If there’s one thing I’ve learned throughout my career as a professional bodyboarder, it’s that choosing the right bodyboard setup can make a huge difference in your progression. It’s not just about going into the water and riding waves, but about doing it with the right equipment for each session
One of the most important concepts every rider should understand is the bodyboard quiver, meaning having multiple boards ready to adapt to different wave conditions. For me, this is not a luxury—it’s a necessity. And it’s something I recommend to both beginners and advanced riders.
Today, thanks to the evolution of materials and design, we have access to a wide range of bodyboards with very different performance characteristics. Understanding how each one works and when to use it can help you improve faster and enjoy every session much more.
One of the most common mistakes I see in the water is riders using high-performance bodyboards designed for professionals, even when their skill level is still developing.
This is understandable: most boards available in shops are inspired by elite-level pro models. But these boards are usually thinner, narrower, and much more technical. They are built for maximum performance—but they also require precise technique.
When you don’t yet have that solid technical foundation:
That’s why I always say the same thing: choose your bodyboard according to your level, not your favorite pro rider.
A smart board choice will improve your progression much more than being “over-equipped”.
Another key aspect of any bodyboard quiver is the core material. In my case, I mainly use polypropylene (PP), but not all densities perform the same.
PP density completely changes how the board behaves depending on water temperature and wave type.
This material is more flexible and performs best in powerful, technical waves.
Advantages:
It’s ideal for cold-water spots like Portugal, Ireland, or France.
If I had to choose just one density for my bodyboard quiver, it would be this one.
It offers:
This is what I use most in the Canary Islands, where conditions vary a lot.
When I need pure speed, I go for PP 1.9.
Advantages:
I often use it in warm-water destinations like Indonesia, Mexico, or Hawaii, or when waves lack power.
In my daily routine, I always carry 2 to 3 bodyboards in my car.
This allows me to adapt my setup to:
For me, this is essential. Conditions change constantly, and riding the same board all the time limits your performance.
When waves are fast, hollow, and powerful, I choose a smaller, more reactive board.
In my case (based on my height and weight as a professional rider):
This allows me to:
I usually ride PP 1.5 in these conditions because it gives me the perfect balance.
When conditions are softer, I completely change my approach.
I use:
This helps me:
Without the right board, these sessions can feel very frustrating.
Let me be clear: having multiple bodyboards is not just for professionals.
It’s one of the fastest ways to improve.
A proper bodyboard quiver allows you to:
If you always use the same board, you are limiting your learning to a single type of response.
If you’re thinking about improving your setup, here are my tips:
You don’t need the most advanced board—you need the one that helps you improve.
Choose your bodyboards based on the waves you usually surf.
A good starting point for your bodyboard quiver:
Experience is key. The more you test, the better you’ll understand your equipment.
After many years competing and traveling the world, I’m convinced that equipment is a fundamental part of performance.
Your bodyboards are not just tools—they are an extension of your surfing.
Building a solid bodyboard quiver will allow you to:
My advice is simple: don’t limit yourself to a single board. Experiment, test, and learn to choose based on the day.
Because in the end, the difference is not only in the waves… but in how you choose to ride them.
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