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You are here: Home / FAQ / History Of Bodyboarding

History Of Bodyboarding


Bodyboarding is a water sport that involves riding a wave on a small board made of foam or other buoyant, lightweight materials. 

While it is often associated with beach culture and surfing, Bodyboarding has a unique history and culture. 

Learn the origins of Bodyboarding, its evolution, and the rise of professional Bodyboarding as a competitive sport.

Origins Of Bodyboarding

The roots of Bodyboarding can be traced back to ancient Polynesian cultures, where riding waves was a traditional pastime. 

It’s thought that Polynesians bought Surfing to Hawaii sometime in the 12th century. Then, in the 20th century, Hawaiian surfers began experimenting with riding waves on boards made of plywood and other materials in both standing and prone positions.

However, it was in the 1970s that Bodyboarding started to emerge as we know it today.

Who Invented Bodyboarding?

Tom Morey, a surfer and inventor from California, is credited with inventing the modern bodyboard in 1971. 

Morey dubbed his creation the “Boogie Board,” after a dance style that was popular at the time. The original “Boogie Board” was made from packaging foam and was lightweight and flexible.

The Emergence Of Modern Bodyboarding

Morey’s Boogie Board quickly gained popularity among surfers and beachgoers, and soon a subculture of bodyboarders emerged. 

Then, in the 1980s, Bodyboarding experienced a surge in popularity, with riders pushing the limits of what was possible on the small, lightweight boards.

During this time, bodyboarding contests and events began to be organized, and professional bodyboarders emerged. 

Bodyboarding In The UK

Bodyboarding first arrived in the UK in the early 1980s as surfers worldwide began to explore the country’s rugged coastline. 

The sport quickly caught on among adventurous beachgoers, and local surf shops started to stock bodyboards alongside traditional surfboards.

One of the first areas to embrace bodyboarding in the UK was Cornwall, a popular surfing destination known for its world-class waves. 

Bodyboarders were drawn to Cornwall’s beaches, which offered various surf conditions and a vibrant surf culture.

As the sport grew in popularity, bodyboarding events and competitions began to be organized in the UK. 

The British Bodyboard Club was formed in the mid-1980s to promote the sport and provide a community for bodyboarders.

Today, Bodyboarding is a popular sport in the UK, with dedicated bodyboarding shops, clubs, and events nationwide. 

The UK boasts a thriving bodyboarding community, with riders of all ages and skill levels enjoying the waves along the country’s coastlines.

Evolution Of Bodyboarding Equipment

As Bodyboarding evolved, so did the equipment used by riders. In the early days, bodyboards were simple, flat foam pieces with no fins or other features. 

However, new innovations were introduced as riders began to experiment with different designs and shapes.

One of the most important developments in Bodyboarding equipment was the addition of fins on the Bodyboarder’s feet.

Fins provide extra propulsion and control in the water, allowing riders to navigate waves more effectively. 

Other advances included introducing concave bottoms and high-tech materials such as carbon fibre and Surlyn slick.

Professional Bodyboarding

Today, professional Bodyboarding is a global sport, with competitions held worldwide. 

Bodyboarding has stars, celebrities like all sports, and riders recognized for their skill, style, and innovations.

Among the top events in Bodyboarding is the IBA World Tour, which features competitions in countries like Australia, Brazil, and Portugal. 

The top riders in the world compete for cash prizes and the chance to be crowned world champion.

Bodyboarding Today

Bodyboarding may have started as a simple beach toy, but it has grown into a popular and exciting sport with its own culture and history. 

The sport has evolved and adapted from the ancient Polynesians to Tom Morey’s Boogie Board to the modern era of professional Bodyboarding. 

Still, the thrill of riding a wave on a small board remains the same whether you are a seasoned pro or a curious beginner.

Bodyboarding is a fun and exciting sport that is open to everyone.

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