How do you choose your bodyboard size?
The size of the bodyboard directly influences its stability and handling. It must be adapted to the user's size. This bodyboard is for use by children weighing between 25 and 45kg and from 120cm to 145cm tall, ages 6 to 12 years.
Too small a bodyboard won't have enough float and will make you miss waves. Too big a board will be difficult to handle.
For help choosing a size, please consult our sizing chart online or in store.
At Olaian, we make bodyboards for every person and every level: Beginner, Intermediate or Advanced.
Here’s our guide:
- Beginner: Boarding in foam and waves <80cm, learning to steer in waves, and not diving under them.
- Intermediate: Boarding in waves up to 1m50, controlled steering and some tricks (360°, El Rollo...).
- Advanced: Boarding in all types of waves, strong command of tricks, even aerial: ARS, 360°, Inverts, tubes...
NB: We recommend the use of fins for all levels.
Designed to be used for intended sizes and conditions: Beginner level.
Use of this bodyboard in waves or foam over 80cm and/or by children heavier than 45kg risks damaging the board: breakage, folding, etc. This bodyboard has a dense plastic bottom, giving you the best ride possible in the waves. If you're looking to bodyboard in waves over 80cm, we recommend the 500 or 900 models.
Position yourself correctly on the board.
The front of the board is preformed, allowing for good hand positioning.
Keep both hands on the front of the board as you catch a wave.
To steer left, keep your left hand forward (with hand, elbow and shoulder aligned, forearm at 90°) and drop your right hand down to the rail in the middle of the board. Align your left leg with the left rail to keep going left.
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 torso - for the best grip (sold separately in the surfing aisle). Do this for each session.
Directions for use with or without fins.
Though it is best to use fins when bodyboarding, this model can be used with or without.
Without fins, the water must not be above waist level. To get back to shore, push off the ground with your feet as the wave or foam pass (<80cm).
With fins, the water can be above waist level. Kick energetically towards the shore as the wave or foam pass (<80cm).
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 preserve the safety and enjoyment of all.
1- Find out as much about the spot as you can: 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: Leash, fins, board in good condition, a suitable neoprene 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- Follow the direction of the wave when moving towards the peak to keep from 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 >30°C.
Protect your board by using a cover, putting it under a parasol, in the shade, or under a light coloured towel to keep the heat away.
Never leave it in a car in direct sunlight.
Leaving your board exposed to too much heat can cause blisters or bubbles to form on it, or even cause warping.
Dimensions
89 cm x 45 cm x 5.5 cm
Weight 0.7 kg
OLAIAN
OLAIAN is the new Decathlon trade name devoted to surfing, bodyboarding & skimboarding. This Basque-sounding name is inspired by the universe of our development centre in Hendaye, in the Basque Country. It is the contraction of OLA, as OLATU means wave and IAN, a Basque suffix meaning “inside”. At OLAIAN, we see a potential playground in every wave and we want each person to be able to improve whilst enjoying themselves, regardless of their surroundings and their environment.