I was a bodyboarder for decades until I got rid of the board and really started bodysurfing in heavy conditions. It is very physical, more than surfing, because you can never rest. So you must develop techniques to stay afloat with minimum effort, switching between legs and arms when you are on the lineup. Also, you are slower on the waves, and you will endure wipeouts more often, pretty much systematically. You got to pick your waves carefully and sometimes let a bomb pass to catch your breath. But the counterparts are awesome.
I agree 100% with the wipeouts, but I'm still trying to figure out what is the most physically demanding. I used to only handle 2 - 2.5 hrs of bodyboarding before I cramped out. Now bodysurfing I can do 4 - 4.5 hrs before cramps set in. Standup Surfing my arms get pumped quickly, but I hardly ever surf. During bodysurf session, I'm definitely using minimal effort during downtime between waves, and just focus on short burst paddling as hard as possible to get speed into the wave. You definitely don't use alot of energy paddling out, but if there is a strong current that drains you to try and stay in position. So probably depends on the conditions really.
@@rangatrips I live in South West of France, we have strong currents and beach breaks and on big days it is definitely dangerous without a board to rely on. I never get cramps and I workout three times a week so it's not about muscular fatigue, more about cardio and stress management. I can stay 3/4h too on a regular day but when it's big (over 3/4m) I get out as soon as I get a big scare. I mean getting ragdolled for 10 seconds under water and having trouble to find the surface (harder without a board). On some spots around here you really have to swim hard just to stay at the same place because of current.
@@s.z.9517 awesome part of the world mate, I was there about 20 years ago at Hossegor // Seignosse. My favourite spot in Australia is kind of similar, it has 3 - 4 peaks with strong current. But I just start at one end , and once I get ripped to the other end, I just walk up the beach and start again. Anyway stay strong bro and keep riding free!
@@rangatrips Yes I have my own ticks as well, using the channels between peaks to reach the lineup with favorable currents. But we also have dangerous currents called "baïnes" and when you're stuck in them, it's hard to stay calm ! Sometimes it even sucks you down to the bottom ! Anyways, I'll never go back to bodyboarding, I've become quite good at bodysurfing and the feeling is unmatched. Also on big days, surfers tend to show you respect for your engagement and this can help with localism, very strong (in Hossegor for example).
@@s.z.9517 the feeling is definitely much better, feels like you are flying even paddling through the waves its like a flying. Also less stress, because the other surfers don't know what "category" to put you in!
@@patrick4625 hey Patrick! Its awesome, can goto indonesia with just carry on luggage. Makes things so much easier on buses and ferries etc, cheers for watching!
I've started taking bodyboarding seriously this year after losing my job and it has had a tremendous impact on my mental health. I will deffs go out without my boog (within safe parameters) on my next session and I trust it'll be just as fun😁. Thanks for this inspiration man🙏👌.
Sorry to hear about your troubles mate, life does throw alot of crap at us, but its unavoidable. Its hard to keep pushing and the ocean is a great distraction by allowing you to get away from "normal reality" and experience things that really matter. Eventually things on land will correct themselves over time and in their own time. A good way to get confidence to bodysurf is to enter local ocean swim events. They have 1km // 2.5 km options. You can then test your abilitities whilst being surrounded by lifeguards for small entry fee. All the best mate, you'll be allright!
@@oldshed5074 That's it mate! Yes, I was surprised was bodysurfing the otherday when the ocean was a bit wild and I had an epic battle trying to get back to the beach, because the backwash was crazy. Definitely safer in smaller waves!
@@Garlicky-831 Hey Garlick! Great stuff mate! It's a good purchase, but if you want to ride beachbreaks that break in different directions , it would be best to ride without the handplane. What I don't like about the handplanes is having to switch hands for going left or right. You can do it double handed, but best done onehanded.
@@rangatripsthanks dude I will say that I feel safer with the plane and winter is coming in the Uk and like you said if you lose a fin you are in a lot of trouble….. but I do appreciate advice rangtrips 👋🧄🫡
I really feel "hard to get out into the lineup with a board" today I was pushing and pushing my long board through some pretty choppy stuff until I got exhausted and came in. Went back out with my fins and had a blast.
@@peacecraft3449 awesome stuff mate! Waves were pumping here on east coast Oz today. Its good to have longboard and your fins with you every surf. You're guaranteed to get some kind of stoke
