I spend much of my time between sunny Florida and more recently rainy San Diego bodysurfing and surfing. I recently purchases a slick new 6’ Fishtail and let me tell you, while I love it, no one has ever approached me at the beach to ask what the hell I am doing and how they can too. Not the same with bodysurfing.
Anytime I got bodysurfing as I get out of the water someone’s dad nearly runs up to me, breathlessly wondering what that little boogie board thing is and how they too can become human dolphins.
“Friend” I start, “First you need the fins, then you need the placement and finally…the handplane.” I lift up my fins and Womper and show them in wonder. I believe this difference in excitement from the everyday Joe between board surfing and bodysurfing is because bodysurfing is truly accessible looking. For the most part, anyone can bodysurf to some extent. It is a basic and primal joy. Board Surfing is an amazing testament to human’s balance and agility, but for many it seems out of reach.
SO, dad’s of the beach, without further ado, here is my trusty bodysurfing setup and below I’ll put a few words regarding handplanes.
Give yourself a week of pain before deciding they hurt too much. Your feed need to get tougher.
Recommend no handstrap for large days. OUCH shoulders.
Handplanes, also known as hand surfboards or handboards, are small, handheld surfboards that are designed to be used in conjunction with body surfing or bodysurfing. These compact and lightweight boards are an alternative to traditional surfboards and allow surfers to catch and ride waves without the need for a larger board.
Handplanes are typically made of foam or wood and are equipped with a handle for grip and control. They are often used in smaller wave conditions or as a tool for practicing and honing wave-riding skills. Handplanes can also be used as a training aid for surfers looking to improve their paddle strength and endurance.
In addition to their practical uses, handplanes are also popular among surfers for their versatility and portability. They can be easily carried in a beach bag or backpack and can be used in a variety of wave conditions. Handplanes are also a great option for surfers who want to try out wave-riding without committing to a full-sized surfboard.
Overall, handplanes are a fun and innovative way for surfers to ride waves and improve their skills. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just looking to try out wave-riding for the first time, handplanes are a great option to consider.