Body boarding, just like surfing, is a long practiced water sport. While the surfboard is complex in its construction, shape and design, the body board is basically a simple foam rectangle slab.
Though there are different foams used for bodyboards, each one changes the flexibility and control of the board.
Different foams are also used for different water temperatures, as each reacts differently.
The body board is used primarily in a lying down, or prone position. Sometimes, with skill, balance and the right body board, a rider can manage a half standing position.
Sometimes, just as in a regular surfboard, a carbon stringer is added to the body board to give support to the core.
This can increase speed and also helps in making the board stronger.
The body board is probably the easiest to ride. Basically it takes holding onto the board and kicking for dear life as a wave takes you in.
Of course, this is just the basic of what body boarding is. Unlike a surfboard, there are no fins on the body board.
But sometimes grooves and channels are cut into the board. These grooves give you greater wave control and increase your chances in pulling off tricks and riding the good waves.
The shape of the body board has the greatest effect on its performance. Boards that are wider near the nose are designed for prone riders.
The weight of your body is balanced more in the front and therefore you have better control while prone. Boards that are wider in their middle are designed for those who ride half standing, or drop-knee.
As most of your weight is distributed towards the middle of the board, this is where you want to have more control.