General questions

• HOW DO YOU HANDBOARD?

  Handboarding is easy as 1.2.3 check out our article how to bodysurf handboard → where we go through all the information you could ever need to learn how to handboard

• What board is best for beginners?

  The best board for a complete novice is the the slyde grom board →
  
  The best board if you want to take the step up from complete novice is The Slyde Wedge
  
  For more info on how to pick the board that's perfect for you check out our Choose Your Board Section Choose Your Board Section →

• Why use a handboard?

  Sign up here
  Bodysurfing with a handboard or handplane is simply way more fun than bodysurfing without. The added use of a handboard or handplane, as they are commonly referred to, allows the bodysurfer to get more speed and lift out of the water. It is not uncommon to generate enough speed with a handboard to round a section of a wave or to get barreled. Take a look at some of our Slyde Ryder pictures, or check out the Slyde Handboards videos or home page for images and videos that show how great the boards work in the waves. Not only does a handboard increase speed, it also allows for more control on the face of the wave and gives you more maneuverability while you are bodysurfing. You see, you don’t need one, but a handboard makes your experience in the water that much more enjoyable. Why wouldn’t you want to do that? It’s like we say around here, “life is better with a handboard!” Sign up to be an ambassador

• How To Get Sponsored By Slyde Handboards?

  Sign up here This is easily the most asked question we get here at SLYDE and we love that there’s a slew of you out there amped to represent Slyde on land and in the water we are always talent scouting to see who’s shredding what, and appreciate every #slydehandboards you throw up online. However it is a hard-fought battle that combines exceptional bodysurfing/handboarding skills along with a charming stoked personality.All of our team riders are first chosen as Slyde Ambassadors, and after showing off what they’re made of to the world, they may eventually become a sponsored team rider. We view our sponsorship program like an education in stoke. In school, if you want to be an honor roll student, you don’t just roll up to the principle and tell him that’s what you want. You put in the time, dedication, and commit to getting the grades. We want to see the same from our riders.
  
  It’s about putting in the effort and sharing your wave-riding talents and experience thru pictures, videos, blogs, interpretive dance, music, whatever makes you standout & stoked on Slyde.

• what slyde board should I get?

  That all depends on you your experience and ability we have put together a sweet package that will run you through the boards we have and match you up with exactly the ride you need to get you pitted... go pick your stick
  
  Choosing a slyde board →

• Are there other names for it besides “handboard”?

  Handboards are called different things depending on the region of the world you live in. Here’s a quick list of the names around the world. From handboards to Handplanes, Handslides, Handlids and even handguns in my native South Africa.For Further reading check out our Blog Handboards around the world →
  
  We like to use the word “handboard” because that’s what our boards are. They’re boards designed and made exactly like your favorite surfboard, except they’re for your hand, hence hand "board"

• what slyde board should I get?

  That all depends on you your experience and ability we have put together a sweet package that will run you through the boards we have and match you up with exactly the ride you need to get you pitted... go pick your stick
  
  Choosing a slyde board →

• What board is best for shore break?

  The best board for shorebreak is Bula Handboard for more info on how to pick the board that's perfect for you check out our
  
  Choose a Board →

• Concave vs flat?

  What is the difference in performance between the concave and flat handboard? All slyde boards range from a slight to severe concave. The more pronounce the concave the more hold and grip the board will have on the face of the wave so the steeper and gnarlier the wave ie shore break you will want to get a board with more concave and sharper rails to cut through the water The best board for shorebreak is Bula Handboard + and the Grom and wedge board have less concave and are better suited for beginner riders Grom Board + and the
  
  Wedge Boards +
  
  for more info on how to pick the board that's perfect for your ability and skill level check out our Choose a Board →

• wooden vs epoxy vs flat?

  Wooden handboards are by nature heavier, hence the reason full length surfboards are constructed from either Polyurethane or Epoxy. Other than the weight the Epoxy and to a slightly lesser extent the Urethane boards have far more buoyancy than their wood counterparts. This is because the inner core is foam. So what does this mean to your ride? With an epoxy board the lightness and Buoyancy will allow for greater speed, lift and agility than a wooden board. More speed, because you are not weighed down by the bulk. More buoyancy allows you to push down on the board even at slower speed and not sink and more agility because the lightness means the boards is easier to control in maneuvers.
  
  For further reading check out our Blog on bodysurfing gear →
  
  for more info on how to pick the board that's perfect for your ability and skill level check out our Choose a Board →

• The best board for experienced bodysurfer?

  All our boards have a unique experience however if you are used to only having a hand while bodysurfing you might want to start off with smaller board. The Bula board collection are our recommendation Bula board → from there you can work your way up to the bigger size. For more info on how to pick the board that's perfect for your ability and skill level check out our Choose a Board →

• How do I attach my go pro?

  
  
  We have a comprehensive video and article tutorial section HERE.

• My Go pro screw is broken.

  When you first get you may think the screw is at a 45 degree angle and is broken. Do not fear it is supposed to be like that. If that is a good enough answer for you, and you get it, then no need to read on further. If not then check out This video on how to insert the Go pro and you will understand.
  
  
  
  We have a comprehensive video and article tutorial section HERE.

• How else can I attach my Go Pro

  All Slyde boards apart from the Grome board come with an embedded FCS insert that allows you to fit the Go pro hero mount.Go-pro have made it simple to install. All you need is the Go-pro Surf Hero set, Amazon link below
  
  
  
  The set costs around $19 and includes other cool stuff to stick your go pro to, So you're not only buying it for your handboard. The stick on pieces that come with this pack are perfect size, durability and a great alternative to having the insert. All information on how to apply the piece to your board is supplied in the instructions in the package and it takes about 5 minutes to do with no drilling or mess to your board. Please remember to use legitimate Go pro accessories, unless you want to loose your camera!

• Do I need to use fins?

  We highly recommend fins. While not only for safety, fins also give you more control and speed when on the wave and in the water. However if you don't have them with you and the conditions are good, never miss out on an epic session. To find out more about the best fins for you check out our Choosing the best Bodysurfing fins tutorial section.

• what size fins do i get

  Fins sizes are equivalent to your regular shoe size follow the size chart HERE and you cant go wrong. To find out more about the best fins for you check out our Choosing the best Bodysurfing fins tutorial section.

• Do we do "one off" designs?

  We occasionally do one off boards that we only sell and feature on our Instagram account follow us on instagram to not miss out . We also frequently work with talented local artists to use their art on some of our handboards. They sell very quickly, so follow us to find out when the next designs are due for release. You can check out the Slyde Art Syndikit to see previous artists and their board creations.

• How can I keep up with new designs and board releases?

  You can sign up for our Slyde Newsletter, subscribe to Slyde Chronicles, connect with us on our Facebook page or follow us on Twitter and

• How long will my slyde board last?

  Our boards last a long time. If you take care of them, A really long time. they are made with the best possible materials and designed to last. Treat them with care and the will last years Check out our Care and materials section to read more

• How can I be part of the team?

  To be a Slyde Ryder or Ambassador sign up here
  or read our community page
  
  team photographer
  Follow us on instagram, # tag @slydehandboards facebook and twitter too, the more the merrier and show us what you got share the stoke and remember we like to see handboarding images, we are a handboarding company after all.
  
  team artist If you want to show us your art Submit your work Here and show us what you got

• Who Bodysurfs?

  Everyone should bodysurf! The great thing about bodysurfing Handboarding/handplaning is it is a great way to get into and learn surfing and the ocean. With Body surfing you are able to learn the ability to judge the ocean, the waves, all the skills you need to be able to surf well. It is of our opinion that you can't really call yourself a true water man if you haven't body surfed. But don't just take it from us, Hell what do we know! If you don't believe us maybe you will listen to two of the greatest surfers ever!
  
  Kelly Slater "WithBody Surfing you don't take anything for granted! You ride the wave as far as you can, you don't kick out because the barrel stopped. You realize how much room there is out there, even with all the people."
  
  Laird Hamilton "We as a species are connected to the ocean all living thing come from the ocean Body Surfing is a chance to get back to your roots, It's the ability to feel the energy."