7 Best Boogie Board Options for Kids and Adults in 2024 

LOOKING FOR A HIGH-QUALITY AND RELIABLE BOOGIE BOARD?

We are so glad you found us! We have been boogie boarding at the beach with our kids since 2018. Our kids have been boogie boarding since they were three and always make sure to bring their boards when we head to the beach. As they get older, they spend more and more time riding the waves at the beach.

A trip to the beach is the perfect excuse to relax and soak up the sun. But let’s not forget; the beach is also one of the best settings for an action-packed day of water sports fun! If you haven’t spent some time on a boogie board, you don’t know what you’re missing! 

Stick with us as we explore the best of the best when it comes to boogie boards for both kids and adults.  We’ve got you covered, so you’ll be riding the waves before you know it! 

Best Boogie Board Options for Kids 

1. Own The Wave ‘Wave Weapon’ Bodyboard

The Own The Wave ‘Wave Weapon’ Bodyboard is one of the very best boogie boards for kids for a few particular reasons. First off, the core of the bodyboard is made from EPS (expanded polystyrene), which is a stiff yet very lightweight foam.

This material makes it easy for users to stay buoyant, and the HDPE bottom makes for a smooth ride while crashing into waves and riding back to shore. The lightweight nature of this kids’ boogie board makes it easy to handle for little hands, and the included leash and fin tethers make for a more convenient experience too.

This board has many great features, but none will be as important as the color variety to your child! Kids can choose from green, blue, or pink boards.  

▶️ SHOP Own The Wave ‘Wave Weapon’ Bodyboard

2. Bo-Toys Body Board Lightweight with EPS Core

If you’re looking for a good quality boogie board for a kid without breaking the bank, Bo-Toys Body Board Lightweight with EPS Core is the best boogie board for you. 

This bodyboard is tough but light as well. It will stand up to the waves and the test of time but is still easily directed. At nearly half the price of some other basic boogie boards, the Bo-Toys Body Board is a steal of a deal.  

This particular model does tend to age and separate over time. But for the price, the board’s overall longevity is impressive. Your kid will be riding this one for waves to come while you join them or relax in a beach chair.

▶️ SHOP Bo-Toys Body Board Lightweight with EPS Core

3. WOOWAVE Bodyboard

WOOWAVE Bodyboard is an excellent board to consider for children just beginning their boogie-boarding chapter in life. Buoyant and easily directed, this board does a good job of helping newbies feel comfortable in the water while maintaining some control. 

We love that this board works well against all wave conditions. It also includes a coiled wrist leash so the board can’t get away from your little wave rider.

Consider advising a boogie board size chart before purchasing this particular board, as it comes in three different sizes (33”, 36”, and 41”). This will be helpful in discovering whether to order a larger or smaller board for your child.

▶️ SHOP WOOWAVE Bodyboard

Best Boogie Board Options for Adults 

4. South Bay Board Co. – 46” Squid Inflatable Bodyboard with Fins

South Bay Board Co. – 46” Squid Inflatable Bodyboard with Fins is the best inflatable boogie board on the market. Its durable PVC plastic shell is said to cut through the water nicely and withstand wipeouts, even against rough surfaces like rocks. 

The shape of the board is intended to optimize the best experience for riders. This board boasts a square nose, as opposed to many other boards that have a rounded nose.

This nose shape prevents nose-diving, while the wide chest makes it easier to catch even smaller waves. The board also has handles and a coiled leash with a wristband.  

What’s the advantage of an inflatable boogie board, you ask? If you’re planning to travel to your boogie board destination, particularly by plane, an inflatable board is a great choice when trying to conserve space.

Keep in mind, you will also need to pack or purchase a pump to inflate the board later. Customers complain that the included pump is inconvenient and too large. 

▶️ SHOP South Bay Board Co. – 46″ Squid Inflatable Bodyboard with Fins

5. Goplus Super Lightweight Bodyboard 

Goplus Super Lightweight Bodyboard is one of the coolest bodyboards around. Not just in terms of its amazing functionality, but it packs some amazing styles as well.

If you’re looking for a boogie board for surfing that will also make a statement, be sure to check out the colorful designs this model offers. 

Crafted from water-resistant materials, Goplus Super Lightweight is one of the best bodyboards for longevity. The 60/40 rails and crescent tail equips this board to handle any wave conditions with ease. 

It’s unbelievable how a board this sturdy can be so light, making it super easy to float and a great option for all skill levels. As is typical, it also includes a leash and wristband for added safety. 

▶️ SHOP Goplus Super Lightweight Bodyboard

6. Wavestorm 2-Pack Bodyboard

Wavestorm 2-Pack Bodyboard is one of the most comfortable options for boogie board surfing. This high-quality bodyboard boasts a soft EPS core, which feels like foam and is comfortable to lie against.  

The form of this board is enhanced that much more by its contoured deck, complete with textured surfaces allowing for a more secure and comfortable fit for the rider’s arms. 

With comfort out of the way, this boogie board for the beach also tackles functionality. The bottom of the board is made from HDPE, which is a smooth and very durable plastic. The sleek nature of the board’s bottom allows for a smooth and quick glide through the waves. 

This board is also fun to look at, available in bright, almost tie-dye-like varieties. It’s the perfect board for a beach trip to one of Florida’s national parks. And best of all, it’s available in a 2-pack, making it an awesome deal!

▶️ SHOP Wavestorm 2-Pack Bodyboard

7. GYN Trade Heat Sealed Legendary Bodyboard

GYN Trade Heat Sealed Legendary Bodyboard stands apart from others in the boogie board game due to the heat-sealed technology their boards are crafted with. Many boogie boards are constructed using industrial-grade glues designed to keep the components together through the repeated beating of waves. 

Over time, some boards will begin to separate as the glue loses hold. That’s not the case for GYN Trade’s Legendary Bodyboard. This particular board is constructed using heat seal technology that results in a more secure and long-lasting bond.

The sturdy bottom of the board is slick and offers one of the smoothest rides you can find on a boogie board. This board is lightweight and is available in several different colors and designs. It ranges in sizes from 37” to 45”, making this board an option for both children and adults.

It’s a great board to learn the basics on while also being an excellent choice for trick riding for more advanced boogie boarders. 

▶️ SHOP GYN Trade Heat Sealed Legendary Bodyboard

How to Boogie Board

Now that you’ve found the right item, the next step is to learn how to use a boogie board! Take a look at our step-by-step breakdown on how to start your boogie-boarding adventure!

Boogie Boarding Tricks

Boogie boarding can be as calm or as exciting as you would like it to be. For those riders who have some experience under their belt and might enjoy a bit of a challenge, here’s a selection of some of the coolest boogie-boarding tricks you can work to master on your next beach visit!

El Rollo

To pull off the El Rollo, once the rider reaches the lip of the wave, they catch air as they initiate a roll through the sky before crashing back down into the waves. It’s an awesome sight to see. There are many variations to this move, so riders can get creative! 

360

Unlike several of the tricks on this list, this move doesn’t require an aerial launch! To execute a 360, the rider must move his or her weight to the front of the bodyboard and force a spin. If successful, the board will complete a full rotation. You’ll stay connected to the water the whole time. Variations on the 360 include a reverse spin and a forward spin.

Air Roll Spin (ARS)

The Air Roll Spin (ARS) is the El Rollo with an added 360 spin, all up in the air. Riders initiate a half-roll and spin in the direction of the face of the wave.

It’s an impressive move often reserved for only the most experienced boogie boarders. This challenging trick requires speed, momentum, and projection, not to mention timing, in executing it all in the precise wave location. 

Invert

The invert is a somewhat advanced boogie-boarding move, so be sure you’ve had some experience before trying this out. Boarders aim to spot a close-out section of the wave, for which they speed up to meet the lip of the wave and launch upwards toward the flats. The trick is completed with one more turn to land the move. 

Backflip 

The backflip is pretty much what you would expect it to be. It’s an aerial move best executed when coming out of a barrel, timing the flip to hit the lip on the shoulder. It’s a fun trick to master, or you could just sit comfortably in your backpack beach chair while you watch your kids try.

Bodyboard vs. Boogie Board 

You’re likely to notice a pattern early on in your search for the right boogie boards for your family. You might think you’ve found the perfect boogie board but then realize it’s a bodyboard. New surfers may then question whether or not this item will work for their needs and begin the search all over again. Making the whole shopping experience a hassle. 

Let us clear the air on this subject. In short, there’s no need for confusion. The terms “bodyboard” and “boogie board” are generally used interchangeably. So, if you’re convinced you need a boogie board and find an option that you love, but it’s a bodyboard, that’s ok. It will still work for you. 

The sport of boogie boarding was born in 1971 when Tom  Morey crafted a board he could ride waves on. Tom was a big fan of a certain type of Jazz music called “boogie woogie,” so he named his invention the Morey Boogie. Tom Morey’s invention design would later be sold to a toy manufacturer for mass distribution, and that’s how the trademarked Boogie Board was born. 

Because the “boogie board” name was trademarked, any companies wanting to create a knockoff version of the original adopted the term “bodyboard.” 

So, for all intents and purposes, boogie boards and bodyboards are the same type of item. They both sport a similar form and are designed to be ridden lying down, as opposed to the upright style of a surfboard. 

FAQ: Boogie Board 

What’s the Difference Between a Bodyboard and a Boogie Board? 

There really isn’t a difference between a bodyboard and a boogie board. Both boards are designed for personal use and to be ridden lying down and share similar designs, so both terms refer to the same type of item. 

What Does a Boogie Board Do?

A bodyboard serves as a platform for riders to lie on while riding on the water, forcing their direction from the momentum of an incoming wave. Boogie boards are designed to offer riders a comfortable place to be while riding the crest, face, and curl of a wave.

Swim fins can be a great addition to your boogie board experience too! And don’t forget to invest in some beach toys and games to keep the kids entertained when they want a break from the waves.

Conclusion: Boogie Board 

Up there with flying kites on the beach, boogie boarding is one of the most fun ways to enjoy a day at the beach. And best of all, it can be an activity the whole family can enjoy. Kids who are comfortable in the water and know how to swim, no matter the age range, can find great joy and adventure on a boogie board.

Whether you’re just starting out or are mastering tricks, we hope one of the boards on our list will bring you days of fun on the beach! Remember that if you can come prepared with your own board before you get to the beach, you will save a ton of money.