Boogie Boards or bodyboards are boards used to ride waves. They resemble surfboards but are shorter, softer, less dense and more flexible. Construction: Boogie boards range in size from 40" to 42" for men and 38" to 40" for women. The board contains a foam core enclosed by a plastic bottom, called the slick, and a soft foam padded top that is known as the deck. Some boogie boards have a carbon or graphite tube called a stinger, extending from the tip to the tail of the board, to provide additional stiffness to the boogie board, which provides the rider with more control.

1. Price Range: $10 - $350
2. Warning: Never boogie board if you don't now how to swim
3. Watch out for big waves when entering the water
4. Always boogie board with company
5. Never take off fins in the water
6. Check your leash every time
7. Wax your board regularly
8. Stretch before boogie boarding

Tom Morey, a surfboard maker, invented the boogie board in the early 1970's. It was built out of cheaper materials, easier to navigate, and more beginner friendly than a surfboard. The boogie board was much cheaper retailing for as little as ten dollars. Tourists and beginners found boogie boarding convenient and its popularity soared.

Soon inexperience boogie boarders began to take over the beaches. Surfers resented this and began calling them derogatory names, like speed bumps.

Boogie boarding quickly developed into a sport and in 1979 the first professional boogie boarding competition was held at Huntington Beach.

There are three styles of wave riding on a boogie boarding. The easiest and most popular style is called prone. To do this a person lays down on the boogie board and controlling the direction by angling the board with his or her hands. Another style called Dropknee is done by riding with one knee and a foot on the boogie board. The last style is called standup and is done by riding the waves standing on the boogie board.

Most riders wear Swimfin fins on their feet to help with paddling.

Board Wax is an essential accessory. Apply it where you grip the boogie board regularly to prevent slipping off.

A Surfboard leash is another important accessory. It is basically cord that attach from the wrist to the boogie board. It’s important to wear a leash for safety and so that the boogie board doesn’t get lost if you happen to slip off.

Using sunscreen or a UV protecting rash guard will prevent sunburns.

When the boogie board is not in use a boogie board bag can be used to protect it.