What is bodysurfing?
Bodysurfing is a sport where you surf waves with your body. It is practised with a pair of fins and a handplane (only one handplane is required).
What is a handplane?
Handplanes (also known as handboards or bodysurf paddles) are small boards that are placed under your hands for a better ride and steering in the waves.
This handplane uses soft and lightweight materials to increase its buoyancy and make the bodysurfer lighter so that they can catch waves easier.
It has a rounded shape for better glide and improved directional control.
How to use this bodysurfing handplane?
This version of the "Discovery" handplane is designed to have fun easily and, therefore, for use without fins in the waves and foam at the water's edge in depths up to your navel. In this case, fins are not required and can catch the wave by pushing off with their feet. Your body must be straight, with your arms stretched out forwards, resting on the handplane.
What is special about this handplane, compared with other handplanes?
The volume and shape of the Discovery handplane are designed for easy use in small waves and foam at the water's edge. The handplane makes it easier to float, lightens the body and can be used without fins.
For use in bigger waves further offshore, fins are recommended (ideally symmetrical bodyboarding fins). The 100 handplane is better suited to this type of bodyboarding.
Safety and behaviour rules for the water - Part 1.
Bodysurfing is a fantastic sport that requires certain basic rules to be followed for the enjoyment and safety of all.
1- Ask about and observe the characteristics of the spot: current, rocks, tides, the size of the waves and the crowds, etc.
2- Don’t overestimate your level, and go for an easier spot if your skills aren’t on par with the conditions.
3- Use suitable equipment: Fins and handplane in good condition, suitable wetsuit.
Safety and behaviour rules for the water - Part 2.
4- Follow the wave priority rules: Priority is given to whoever is closest to where the wave is breaking.
5- Paddle around the surfing area as you return to the break.
6- Use fins. Otherwise, it is recommended to stay in the designated swimming area.
7- Do not bodysurf in waves that are breaking directly on the sand.
8- Protect your head if you wipe out, by trying to roll onto your side (never head first).
9- Bodysurf with friends.
Do not leave out in direct heat.
When not in use, do not expose your handplane to direct sunlight or temperatures above 40°C. As such, protect your handplane by putting it in a bag, under a beach parasol, in the shade or under a light-coloured towel, so that it does not warm up. Never leave it in a car in direct sunlight. If the handplane is exposed to excessive heat, blisters or bubbles could form, or it could even warp.
RADBUG
RADBUG is the Decathlon brand dedicated to bodyboarding and bodysurfing.
Our ambition is to enable the greatest number to enjoy the incredible sensations you feel when bodyboarding and bodysurfing.
This sensation of gliding when in contact with the wave is pure, exhilarating and addictive.
We have set ourselves the mission of enabling everyone to get started and make progress by offering products that are easy to use and innovative.