Bodysurfing

/ˈbɑdiˌsɜrfɪŋ/ noun

Definition

The sport of riding ocean waves toward shore using only your body, without a surfboard.

Etymology

From English 'body' plus 'surfing' (from Hawaiian 'he'e nalu'). Combined in mid-20th century California surf culture to describe the practice of using one's body as the only equipment for wave-riding.

Kelly Says

Bodysurfing is actually the purest form of surfing—no equipment needed, just you and the ocean—yet it's way harder than it looks because you have to perfectly time your body position and hand movements to stay on the wave face.

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