Boogie Board Guide: Which Size Boogie Board
Board Guide · Surfboards · Softboards · Boogie Boards
Boogie board, bodyboard, same thing. It's the easiest way into the surf there is: riding on day one, every age, cheap to start and the simplest board to carry. The only thing people get wrong is the size, so that's where this guide starts.
The two-second sizing check
Stand the board on its tail next to the rider. The nose should sit about navel height. Up around the chest is too big: hard to paddle, bangs the knees. Down at the hips is too small: it sinks under you. Heavier riders can go a little bigger for float; lighter riders a little smaller for control.
Boogie board size chart
| Board | Rider | Height (about) | Weight (about) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 22" Mini | Little kids to about 5 (or an adult pool kickboard) | Up to 115 cm | Up to 25 kg |
| 33" Grom | Kids about 5 to 10 | 115–140 cm | 25–35 kg |
| 36" Small | Kids about 10 to 13, small adults | 140–155 cm | 35–55 kg |
| 38" Small/Medium | Teens and smaller adults | 155–165 cm | 50–70 kg |
| 40" Medium/Large | Most adults. The beginner sweet spot | 165–178 cm | 65–90 kg |
| 42" Large | Tall or heavier adults | 178 cm and up | 85 kg and up |
Buying one board for a mixed family? A 40" suits most adults and bigger kids. Buying for a kid? Buy the size that fits now. A board they'll "grow into" is heavy on the sand, hard to steer and gets left in the garage.
Our boogie boards
22" Mini Boogie Board / Kick Board (56 cm). A compact board for young kids: kicking in the pool, sliding in the shorey, getting comfortable around small waves with a parent close by. Leash included. Kids boogie boards.
33" Grom Boogie Board with coil. A proper junior bodyboard for riders under about 10 who need real control without the length of an adult board. Coil leash included. Kids boogie boards.
Sessions Boogie Board with coil, 36" to 42". Our everyday board for youth and adults: waterproof EPS core, IXPE slick bottom, 75/25 rails and a crescent tail with channels for hold. Coil leash included. Pick the size from the chart. Youth and adult boogie boards.
Towable Boogie Board 40". A 40" board with a tow rope & handles included, so you can tow the kids along in the shallows before they're paddling on their own. Rides as a normal boogie board the rest of the time, and comes with a coil leash as well. Boogie boards.
Premium ProPP Boogie Board 42". A stiffer, faster polypropylene core for riders who already know what they're doing and want speed and projection in better waves. Coil leash included. Not usually a first board. Youth and adult boogie boards.
What makes a good beginner board
- Core. EPS and PE foam cores are soft, forgiving and float well: right for beginners and Aussie beach breaks. Polypropylene (PP) is stiffer and faster, for better riders.
- Slick. The smooth bottom that makes the board glide. Ours is IXPE, hard-wearing and fast.
- Tail. Crescent tail for control and stability. Bat tails are looser and harder to control; leave them for later.
- Rails. 75/25 rails hold a line in the wave without catching.
- Leash. Not optional. It saves the long swim and stops the board hitting other people. Every board comes with one: a leash on the 22" Mini, a coil on everything else. Coils and leashes.
First sessions
- Start waist-deep in the whitewater and practise timing before going deeper.
- Lie centred on the board, weight slightly forward, hands on the front corners to steer.
- Look where you want to go, not at the water in front of you.
- Pick quiet, sandy beaches with rolling waves. Swim between the flags, and supervise kids closely.
- Swim fins can wait. Add them once you're paddling out the back and want to catch waves earlier.
Looking after it
- Rinse the board and coil in fresh water after every session.
- Store it flat, out of direct sun. Never leave it in a hot car: heat can warp and delaminate foam.
- Check the coil and velcro for wear and replace before it lets you down.
When to move to a softboard
When the kids are catching every wave on the boogie and want to stand up, a softboard is the next step. The softboard guide covers kids' sizes from the 4'0 Grom up.
Questions I get asked
Is a boogie board the same as a bodyboard?
Yes. "Boogie Board" started as a brand name in the 1970s and became the everyday word; "bodyboard" is what surf shops and manufacturers call it. Same board.
What size boogie board for an adult?
40" for most adults, 38" if you're under about 165 cm, 42" if you're over about 178 cm or 85 kg. Check with the nose-at-navel rule.
What age can kids start?
From about 5 in shallow, supervised whitewater on a 22" or 33" board. Most are catching waves confidently by 7 or 8. Leash on, between the flags, every time.
Does the board come with a leash?
Yes, every board does. The 22" Mini has a leash; the Grom, Sessions, Towable and ProPP come with a coil. The Towable also comes with a tow rope and handles.
Do I need swim fins?
Not to start. Once you're paddling past the break and chasing unbroken waves, fins roughly double your paddle power.
Still unsure?
Tell me the rider's age, height and weight and I'll give you the size. Ask Branchy, or call 0412 695 505. You can also hire a boogie board from us at Rainbow Bay.