What Features Should I Look for in a Bodyboard? Stringers, Channels and Slicks Explained

Choosing a bodyboard isn't just about picking a colour or finding the right size. The materials and design features of a board can affect how it feels in the water, how much it flexes and how well it suits the waves you want to ride.

If you've been comparing bodyboards, you've probably come across terms such as stringer, core, channels and slick. But what do they actually mean, and which features are worth looking for?

In this guide, we'll explain the main features of a bodyboard, what each one does and what to consider when choosing a board for beach holidays, recreational surfing or progressing in the sport.

1. The core: what's inside your bodyboard?

The core is the foam inside a bodyboard. It gives the board its buoyancy and shape and plays a major role in how it flexes under pressure.

Different foam materials have different characteristics. EPS (expanded polystyrene) is a lightweight material commonly used in recreational bodyboards. Other materials, such as polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP), have different flex and performance characteristics.

There isn't one core material that's best for every rider. The right choice depends on the complete board construction, your experience and the conditions in which you plan to ride.

What should you look for?

For general recreational use, look for a well-constructed board with a core suited to your intended use. Don't assume that a particular foam material automatically makes a board better: construction quality and the combination of features matter too.

2. Stringers: what are they, and do you need one?

A stringer is a reinforcing rod that runs inside the foam core of a bodyboard, typically along its length. Stringers are commonly made from fibreglass or other reinforcing materials, depending on the design.

When you're riding a wave, your board experiences forces from the water and your body weight. Some flex is normal, but the board also needs enough structural support to maintain its intended shape.

A stringer helps reinforce the board and control how much it bends. Its effect depends on the material, diameter and position of the stringer, as well as the core and overall construction.

Should you buy a bodyboard with a stringer?

For many riders, a stringer is a worthwhile feature to consider, particularly if they intend to use their board regularly.

Potential benefits include:

• Controlled flex: Helps resist excessive bending under load.

• Structural support: Reinforces the foam core.

• Shape retention: Can help the board maintain its intended shape during use.

• Versatility: Can be a useful feature in an all-round board for riders developing their skills.

However, a stringer isn't a guarantee of better performance or longer life. A well-designed board depends on the combination of core, shape, materials and construction.

For occasional use in very small waves, a stringer may not be essential. For regular recreational use, it's a feature worth considering.

Our tip: Look at the complete construction rather than choosing a board on the basis of its stringer alone.

3. Channels: what do the grooves underneath the board do?

Turn a bodyboard over and you may see grooves running along the underside towards the tail. These are called channels.

Channels influence how water moves beneath the board. Depending on their shape and depth, they can affect grip, tracking and control as you ride.

Different channel designs suit different board shapes and riding styles. Deeper or more pronounced channels aren't automatically better; what matters is how they work with the rest of the board.

What should you look for?

For a recreational rider, well-designed channels can be a useful feature, but they shouldn't be the deciding factor on their own. Correct sizing, sound construction and a board suited to your experience are just as important.

4. The slick: the surface that moves across the water

The slick is the smooth bottom surface of a bodyboard. It is the part of the board that comes into contact with the water as you ride.

Its material and finish contribute to how the board interacts with the water and form part of the overall design. The slick also needs to be durable enough for the knocks and scrapes that can occur during normal use.

Different boards use different slick materials, so it's worth checking the manufacturer's specifications rather than assuming all bodyboards have the same construction.

What should you look for?

Look for a neatly finished, well-constructed underside without obvious defects or damage. The slick should be considered alongside the board's shape, core and other features rather than as an isolated measure of performance.

5. The deck: comfort and grip on top

The deck is the upper surface of the board, where your chest and body rest while you're riding.

It is generally made from softer foam than the slick, providing a more comfortable surface and helping you maintain your position on the board.

Deck material, texture and construction can influence the feel of the board. A comfortable deck is particularly useful when you're spending long sessions paddling and riding waves.

What should you look for?

Check that the deck is neatly finished and that the materials feel appropriate for the intended use. Comfort, grip and overall construction quality are more useful considerations than appearance alone.

6. Rails and contours: how the board responds to your movements

The rails are the edges running along the sides of a bodyboard. Their shape influences how the board sits in the water and responds as you shift your weight.

Some boards also feature contours or raised areas designed to assist with positioning, grip and control.

These features are part of the board's overall shape. Their effectiveness depends on the design as a whole, so more pronounced contours or a particular rail shape aren't automatically better for every rider.

What should you look for?

For general recreational use, prioritise a board that feels comfortable to position yourself on and is appropriately sized. More specialised shapes and contours may be worth considering as your riding develops.

7. The leash: a small feature with an important job

A bodyboard leash helps keep your board attached to you if you fall off. Many boards use a coiled leash that stretches when required and recoils afterwards.

A leash is useful because a board can drift away quickly in surf. It also helps reduce the risk of a loose board becoming a hazard to other water users.

Check that the leash is suitable for your board, securely attached according to the manufacturer's instructions and inspected regularly for signs of wear.

Remember that a leash is not a substitute for surf awareness or maintaining a safe distance from other people in the water.

8. Size: arguably the most important choice of all

Even a board with excellent construction won't be a good choice if it's the wrong size for you.

A board that's too small may provide insufficient support and make catching waves more difficult. An oversized board can be harder to control and manoeuvre.

Height and weight are useful starting points, but strength, experience, riding style and wave conditions also matter. Use the manufacturer's sizing guidance rather than relying on a single rule of thumb.

Fetch 50 bodyboards are available in 40-inch, 42-inch and 44-inch sizes, giving adults and teens options to compare when choosing a board.

Our tip: Get the size right before worrying about specialist performance features. A well-sized board with sound construction is a much better starting point than an advanced design that doesn't suit you.

Which bodyboard features matter most?

If you're comparing boards, it's easy to get caught up in technical specifications. Here's a simple way to prioritise them.

• For beginners: Focus on correct sizing, comfortable handling and sound construction.

• For holiday and recreational use: Look for a practical, well-made board with a suitable core and a reliable leash. A stringer is a useful additional feature to consider.

• For progressing riders: Pay more attention to flex, reinforcement, channels and the overall shape of the board.

• For experienced riders: Core materials, flex characteristics, slick construction and more specialised design details may become more important.

No single feature guarantees a better ride. The best board is the one whose complete design suits your size, experience and the conditions you enjoy.

Explore the Fetch 50 bodyboard range

At Fetch 50, our bodyboards combine a stringer with a coiled leash and a practical design for adults and teens looking to enjoy the surf.

Available in 40-inch, 42-inch and 44-inch sizes, the range gives you options to compare when choosing a board for your next beach trip or regular sessions in the waves.

Ready to find your board? Explore the Fetch 50 bodyboard range and choose the size that best suits you.

Frequently asked questions

What is the most important feature of a bodyboard?

Correct sizing and sound overall construction are essential starting points. The core, stringer, channels, slick and shape all contribute to how a board performs, but no single feature guarantees a better ride.

Is a stringer necessary in a bodyboard?

No, not for every rider. A stringer provides additional reinforcement and helps control flex, making it a useful feature to consider, especially for regular use.

Do channels make a bodyboard faster?

Not necessarily. Channels influence how water moves beneath the board and can affect grip and control. Their effect depends on their design and the board as a whole.

What is the slick on a bodyboard?

The slick is the smooth bottom surface of the board that moves across the water. Its material and finish form part of the board's overall construction.

What size bodyboard should I buy?

Use your height and weight as starting points, then consult the manufacturer's sizing recommendations. Your experience, strength and the conditions you ride in can also influence the best size.

Are more expensive bodyboards always better?

No. A higher price may reflect different materials or construction, but the best choice depends on your needs. A correctly sized, well-constructed board is often a better choice than one with advanced features you don't need.