WaterSportHQ compares gear on manufacturer specifications, sizes and what each product suits, such as rider weight, water type and skill level.
Pick a bodyboard size by height and weight on the maker's chart. On the Morey and eBodyboarding charts, a 41 inch board suits riders about 5 ft 6 to 5 ft 8 and 125 to 170 lb, and a 42 inch suits 5 ft 7 to 6 ft and 145 to 180 lb. When the two point to different sizes, Morey says go by weight.
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There is no difference between a body board and a boogie board. Boogie is the Morey brand name, used since 1971, and the name stuck for every board of the type.
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A first bodyboarding kit is a board sized to you, a leash, fins and something to keep you warm or covered. An EPS board suits occasional riding; PE and PP boards cost more and last longer, and the right core depends on your water temperature.
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The right first kayak depends on the water you paddle and where the boat lives. Warm, sheltered water suits a sit-on-top, colder water a sit-inside, and little storage an inflatable or folding boat. Five boats are compared on listed size, weight and capacity.
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Carry a kayak on crossbars in a carrier, held by two straps plus bow and stern lines. Foam blocks suit short, slow trips. Check the roof load first: your car, crossbars and carrier each have a limit.
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A folding kayak packs into a box or bag and needs no roof rack. Four fold-flat boats, the Oru Lake Sport, Inlet, Bay ST and Tucktec 10 ft PRO, list 18 to 26 pounds; the AdvancedFrame Sport is an inflatable with a frame.
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For a first paddle board, sources favor a board about 10 to 12 feet long and 32 to 34 inches wide. Four non-inflatable boards are compared on listed size, weight, rider limit and what comes in the box.
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The best inflatable stand up paddle board is one built for how you paddle, with a listed capacity well above your weight. WaterSportHQ editors compared nine current all-around, touring, yoga and two-rider boards on their published specs.
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For paddling with a dog, pick an inflatable board 34 to 35 inches wide with a listed capacity well above you, your dog and your gear. WaterSportHQ editors compared two current pet-friendly boards on their published specs.
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