most people don’t realize when buying a bodyboard or similar items is that they are not built to stand out in the sun for too long. Most of those listed above are a foam product, and like most foam objects, when left in the sun too long or in extreme heat, they will bubble, melt or become brittle. That being said, if you care for these boards and don’t use them inappropriately they all will last you through many, many hours of fun in the water. The durability of such a product isn’t always the easiest thing to gauge given the material itself is not incredibly strong, but we feel that given what we know and what information was provided, this equipment lasts longer than most. In the case of quite a few, you will also find good customer support if for some reason yours comes damaged, or if it gets damaged too easily through normal use. A few of them even offer to replace the item if this happens within the first few uses.
Value
By now you have noticed this notation in our articles, and while the other notes may have different topic labels, this always remains the same. When you come to us to help you choose an item for purchase, we know you are looking to see if what we have listed is going to burn a hole in your savings, or if we can bring to you something you’re looking for at a cost you can afford. Believe it or not, even when you find one of our items seems higher in cost than you might want to spend, it is actually still saving you time and money.
The value of an item, especially one like the merchandise on this particular list, comes from weighing everything together in our criteria. From how durable it is, to the customer service quality, it is all considered when we write these for you. So how do you know if these balance out? Well, that is up to you. You can check us on the pros and cons, weigh us out on how well we have done in the past and know that when we say you’re not just saving money, you’re also looking at having the best there is for what is found on the market.
Ease of Use
How well does the board handle? Does it support your height? Your weight? Does it snap on the first impact? These things are all considered when we look at something for our top ten. While these are all part of other qualities, the big thing we also see is that if a product doesn’t meet the needs of a buyer, it isn’t going to be something they enjoy. Ease of use for any water-based equipment is especially important. The answers to the questions above are things you should look at when picking out your bodyboard. If you can’t fit it, or it doesn’t float right with you on top, it probably is not what you need to safely be in the water. Always check how much any floatation device is built to handle in weight, and measure it out compared to your height and from shoulder to shoulder. If you won’t fit or it doesn’t float, you could end up in an emergency situation quickly.
Support
With some items this may not seem as important, however, whenever your safety could be at risk with a faulty item, this becomes the most crucial thing to check for. The reason it becomes so invaluable is due to the fact that when you have a dent, tear, bubbling, rip or some other defect, you need to know you can quickly and easily contact someone who either knows if the issue will cause an accident or can replace the item for you promptly. No one wants to end up on vacation without one of the key items they intend to use during that vacation.
That being said, we checked and found the companies that offer money-back guarantees, satisfaction guarantees and/or were quick to respond to inquiries. While not all of them were reached easily by everyone, the majority of the customers who did reach out were often met with help and were able to get their product replaced or get their money back without an issue. Remember, though, that when you contact a company for these sort of items, you must be using and caring for them appropriately. As with anything you buy that has a guarantee or warranty, if misused it will nullify any help you might get most of the time.
BEST BODYBOARDS REVIEWED & RATED FOR QUALITY
1. Own the Wave
Number one on our list is a body board that compared to others won’t break your wallet. It had several options we found accommodating and seems to be a lovely way to explore the water whether it is the briny blue or your backyard pool.
Guarantee
Unlike a lot of manufacturers, this one has a nice little deal. A 100% replace or refund guarantee with purchase of their board. Also, this guarantee is good for up to one year. In our minds, you can’t do much better than that at this price range.
Accessories
The Own the Wave Beach Attack Pack comes with not only its own leash, but it also comes with a pair of fin tethers. This is something not commonly heard of when it comes to body boards. A nice little package if we do say so.
Cost and Value
This is an Ultra-lite board. For those in the know that means it's faster than your average body board but also can’t handle a heavier rider or rougher waves. Sorry guys this one is best for the ladies although if you’re a lighter weighted lad you could probably get away with this one anyway. Overall, we thought well enough of this to give it the first slot.
2. Speedo Team
Alright, we realize we sometimes give this brand a bit of a kick. (No pun intended) However, we think in this case you might just be pleasantly surprised. Keep in mind though when you read this that just because it’s a name you like doesn’t mean it’s the exact board you need.
Improves Form
Most people that use something like this are all about the form. The better the form the longer you can ride the wave. This board is built specifically to help improve your form and thusly your endurance. More endurance equals more water time.
Retains less water
Most boards of this style no matter the quality are going to retain a certain amount of water, which ends up pulling you down. Heavier board means less maneuvering and a tired arm to take it home. This board doesn’t suck up the water the way most do. That means less dry time and a lighter board for those tired arms.
Cost and Value
Items like this are not easy to judge as far as value due to the large number of options and taste that people have. We feel that for the cost you can definitely do worse, just keep in mind that you need to do your research. If you are looking for something to help you learn or even teach a young Kahuna in training this might be for you.
3. TYR Classic
This Tyr Classic is about mid-price range but don’t let that scare you. We found it’s a good full-sized board and really helps when it comes to helping you trim down that figure. I mean who doesn’t want to get that beach body and keep it without going to the gym?
Durable
The Tyr classic was able to take on what we threw at it and keep going. It is especially a great size for women who are looking to take it easy on the waves but still get that lower ab workout going on.
Quick Shipping
A lot of times we find ourselves steadily heading into summer and still trying to find that ideal board. The good news is that with the Tyr they have fast and accurate shipping so there won’t be any fear of not having it in time for your water adventures.
Cost and Value
At number four on our list, we feel this is a nice strong board for the adults out there. If you’re looking for something to have fun on the waves and not kill your wallet this may be a good buy. Moderately priced and a great size for women, which is not common we give this one our seal of approval.
4. Melissa & Doug
We wouldn’t feel right while making this list if we didn’t include some things for the kids. The following board is one of the cheapest models and yet one of the best looking. We think any of your junior adventurers will love this one.
Colorful
Most water boards come either in one color or one on each side but the Melissa & Doug Sunny Patch Spark Shark comes with a fierce and friendly shark face on it. A lot of the time it is easy to get boards mixed up at the beach or pool, but not this one. It will for sure stand out in the crowd.
Colorfast Fabric
If you do your research you will find that almost every board out there has issues with fading. The Melissa & Doug board has colorfast fabric that is made to withstand chlorine and sun. A typical boards’ worst enemy.
Cost and Value
The overall cost of the Melissa & Doug Sunny Patch Spark Shark Board is way below what most boards are. Yes, it is made for the kiddies but, with softer material, brighter colors, and the ability to help with your basic swim skill what else do you need. If your little pirate needs some help this seems like a good way to get it.
5. Giantex
Anyone who has been to the beach and seen the people riding the waves has wished to be that cool. That said you have to start somewhere and the Giantex 6’ Surfboard may be able to help you with that. Yes, we know it looks like a regular surfboard but it’s not and we tell you why below.
Leash and Traction Pad
When learning the best way to use your board it can be difficult not just with balance but when you fall off your board goes a different direction from you. The Giantex not only had a traction bad to help when you're catching a wave but if you wipe out the leash keeps it close enough to grab with ease.
Free shipping
Let’s face it. The main reason a lot of us stay away from online shopping is you pay the cost of the product then pay to ship it. Not so with the Giantex 6’ Surfboard. Not only is the cost for a board of this size extremely economic but you get free shipping. How is that for tubular.
Cost and Value
While this is not the cheapest item on our list we feel it is one of the more economic. A standard 6’ surfboard can easily run you into the triple digits. The Giantex 6’ however can give you some color options, includes accessories, and is ideal for the young surfer in training. We wish these had been around when we were kids…. KOWABUNGA!
6. Bo-Toys
If you’re looking for a nice quick board that looks good, then here it is. The Bo-Toys Bodyboard has color options and a slick look. It comes with a great combination of comfortable top and firm slick bottom to get the most out of every wave that dare you to try it.
Customer Service
On the off chance that you receive a faulty board no worries. The Bo-Toys company has an assurance that if you are not 100% satisfied they will respond quickly to fix whatever the problem is. From what we can tell they are very prompt in their responses and serious when it comes to their customer service.
Quick Shipping
We have to once again bring up how important expedient shipping can be when it comes to an item like this. Too many times have we found ourselves at Christmas or just before vacation still waiting on that one special package. However, we found that not to be the case here and we pleasantly surprised with the speed item were received.
Cost and Value
As for the cost of this, we think it’s an accurate cost for what you get. The Bo-Toys Body Board Lightweight seems to be all the things we look for in a good bodyboard. It doesn’t have some of the fluff that a big name would but who needs fluff when you’re having fun and can still afford that nice dinner on the beach.
7. BPS Storm
Ever look at some of the boards out there and realize they all look the same. The BPS Storm Body Board has a few options that might help with that. It also comes with some groovy things we think you will enjoy for your new board.
1 Year Warranty
We cannot stress enough how much we love a good warranty. The BPS Storm comes with a 1-year money back guarantee and if that isn’t a good thing we don’t know what is. After all, if the company guarantees it what can go wrong. Right?
Color Options
Most boards come with a one and done option when it comes to the look of your board. This can make it hard to keep track of on the beach. BPS Storm has 4 color combinations, making your board unique among its fellows.
Cost and Value
We found a lot of boards come with a certain expectation of how to use knowledge. However, that is not always the case. The BPS Storm comes with not only instructions for use with pictures but also with instructions for care. Meaning you don’t have to worry if your not sure just what the correct way is to take care of your board. This one has you covered. With a nice supply of color options, accessories that are included, and the instructions you really can’t ask for a better starter board for the price.
8. Goplus 41 inch
This great, light-weight board was designed with the beginner in mind but has all the features more experienced riders look for. It comes in seven cool colors and designs so you can find one that goes with your style.
Great Performance
The bottom features a slick, high-density polyethylene coating which allows the board to be more flexible while increasing speed. The 60/40 rails is also great help for controlling it in different wave conditions.
Soft Impact
If you are a beginner, then you will probably be seeing some wipeouts. It happens to the best of them. This item features an IXPE deck that light and soft in order to provide more comfort during impacts.
Cost and Value
Although it is not the lowest costing item on the list, it is still very affordable and well worth the price. This is made to be strong and durable, making it a great board to learn on.
9. Wave Rebel BZ
Who here is looking for a good board for the teenagers in your life. Something that is sturdy and you can trust will keep them afloat while they go be the typical daredevils we know them to be. Look no further the Wave Rebel, it is just what the beachfront new generation teen ordered. It even has one of their favorite color choices… black.
Sturdy
I think we can safely say that if kids are hard on things then teenagers are almost like a Barbarian. Not really understanding their own strength or that just because something is strong doesn’t mean it can be used to bash something in. We found this board to be nice and sturdy. Soft enough they won’t hurt anything else, firm enough to not hurt themselves. Yes, we know that sounds backward but hey…it’s a bodyboard.
Bubbling
A lot of the bodyboards we looked at seem to have a similar issue. People tend to leave then just sitting out in the sun not realizing that if you don’t flip the board so the hard side is up, you can develop a bubbling in the foam. The plastic foam most boards are made from just can’t handle hours of direct sunlight. This board seemed to have less issue as far as reacting to sunlight went, but please for the life of your board. Turn them over for the sake of your water fun.
Cost and Value
This particular item has a few great bonuses such as various color options, a sturdy build, and good customer service. Not only that but with its streamlined appearance and expedited shipping we think this is a great way to spend some beach time. It seems to stand tests against sun and surf and with the double swivel urethane leash, it almost feels like you can’t go wrong. Once again though…. treat your board well and it shall return the favor.
10. Grande Juguete Bodyboard
Last but certainly not least we come to number 10 on our list. The Grande Juguete Bodyboard is one of the more interesting looking products we have seen. It seems to take standard wear and tear well which is something not every board can claim. We loved the design on it and keep in mind Younger is the brand, not the age range.
Wrist/Ankle strap doesn’t pinch
We have found that most of the leashes that come with your standard board are a bit stiff and tend to pinch a bit or grab the skin. For those of us with a tender wrist or ankle, this particular item comes with a strap that seemed much more comfortable and less scratchy than most. A small thing but an important one.
Color Options
We know, we know, color may not seem important. However, we found when asked that most people on the beach love having a unique board or picked on that they felt drawn to due to the color. Something as simple as color can really give a person the chance to show off a bit of personality and sometimes that little quirk can make a big difference.
Cost and Value
Finding itself at a nice comfortable mid-range this Younger brand selection item seems to be an ideal surf glider for the standard bodyboarding set. It has the look, the price, and the lightweight abilities that tends to come with the slick bottom boards. As long as your not hitting rocks or raking it over reef you should be able to glide with the dolphins in true surf style.
