A handboard, also known as a handplane or hand surfboard, is a small, compact surfboard designed to be ridden with your hands. This unique water sports equipment has gained significant popularity in recent years, attracting surfers and non-surfers alike who are looking for a new, exciting way to experience the ocean. But what exactly is a handboard, and how does it differ from a traditional surfboard? Let's dive in and explore this fascinating water sports trend.
Understanding Handboards
At its core, a handboard is a small, lightweight board designed to be held between the surfer's hands. It typically ranges in size from 18 to 36 inches in length, making it much smaller and more maneuverable than a traditional surfboard. Handboards are usually made from materials like foam, wood, or high-density polyethylene, and feature a unique design that allows surfers to control the board with their hands while their body remains submerged in the water.
History and Origin
The concept of handboarding can be traced back to the 1970s, when surfers began experimenting with smaller, more compact boards that could be ridden with just the hands. However, it wasn't until the early 2000s that handboarding began to gain widespread popularity, thanks in large part to the efforts of pioneers like Mike Stewart and the late Gerry Lopez.
Stewart, a legendary big wave surfer and nine-time world champion, is often credited with popularizing handboarding. In the early 2000s, he began experimenting with smaller, more maneuverable boards that he could ride with his hands, allowing him to perform radical maneuvers in even the most challenging waves. Lopez, a fellow big wave surfing legend, also played a significant role in the development of handboarding, designing and shaping some of the first commercially available handboards.
How to Ride a Handboard
Riding a handboard is a unique and challenging experience that requires a different set of skills than traditional surfing. Here are some basic steps to help you get started:
- Paddle Out: Paddle out to the lineup just like you would on a surfboard, but keep your handboard tucked under your arm.
- Positioning: When a wave approaches, position yourself so that the wave is breaking directly behind you.
- Pop Up: As the wave begins to break, pop up to your feet just like you would on a surfboard. However, instead of standing on the board, you'll want to hold the handboard between your hands, with your arms extended.
- Ride the Wave: Once you're up and riding, use your hands to control the board, steering it left or right as you navigate the wave. Your body will remain submerged in the water, with just your head and arms above the surface.
- Kick Out: When you're ready to kick out of the wave, simply let go of the handboard and swim away.
Tips for Beginners
If you're new to handboarding, here are some tips to help you get started:
- Start with a larger, more stable handboard to help you build confidence and improve your skills.
- Practice in small, manageable waves to get a feel for the board and build your technique.
- Consider taking a lesson from a certified instructor to learn proper form and technique.
- Wear a leash to keep your handboard attached to your ankle, ensuring that it doesn't float away if you fall off.
- Be patient and persistent - learning to ride a handboard takes time and practice, so don't get discouraged if you don't succeed right away.
Handboarding vs. Surfing
While handboarding shares some similarities with traditional surfing, there are also several key differences between the two sports. Here's a comparison to help you understand the unique characteristics of each:
| Handboarding | Surfing |
|---|---|
| Smaller, more compact board | Larger, more stable board |
| Ridden with hands, body submerged | Ridden with feet, body standing |
| More maneuverable and agile | More stable and predictable |
| Requires different set of skills and techniques | Requires balance, timing, and wave knowledge |
Handboarding Culture and Community
Handboarding has grown into a vibrant and passionate community, with surfers of all ages and skill levels coming together to share their love of the sport. Handboarding events and competitions have sprung up around the world, providing a platform for surfers to showcase their skills and connect with like-minded individuals.
One of the most unique aspects of handboarding culture is its emphasis on creativity and self-expression. Handboarders are known for their innovative approach to wave riding, pushing the boundaries of what's possible on such a small board. This spirit of innovation and experimentation has helped to fuel the growth and evolution of the sport, driving handboarders to continually refine their techniques and explore new waves and locations.
Environmental Impact and Sustainability
Like any water sport, handboarding has the potential to impact the environment if not practiced responsibly. However, handboarding's small board size and low-impact nature make it a more environmentally friendly option compared to traditional surfing. Here are some ways that handboarders can minimize their environmental impact:
- Choose eco-friendly materials for your handboard, such as recycled foam or sustainable wood.
- Practice Leave No Trace principles, packing out trash and minimizing your impact on the beach and ocean.
- Support local businesses and organizations that prioritize sustainability and conservation.
- Educate yourself and others about the importance of marine life and the need to protect our oceans.
Handboarding is a unique and exciting water sport that offers surfers and non-surfers alike the opportunity to experience the ocean in a new and dynamic way. Whether you're a seasoned surfer looking to expand your skills or a newcomer to the world of water sports, handboarding is a challenging and rewarding pursuit that's well worth exploring. So grab a handboard, paddle out, and see where the waves take you!
