Best Bodyboards for Big Guys & Large Riders
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 3/2 Bodyboard
The Ultimate high end big rider board at a great price! The Empire Maxx has everything you need in a high performance board and it's designed specifically for the larger rider. This is one of the most durable boards on the market featuring not only 2x stringers but a thickened core to support its pilot. The template is designed with a bat tail to maximize speed off those bottom turns. Don't get bogged on a board too small for you, pick up an Empire Maxx and start ripping in no time!
Learn More & Shop Empire Maxx Boards
NMD XLRG PP Bodyboard
Super-sized for the big units, the XLRG is a high performance ride on steroids. The XLRG template has just the right width and volume without being over buoyant. Extra thick Kinetic Core is reinforced with dual EXT Stringers and a Wave Slick High Density bottom skin, combining perfectly for just the right level of board stiffness and strength.
Learn More & Shop NMD XLRG PP Boards
VS THE BEAST Bodyboard
Are you a larger fellow? Do you also like to get barreled? Well look no further, the VS Beast is your answer. Boasting a large 45 and 46 inch template, it is designed specifically for the big braddas who need a little extra foam underneath them. It also has all the bells and whistles you want to see; Graduated Channels, Nose Bulbs, etc. Get out there, grab a Beast and pull into some beastly pits.
Learn More & Shop VS THE BEAST Boards
EMPIRE Botha Hammer PP+ 3/2 HV Bodyboard
"A big part of my confidence in the water depends on having a reliable board. It needs to have the ability to stay loose but also hold a line and generate speed to give you maximum projection. One of the key elements to an effortless and flowing style is a highly responsive board. It should act as an extension of your body giving you the ability to draw clean lines while riding with speed, power, and flow. I have been working with a master shaper for decades and have won two world titles riding boards he has shaped for me. We continue aiming to create magic and this board is a reflection of countless hours spent in both the ocean and shaping bay."
- Andre Botha
This is your chance to ride Andres custom board! This is the exact board Andre uses at Pipeline but with added volume for those who need more.
Learn More & Shop Empire Botha Hammer Boards
NMD Bodyboards Joyride High Volume PP
The Joyride High Volume PP Bodyboard excellently combines size and performance, providing opportunity for bigger riders to enjoy the waves. Its solid construction is fortified with performance technology so you can be sure you're getting a bodyboard that's secure and reliable. Get ready to ride.
Learn More & Shop NMD Joyride Boards
Empire Motion 2x Stringer PE Bodyboard
Empire brings you the Motion; a well rounded template paired with the support of a 2x stringer system to provide you with the ultimate wave riding vehicle. This board is an excellent option for the beginner/intermediate rider looking for more rigid PE board. You cannot go wrong with this board!
Learn More & Shop Empire Motion 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!
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!
