If you’re a larger bodyboarder ready to catch some waves, you’ve landed in the perfect spot! Whether you’re the experienced big kahuna at your local break catching barrels or a beginner looking to find the right boogie board to suit your size, we’ve compiled the ultimate guide to help you find your perfect board. 

At 662 Bodyboard Shop, we’ve spent over two decades connecting riders of all shapes and sizes with boards tailored to their needs. This guide focuses on the best bodyboards for big guys and large riders, highlighting features and models designed to give bigger riders the performance and durability they need.

The Best Bodyboards for Big Riders

If you are a beginner or if you want expert advice on how to select the best board for your needs, be sure to reference our section on the 3 things big bodyboarders should consider when selecting a board. If you’re ready to explore boards, let’s jump in!

Empire Maxx PP w/ 3/2 Channel System Bodyboard

The Empire Maxx PP w/ 3/2 Channel System Bodyboard is built for bigger riders who want uncompromising performance, durability, and drive. Designed with a thicker profile and reinforced construction, this board provides the strength and support needed to handle more power without sacrificing responsiveness.

At its core is the 1.9lb K19 Polypro Core, delivering explosive projection, fast recoil, and consistent performance in a wide range of conditions. The standout 3/2 channel system combines three deep outer channels for maximum speed and lift with two inner channels for enhanced control and rail engagement—giving you a fast, locked-in feel down the line with quick, responsive adjustments.

Equipped with dual CFT stringers for added strength and spring, a slick HDPE bottom for speed, and a classic crescent tail for control, the Empire Maxx is a high-performance board built to help larger riders charge harder and ride faster in any surf.

Learn More & Shop Empire Maxx Boards

 

NMD MEZ 7X K15 PP 4X MINIQUAD HIGH VOLUME Bodyboard

The NMD MEZ 7X K15 PP 4X MINIQUAD HV Bodyboard is built for riders who want high-volume power, control, and responsiveness in cooler water conditions. Featuring a thicker-cut K15 Polypro Core, this board delivers the perfect balance of flex and recoil—offering added projection and pop without sacrificing control.

The X4 MiniQuad concave enhances speed and maneuverability by combining the glide of a flat bottom with the drive of quad channels, making it ideal for small to medium surf and quick transitions in the pocket. A lightweight CFT stringer and React Mesh reinforce the board with added strength and spring-like energy return, while the durable Surlyn slick bottom ensures maximum speed and longevity.

Finished with a clipped crescent tail for improved hold and control, this board is designed for performance-focused riders looking to push their progression in a variety of wave conditions.

Learn More & Shop NMD MEZ Miniquad HV Boards

 

EMPIRE Botha Hammer PP+ 3/2 HV Bodyboard

The EMPIRE Andre Botha Hammer PP+ 3/2 High Volume Bodyboard is a premium, high-volume performance board designed in collaboration with world champion Andre Botha. Built for riders who demand speed, control, and responsiveness, this board delivers the perfect blend of power and flow to elevate your riding.

At its core is the K19 Polypro Core, offering lightweight strength, explosive projection, and instant recoil—ideal for generating speed and maintaining drive in more powerful conditions. The advanced 3/2 channel system combines deep outer channels for maximum speed and lift with inner channels for enhanced control and rail engagement, giving you a fast, locked-in feel with precise maneuverability.

A high-end Surlyn slick bottom provides unmatched durability and dynamic flex, while React Mesh and dual CFT stringers reinforce the board with increased stiffness and spring-like energy return. Finished with a classic crescent tail for superior hold and stability, this board is built to perform at the highest level—helping you draw clean lines, stay loose in the pocket, and project through every section with confidence

Learn More & Shop Empire Botha Hammer Boards

 

EMPIRE Botha Hammer PE+ High Volume Bodyboard

The EMPIRE Botha Hammer PE+ High Volume Bodyboard is a durable, high-volume board designed for riders who want stability, control, and reliable performance in a variety of conditions. Built with a Polyethylene (PE) core, it offers a softer, more flexible feel—ideal for cooler waters and riders who prefer a smoother, more forgiving ride.

Reinforced with dual stringers, this board delivers added strength and improved recoil, while the HDPE slick bottom ensures long-lasting durability and consistent speed. The integrated channels enhance grip and control on the wave face, helping you stay locked in through turns and down-the-line sections.

Finished with a classic crescent tail for maximum hold and comfort, plus a Hammer printed nose piece for added grip and style, the Botha Hammer PE+ is a dependable, high-volume option built to keep you charging session after session.

Learn More & Shop Empire Hammer Boards

 

Final Thoughts

We hope this guide has made your new board selection easy so that you can hit the water with confidence! The keys to selecting a bodyboard for big riders are to make sure that the board has enough buoyancy, durability, and that it meets your personal preferences. 

To learn about everything big riders should consider when shopping for a new board and how we tested these bodyboards, be sure to continue reading below. If you're still not sure which board is right for you, reach out to us anytime for personalized advice—we’re here to help! 

Shop All Big Rider Bodyboards

Need help selecting other bodyboard equipment? Checkout our in depth bodyboard buying guide and our swim fin buying guide for helpful advice. Okay, back to the big riders and the things you need to consider when shopping for a board! 

3 Things Big Riders Should Consider When Selecting a Bodyboard

When it comes to choosing a bodyboard for big riders, certain qualities become more important to ensure both performance and board durability. Riders with larger frames need to pay close attention to the following 3 factors:

1. Board Size: 

A larger bodyboard provides better buoyancy and control for taller and heavier riders.

• Boards between the 42” to 46" range are typically ideal for big guys. 
  We are thinking of people at or above 5’9” and 160 lbs + but in reality selecting a board size comes down to rider preference.
• An experienced 6’2” rider at 220 lbs may prefer to ride a 43” board whereas a beginner at the same height and weight may benefit more from starting with a 46” board.
• Here’s the recommended bodyboard sizes according to height and weight: 

  42"	145 - 180	5'9" - 6'0"
  42.5"	160 - 190	5'10" - 6'2"
  43"	170 - 210	6'1" - 6'3"
  44"	180 - 270	6'2" - 6'4"
  45"	195 - 255	6'3" - 6'6"
  46"	220+	6'4"+

• If you’re on the fence with selecting a size, it’s always better to go with the bigger board as selecting a board too small may not offer enough buoyancy, can slow you down in the water, and lead to poor performance.
• For those who are right below the size range above, be sure to check out our full bodyboard size chart. 
  
• Pro Tip: Grab a measuring tape and measure the distance from the ground to your belly button. Whatever this measurement comes out to is likely and ideal bodyboard length for you! 

2. Core Material & Board Thickness: 

The core material of a bodyboard plays a pivotal role in determining its durability, flexibility, and buoyancy, making it a crucial factor for larger riders. Increased board thickness further enhances buoyancy, providing the extra support needed for bigger bodyboarders.

• If your board can’t float you then your extra drag in the water will slow you down while catching waves or paddling around, leading to poor speed and performance.
• Look for a board that is at least 2” thick.
• For big riders, Polypropylene (PP) cores are often the best choice because they’re lightweight yet sturdy enough to handle extra pressure.
• Our favorite core material for big riders used across top brands such as Empire, NMD, VS, is KINETIC CORE™ 1.9lb PP ULTRA (K19 - Kinetic Polypro Core) - a state of the art engineered bodyboard core that is built to last.
  

3. Bodyboard Stringers: 

Just like in a surfboard, modern bodyboard manufacturers may add stringers to boards, especially for boards designed for large riders.

• Stringers are rods used to add strength, increase stiffness and help maintain good board rocker. This means that stringers help lengthen the life of a bodyboard by offering extra durability.
• A common issue for bigger riders buying their first bodyboard is that they get a weak core material or a board without stringers. Doing so greatly increases the likelihood that you fold or crease your bodyboard which can eventually compromise the board’s longevity.
• For big bodyboarders, we highly recommend getting a board that has at least 1 stringer but ideally your board will have 2 stringers as this will greatly enhance the strength and recoil of your board. 

Bonus! Bodyboard Tail Shape: 

Crescent tails are popular for big riders as they tend to provide more control and stability on the face of the wave. This is especially helpful when riding larger waves to help avoid sliding out but again, it all comes down to rider preference as some big riders prefer the looser feel that bat tails can provide!

Understanding these factors will ensure you select a bodyboard that supports your size, enhances your performance, and keeps you stoked on the water.

How We Test Bodyboards

At 662 Bodyboard Shop, we are committed to helping you find the highest quality products from the best brands the bodyboarding industry has to offer. Our product testing process is rigorous and designed to provide the most reliable recommendations. Here's how we ensure the bodyboards we recommend are quality options:

20+ Years of Experience with Bodyboard Design & Engineering

662 Bodyboard Shop was launched in 2003 out of a small garage by Eddie Solomon, a Southern California bodyboarder known for his aggressive, big wave riding at legendary spots like Waimea Shorebreak and The Wedge. For close to ten years, he operated several bodyboard only stores and launched one of the first and most successful online bodyboard shops in existence. During this time, he worked closely with bodyboard industry pioneers to learn about bodyboarding design and engineering, in order to launch his own bodyboard and swim fin brands. 

Utilizing these years of experience passed on by Eddie, we work closely with board manufacturers to advance board design and produce products that offer optimal performance. We also collaborate with other bodyboard brands to bring you the best boards available on the market, helping us stay up to date on the latest materials, core types, channel designs, and all of the innovations that go into modern bodyboards.

Hands-On Testing

Nothing quite beats real-world testing. Our team takes each board into the ocean to evaluate its performance in various wave and water conditions. We also collaborate and sponsor some of the greatest bodyboarders in the world, helping us collect advanced insight on how our boards are performing in various conditions. This hands-on approach helps us understand how a board performs in practice, from catching waves, to maneuverability, flex, speed and more.

Collecting Customer Feedback

We listen to the bodyboarding community, which includes you! Customer reviews and feedback are integral to our assessment, providing insights into the durability, performance, and overall satisfaction of each board over time.
By combining years of experience with board design, hands-on testing, and collecting customer feedback, we are confident in helping you find the best board possible! 

This wraps up our best bodyboards for big guys & large riders guide, be sure to explore all of our guides for the latest on everything bodyboard gear!