Body surfing is one of the most thrilling ways to ride the waves, offering a raw and direct connection to the ocean. However, catching waves consistently and maximizing your ride can be challenging, especially without the right tools. Enter the body surfing hand plane, a small but powerful accessory that can revolutionize how you ride waves.

In this article, we’ll explore the basics of body surfing, explain how hand planes can enhance your wave-catching abilities, and why everybody surfer should consider adding one to their gear. If you’re in Australia and looking to buy a high-quality hand plane, we recommend checking out WAW Handplanes, known for their eco-friendly, high-performance designs.

What is Body Surfing?

Body surfing is one of the most natural forms of surfing, where you use your body, rather than a surfboard, to ride waves. It’s simple, exhilarating, and requires nothing more than the right ocean conditions, timing, and technique. However, without the help of a surfboard, body surfers have to rely heavily on their body positioning and swim strength to catch and ride waves.

While it’s a sport that’s easy to start, mastering body surfing takes practice, and for many wave riders, the addition of a hand plane can make a world of difference.

What is a Body Surfing Hand Plane?

A body surfing hand plane is a small device, typically made of wood, plastic, or foam, that attaches to your hand with a strap. The purpose of a hand plane is to lift your body higher on the wave, reducing drag and increasing your speed and control as you ride.

Think of a body surfing hand board as a mini surfboard for your hand. It gives you extra lift and maneuverability, allowing you to catch waves more easily and ride them with greater precision. By using a hand plane, even beginner body surfers can experience longer, more enjoyable rides.

How Hand Planes Improve Your Wave Catching Skills

1. Increased Lift and Buoyancy: One of the primary benefits of a hand plane is the extra lift it provides. When body surfing without a hand plane, your body is largely submerged in the water, which creates drag and slows you down. With a hand plane, however, you can lift more of your body out of the water, reducing drag and allowing you to glide more smoothly. This increase in buoyancy also makes it easier to catch waves, especially smaller or faster-moving ones.
2. Improved Speed: Body surfing with a hand plane allows you to ride waves faster. Because the hand plane reduces drag, you can move more efficiently through the water, maintaining higher speeds for longer. This is particularly beneficial in larger waves where speed is crucial for staying ahead of the break.
3. Better Control and Steering: A hand plane gives you enhanced control over your direction and positioning on the wave. Without one, you rely solely on your arms and legs to steer, which can be imprecise, especially in rough conditions. With a hand plane, you can use your hand to carve through the wave, allowing for sharper turns and better control of your trajectory.
4. Longer Rides: Because hand planes help you maintain speed and control, they naturally lead to longer rides. You’ll be able to stay on the wave for a longer time, even as it starts to die out. This means more time gliding, more fun, and more opportunities to improve your technique.
5. Catch More Waves: Perhaps the most exciting benefit of a hand plane is the ability to catch more waves. With less drag and more lift, you’ll be able to paddle into waves with greater ease and catch them earlier. This is especially helpful in crowded surf spots, where getting onto a wave first is key to securing a good ride.

Why Every Beginner Should Use a Hand Plane

If you’re new to body surfing, adding a hand plane to your gear can significantly accelerate your progress. Catching waves can be difficult for beginners, as it requires timing, strength, and an understanding of how waves break. Hand planes make this process easier by offering extra lift, speed, and control, making it simpler to catch waves and stay on them longer.

Additionally, hand planes can help you learn how to read waves better. With more time spent riding waves, you’ll quickly start to understand how different wave shapes and sizes behave, allowing you to position yourself more effectively and choose the best waves to catch.

Choosing the Right Hand Plane for Your Needs

Not all hand planes are created equal, so it’s important to choose one that suits your needs and skill level. If you’re just starting out, consider opting for a slightly larger hand plane, as it will provide more lift and stability. More advanced body surfers might prefer a smaller, more streamlined hand plane for increased speed and maneuverability.

Material is another factor to consider. Wooden hand planes, like those offered by WAW Handplanes, provide a natural feel in the water and are highly durable. Foam hand planes, on the other hand, are lightweight and more buoyant, making them a good option for beginners.

Why We Recommend WAW Handplanes

For those in Australia looking to purchase a top-tier hand plane, we highly recommend WAW Handplanes. WAW is known for its commitment to sustainability and high-performance products, making them a go-to brand for body surfers.

WAW Handplanes offers a range of options, including:

• Recycled Ocean Plastic Hand Planes: These eco-friendly hand planes are made from recycled ocean waste, helping to reduce plastic pollution while providing excellent performance.
• Sustainable Wooden Hand Planes: Sourced from sustainable forests, WAW’s wooden hand planes offer a premium feel and durability, perfect for riders looking for a long-lasting, natural option.

WAW’s dedication to creating environmentally responsible hand planes without compromising on quality makes them a favorite among body surfers who care about the ocean and want to protect it.

Conclusion

If you’re looking to improve your wave-catching skills and take your body surfing to the next level, a hand plane is an invaluable tool. From increased speed and control to longer rides and easier wave-catching, hand planes offer countless benefits for both beginner and experienced body surfers.

For high-quality, eco-friendly hand planes in Australia, we recommend checking out WAW Handplanes. With their wide range of sustainable options, you’re sure to find the perfect hand plane to suit your needs and enhance your body surfing experience. So next time you hit the beach, don’t forget to bring your hand plane—it’s a game-changer in the water.