AIR 500 inflatable bodyboard with backpack - khaki. Pump not included.

Size guide / How to choose the right bodyboard size?

This AIR 500 bodyboard is available in 2 sizes, depending on the height of the user:

Size 38": height between 1m40 and 1m65. 97 cm x 51 cm x 5 cm. (rolled up: 53 x 20 x 7 cm

Size 41.5": height between 1m65 and 1m90. 104 cm x 55 cm x 5 cm. (rolled up: 56x20x7cm)

If the bodyboard is too small, it will not float and you will miss the waves.

A bodyboard that is too big will be hard to handle.

The backpack (65 cm x 23 cm x 23 cm) can contain the deflated and rolled bodyboard, pump, fins, wetsuit and poncho.

Inflation procedure (see instructions attached to the product).

- To inflate, unroll the bodyboard on clean and sand-free ground, with the valve on the top.

- Turn the valve plug to open it and check that the pushbutton is in the out position (closed).

- When using a bicycle pump (Schrader valve / large diameter), screw the adapter provided onto the bodyboard valve, then connect the end piece of the bicycle pump.

- Otherwise, use an SUP-type high-pressure pump.

- Inflate to between 12 and 17 PSI.

How can you know that your AIR 500 bodyboard is sufficiently inflated?

There are two ways to find out:

- If your pump has a pressure gauge, it is inflated when the pressure is between 12 and 17 PSI. The pressure can be adjusted to between 12 and 17 PSI (0.8 to 1.2 bar), according to your needs and size.

- If you do not have a pressure gauge, the pressure is high enough when it becomes difficult to fold the bodyboard with your elbows (hands on the nose and tail of the bodyboard on your thigh), by applying reasonable force.

Here's how to deflate and store your AIR 500 inflatable bodyboard:

- Open the valve cap

- Press the valve push button to expel as much air as possible

- Place the bodyboard on clean ground, free of sand, with the valve on the bottom.

- Roll up the bodyboard, starting at the rear, while gradually expelling the air.

- Once the bodyboard is completely rolled up and deflated, close the cap and use the strap provided to keep the bodyboard rolled up.

What to do if the valve leaks?

Valve leaks are generally caused by the presence of sand, which must simply be removed.

Partially deflate the bodyboard and leave it to dry (it is easier to remove dry sand than wet sand).

Use the pump to blow onto the valve and to remove the grains of sand by pressing the button (blowing by mouth can work, but risks making the sand wet).

In all circumstances, the plug must remain airtight.

At RADBUG, we design products for 4 levels: Novice, beginner, intermediate and advanced.

- Novices: Up to the navel, no fins, small waves < 50cm, propulsion by pushing your feet on the ground, then riding the wave to the shore. For a 1st wave-riding experience (bodyboard with grips).

- Beginner: Gentle turns in waves up to 1 m, propulsion with fins. A must for learning to bodyboard.

- Intermediate: Waves up to 1.50 m, more speed and the beginning of tricks (360°, El Rollo, etc.).

- Advanced: All types of waves, command of tricks, even aerial: ARS, 360°, tube...

Did you know? The use of fins lets you catch 2 to 3 times more waves!

When the water is higher than your belly button, it is very complicated to catch waves without fins. You can no longer push off with your feet, and paddling with your arms is often not enough.

We have observed that with fins, you will catch 2 to 3 times more waves and have more fun!

Fins allow you to move faster and considerably increase propulsion when taking take-off.

Fins: Do not forget!

To catch waves, you must be correctly positioned on the bodyboard.

The marks on the deck show the right positions for the hands and elbows.

As you catch the wave, both hands are at the front.

To turn left, keep your left hand in front (hand, elbows and shoulders aligned, arm at 90°) and move your right hand along the rail right up the middle of the board. Align your left leg with the left rail to stay in the same direction.

Do the opposite to go right.

Recommendations for avoiding chafing and having the best grip on your board.

You should be lying flat on the bodyboard when catching waves. Be sure to wear a long-sleeved anti-UV top or a wetsuit to avoid chafing on your arms and torso.

We recommend you apply wax to the top of your bodyboard - especially on the front hand position, on the sides, and under your stomach - for the best grip (sold separately in the surfing aisle). Do this for each session.

Safety and behaviour rules for the water - Part 1.

Bodyboarding is a fantastic sport, but one that requires everyone to respect certain basic rules to ensure the safety and enjoyment of all.

1- Ask questions and observe the characteristics of the spot: current, rocks, tidal influence, size of the waves and number of people in the water, etc.

2- Don’t overestimate your level, and go for an easier spot if your skills don't match up to the conditions.

3- Use suitable equipment: Leash, fins and board in good condition, suitable wetsuit.

Safety and behaviour rules for the water - Part 2.

4- Respect the rules of right of way on the waves: Right of way goes to the person closest to the peak.

5- Avoid the breaking wave area when moving back up to the peak to avoid cutting another boarder off.

6- Use fins if the water is above your hips.

7- If you’re not using fins, it’s recommended you keep to a supervised area. Lifeguards can tell you where these are.

8- Bodyboard in a group.

Do not leave out in direct heat.

When not in use, keep your bodyboard out of the sun or temperatures >50°C.

Therefore, deflate your bodyboard when not in use or put it in the shade under a parasol to stop it from heating up.

Never leave it in a car in direct sunlight.

Exposure to excessive heat can result in the board splitting or even becoming deformed.

Strength and repairs

This product has been designed for extra strength when in use and over time. However, signs of wear (splitting/holes) can be repaired using an inflatable stand-up paddle repair kit. These kits are available online and in our stores.

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.