Boogie boarding, or body boarding as it is sometimes called, is the sport of riding a boogie (or body) board. The technique is easier to master than surfing and the equipment is much less expensive than surfing gear. If you're thinking of trying it out on your next trip to the beach, read on to learn how to boogie board.

Introduced in the 1970s, boogie boarding soon increased in popularity on beaches all over the world. Boogie boarding is similar to surfing, but the board is much shorter, lighter and cheaper than a surfboard. Rather than standing up on the board, as one would do while surfing, body boarders lie down on their stomachs on the board. This makes the board much easier to maneuver than a surfboard, making boogie boarding a more appropriate activity for children and beginners.

• Depending on where and when you plan to boogie board, you'll need some or all of the following equipment:

1. A boogie board: Boards come in various lengths; aim to get one that comes about up to your belly button when you stand it on one end beside you
2. A pair of swim fins
3. A leash: May be included with the board, but you'll want to make sure that you have one to avoid losing your board if you fall
4. A wetsuit if you are boarding in colder waters
5. A rash guard (optional)

• Before you jump into the water with your board, you'll first want to make sure the conditions are right for boogie boarding. Look for a beach that:

1. Is not overly crowded: Especially when you're learning, you'll want to give yourself some room to practice your skills
2. Has waves that are one to four feet high and break at least a few dozen feet out from the beach
3. Has a gentle, sloping grade and no sudden drop offs

• Once you have found a good spot for boarding, get into the water and begin wading out. Once the water is about up to your waist, lay down on your board and then:

1. Position yourself so that the back end of the board is about at your waist and your feet are hanging off the end
2. Place your arms along the board and grip the nose of your board with your hands
3. Kick your feet to propel yourself forward
4. If you choose, you can paddle with your arms as well, although you may find it difficult to maintain your balance while doing so
5. Paddle out until you are past the breaking waves and take a rest

• Once you are out past the breakers, watch the waves until you find one that you want to try riding. When you're still learning your technique, opt for smaller waves to get a feel for what you're doing and reduce your chances of getting hurt.
• When you're ready to give it a try:

1. Lie down on the board and grasp the nose with your hands
2. Point yourself toward the beach and begin paddling
3. As you feel the wave come behind and start to lift you, you should start to slide down the face of the wave; if you don't, press down very slightly on the nose of your board
4. At this point, you can simply slide down the face of the wave if you want. This is a good idea your first few times, as it will give you a feel for the motion and technique. However, if you want to ride the wave longer, continue to the next step
5. Decide which direction you want to ride the wave. If you plan to head right, your right hand should remain on the front of the board, but you will want to reposition your left hand so that it is on the side (rail) of the board. Reverse hand positions if you are heading left
6. Pull yourself forward so that your stomach is resting on the board and your chest is over the front of the board
7. Arch your back and bend your knees to lift your legs out of the water
8. Use your rail hand to lift the edge of the board slightly—this will cause you to slide along, rather than down the wave. Lower the board to slide further down the wave and lift it up to start sliding sideways again
9. When you are nearing the end of your ride, lower your legs and allow your fins to drag in the water to slow down

• Although professionals make it look easy, boogie boarding is harder than it looks. However, like most sports, mastering the technique takes time, patience and practice. After catching a few waves and perfecting the art of boogie boarding, many enthusiasts find themselves hooked on riding the waves.

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