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 persons weighing over 185 lbs and over 6'1" tall. 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 <30", learning to steer in waves, and not diving under them.
- Intermediate: Boarding in waves up to 60", 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.
Suitable for all types of conditions: Expert level.
The sturdiest bodyboard in our range, made for all types of waves. It is made using the best materials available on the market. It is equipped with a woven Surlyn (HDPE) high-density slick, a polypropylene foam core (denser than the 100 and 500 bodyboards) as well as a composite stringer. All this gives it the best reactivity and solidity possible.
These boards are hand shaped to guarantee quality.
NB: In cold water perceived rigidity will be higher.
Position yourself correctly on the board.
The nose bumpers give you a good hand grip, without being excessive during maneuvers.
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 right rail at hip level. 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.
Bodyboard for use with fins.
This bodyboard is designed to be used with fins in all wave types. Making it designed for an above the hip water level. The recommended fins are the 500 fins or asymmetrical RIP fins.
Should you wish to use the board without fins, the water must not be above hip level. In this case, to get back to shore push off the ground with your feet as the wave or foam pass.
Safety and behavior 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 behavior 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 toward 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 >86°F.
Protect your board by using a cover, putting it under a parasol, in the shade, or under a light colored 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
40": 39.8" x 19.7" x 2"
42": 41.7" x 23.2" x 2.1"
45": 44.9" x 24" x 2.2"
OLAIAN
OLAIAN is the new Decathlon trade name devoted to surfing, bodyboarding and skimboarding. This Basque-sounding name is inspired by the universe of our development center 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 while enjoying themselves, regardless of their level and surroundings.