Body Surfing Big Waves

great tread

 

Hard to go wrong with Churchill Makapuus. Get some socks to reduce chafing. Some tethers are advised as well because they don't float. I made my own. Dafin fins are popular with lifeguards because they are kinda short and apparently you can run across the sand while wearing them. I've never tried that. I have both but prefer my Churchills and even use them when snorkeling.

 

Churchills made nowadays are horrible

Their super uncomfortable and by the time the foot bed has softened your toe starts popping out the hole and the propulsion is horrible.

Go with ERS4, Viper or POD's

I've been using the ERS4's and feel they are the best fin I have had in two decades

 

https://662bodyboardshop.com/collections/ers4-fins

 

For body surfing in Florida, or the Caribbean, I found a full footed fin works best--no straps and a decent heel. You have these critters know as sea urchins. I have been using Cressi fins (Italian), and I only use one fin, a single slap on the face of the wave should always get you going. For boogie boarding, listen to jawn.

 

https://www.slydehandboards.com/pages/choosing-bodysurfing-fins

im gonna take a new set out to Hawaii this winter, as I will be staying about 5 minutes from sandy beach. This site seems to be decent with a review on each set up...

 

Oh Barry no

I body surf New Jerseyian Wedge and Belmar when it's pumping 23's you ax Jesus
You need two fins for propulsion and drag to get deep inside da wet chubezzzz

Never had a problem with urchins

 

Okey dokey, I defer to you!!
The urchin thing is for reefs in PR/DR etc.
Anyway, I still have a Cressi fin I have been using since 1970 or so. Works well, and it floats when needed!! When I was 8 years old, I used to body surf near San Juan, at the Condado Beach Hotel (surely been renamed since then)--they had a large stone jetty. We used to take off at its side and go screaming down the beach bodysurfing. It was like a mini-Newport Beach--hollow and fast. As an 8 year old, 5-6 foot drops were awesome and intimidating. My eldest brother (9 yrs older) used to take me out with him. He got me started on all this surfing foolishness. Good times!!

 

You remember the old El San Juan hotel?
Probably been renamed a hundred times too.

 

I use them for bodysurfing, boogin' and free diving

Done sand reconned every break in Rincon on days when it was flat

Swam through every section of reef from the marina up to the point at the light house

 

Yup, do I ever. That hotel was in Isla Verde, near the airport. About 1/4 mile east was Pine Grove, where I learned to surf on longboards at age 10. My old stomping grounds.
When I was a late teen (16-18) El San Juan had a nice disco we used to go to to pick up american chicks, or take my hottie girlfriend there. Them were great days for me.
As for renaming it, Im not sure it has been renamed, but it may have different owners. That name, "El San Juan" was way too distinct to surrender, I think. I could be wrong.
Thanks, man, for bringing that up

Edit--just googled it--it still has the same name.