Spilling waves are the best for bodysurfing. If you catch a plunging wave, injury can be avoided by pulling out or dropping off the back of the wave before it breaks.
Follow the steps below to bodysurf.
- Push off the sea floor or start swimming towards the shore when the wave is almost upon you and until you feel the wave begin to lift and carry you.
- Take a breath as you put your head down and kick hard as the wave breaks until your body breaks through the wave. Your feet should be together, your back arched slightly and your arms extended in front of you to minimise the risk of spinal injury.
- Tilt forward and surf along the face of the wave as the wave becomes steeper.
- Use arm strokes and maintain your kick to hold your position on the wave. Try to keep your body straight.
- Pull out of the wave as you approach the beach by turning your body away from the wave’s breaking force.
Note: Using swim fins increases your propulsion through the water and makes catching waves much easier.