Body Boarding or Boogie Boarding is not a new sport, in fact this easier version of surfing is claimed to have been invented in California almost 40 years ago. But don't be fooled, those Californians have a habit of picking an ancient custom and skill, adding a twist and claiming it as their own. The Californian surfboard designer who carved his first body board from a chunk of polystyrene foam was in fact doing exactly what Polynesian natives had done thousands of years earlier to allow them to float and surf the waves around their islands.

The real attraction of boogie boarding is two-fold really. Firstly it is a much easier way to get started in surfing and is much favoured by children who find the stand-up method difficult to learn initially. Secondly traditional surfing is not really suitable when waves are small, whereas boogie boarding can be done in almost any conditions.

On Lanzarote the sport is finding great favour on the beaches where conditions seem to be well suited to this version of surfing. Famara beach is the main surfers beach on the island and when the surf is up, beginners would be advised to stay well clear of the top surfers, but quite often conditions are much calmer and the waves lend themselves to those learning the sport and preferring to boogie board. Another beach on the island that see plenty of boogie boarders taking to the water is Arietta.

Another advantage of boogie boarding is the simple equipment. A cheap boogie board can be acquired for as little as 20 Euros. By all means upgrade to a better board and add flippers to make getting through the waves easier. Certainly in the UK a wetsuit would be needed almost all year round, but in Lanzarote you'll only need a shorty during the winter months and no suit at all during the summer.

Favourite surfing beaches on Lanzarote include Playa de Famara, El Golfo beach, El Quemao at La Santa and the island of La Graciosa, which has surf locations recommended for experienced surfers only.

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