At Go Surfing San Diego, we are supportive of all Ocean enthusiasts, even bodyboarders! If you prefer to go bodyboarding in San Diego – come along to check out some of our favorite beaches!
What Makes a Good Bodyboarding Wave?
A good bodyboarding wave is all about power, shape, and fun! Look for hollow, barreling waves—bodyboarders love getting deep in the pocket. Steep take-offs are key for speed and big moves.
Reef breaks are perfect for barrels and aerials, while beach breaks bring fast, punchy waves close to shore. Point breaks? Long, cruisy rides for linking tricks but can be challenging to ride all the way on a bodyboard.
Size-wise, 3 to 10 feet is the sweet spot—big enough for barrels and launches. Add some offshore wind for that clean, glassy face. Bonus points for waves with ramps to send you flying into spins, rolls, and flips!
Best Beaches to go Bodyboarding in San Diego
San Diego offers some fantastic spots for bodyboarding enthusiasts. Here are a few popular locations:
- La Jolla Shores: A favorite among locals, offering consistent waves suitable for various skill levels.
- Cardiff by the Sea: Particularly near the inlet by the bridge, this spot provides good breaks appreciated by bodyboarders.
- Moonlight Beach: Located in Encinitas, it’s a frequented spot with favorable conditions for bodyboarding.
- Tamarack Beach: Situated in Carlsbad, this beach offers enjoyable waves for riders.
- Ocean Beach: Near the rock jetty, this area is known for its consistent waves and a welcoming bodyboarding community.
- Marine Street: A class shore break in La Jolla for bodyboarding. Also popular for bodysurfing.
These spots are cherished by the local San Diego bodyboarding community for their unique conditions and welcoming atmospheres. Always remember to check the current surf conditions and be mindful of local guidelines when heading out.
Is Bodyboarding Easier than Surfing?
Bodyboarding’s way easier to pick up than surfing, especially when you’re starting out. You’re lying down, so balancing is simpler, and with a pair of fins, paddling feels like a breeze. Plus, you can have a blast even on small waves or close to shore—no need for perfect conditions!
But don’t let that fool you into thinking bodyboarding’s a walk in the park. The pros are out there charging massive, hollow waves that most surfers wouldn’t dare touch. Pulling off tricks like spins, rolls, and inverts takes serious skill, and some of the best bodyboarding spots are shallow, sketchy reef breaks.
Surfing, on the other hand, has a much steeper learning curve. You’ll spend a lot of time wiping out just trying to stand up, and paddling without fins? Exhausting! Plus, crowded lineups can make it tough to catch waves.
So, is bodyboarding easier? At first, for sure. But once you’re hooked, both sports push you to your limits. It’s all about your style—standing tall or getting barreled on your belly. Either way, you’re chasing that same salty stoke! 🤙
Our Recommended Bodyboard
A good bodyboard has the right size for your height and weight, a durable core (PE for cold water, PP for warm), a slick bottom for speed, channels for control, and a crescent tail for grip. Plus, a comfortable deck and quality leash keep you riding longer and harder!
If you are just starting out or need a bodyboard on vacation, check out this Wavestorm foam bodyboard.
Final Words
Whether you are surfing, bodysurfing, or bodyboarding in San Diego – there is a wave for all us. Share the stoke out there, follow surf etiquette and have fun!
