What other forms of Bodysurfing are there?

We cant take full credit for this explanation but it was as perfect an example as you'll get. This is one of the most fun things to do in the water and it is as soul surfer as you are likely to get. This Form of Bodysurfing is how the Dolphins Bodysurf hence the name. Also it's not possible to use a Handplane/Handboard while using this technique. Hey that's why we gave you board bag! so you could put your stick in the car while you dolphin your day away. Here is how to perform the "Dolphin Pop" or "Porpoising".

Unlike standard body surfing, which involves the surfer sliding with gravity down the face of the wave, porpoising utilizes the same wave energy as a dolphin or seal uses when they ride 'inside' of the wave; within the wave's energy pulse. In order to achieve this technique, the exponent starts out a meter or two further out to sea than one would for a 'standard' body surf technique.

As the wave passes, one dives into the 'back' of the wave and gives a quick kick (with fins) or single crawl-stroke, and then tucks the body into a 'dolphin shape' by tucking the chin to the chest, hunching the shoulders, bringing the hands into the inner thighs, stiffening the whole body, and creating a concave 'air bubble' in the chest. By flexing forward or back from the hips, one can control the depth of the body within the wave - too deep and one crashes into the sand (which could be painful and even dangerous) - too high in the wave and one 'pops' out the top. Once 'grabbed' by the wave's energy, to minimize drag and turbulence; the body must be held rigid and still, without kicking or attempts to use the arms - or the hydrodynamic forces that make the technique possible will break down and the wave 'lost'.

Done correctly, the wave energy then takes over and pulls the surfer along at an ever accelerating rate - allowing the exponent who has experience to either literally fly out through the face of the wave (and somersault back underneath the wave) or come up in front of the white water and ride to the beach.

image courtesy of Tim Mckenna 

other great images of porpoising or dolphining can be seen at Tim Mckenna Website

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