Here’s the lowdown:
Body surfing with a hand plane looks easy — until you try it.
The first time I used one, I thought it would just give me more speed… but I was slower, out of position, and completely out of sync with the wave.
Once you understand how to use it properly though — everything changes.
You get more lift, more control, and suddenly you’re actually riding the wave instead of just being pushed by it.
This guide will walk you through exactly how to use a hand plane for body surfing — from beginner basics to the small adjustments that make a huge difference.
So, why not give it a go? 🌊🖐🏄♂️🤙
I find a lot of people blow this off because their ego gets in the way and their surfing suffers. For more insight on surfing and the ego, check out this post.
🏄♂️ How to Use a Hand Plane for Body Surfing (Step-by-Step)
🌊 I Tried It… Here’s What Actually Worked
I honestly thought a hand plane would make things easier straight away…
but at first I was slower, clumsier, and missing waves I’d normally catch.The biggest shift came when I stopped forcing it and started letting the water do the work.
1. Get Your Position Right
- Keep your body streamlined (like a dolphin)
- Chest slightly lifted
- Legs together with fins engaged
2. Hand Plane Placement
- Hold it slightly angled (not flat)
- Let the water flow under it — don’t fight it
- Relax your arm (big mistake people make)
3. Catching the Wave
- Start kicking early (don’t wait)
- Match the wave speed
- Use the hand plane to pull yourself into the wave
4. Riding the Wave
- Lean forward = speed
- Lean back = control
- Slight tilt = direction
Hand Planes & Hand Boards
Handplanes:
Think of these as your mini surfboards for your hand. They’re usually curved, made of foam or wood, and work like an airplane wing in the water. They give you lift, reduce drag, and let you ride waves higher and pull off some slick moves. Perfect for making a splash with dynamic surfing!
Handboards:
These are the compact, speed demons of the bodysurfing world. Smaller and flatter than handplanes, they’re all about control and quick turns, especially in smaller waves. Made from tough stuff like fibreglass or carbon fibre, they’re built to last and often come with adjustable straps or handles for a super secure grip.
Now, let’s jump into some top tips for using these awesome body surfing tools to amp up your bodysurfing game! 🌊🖐🏄♂️🤙
🛠 Best Hand Planes for Body Surfing
🔹 Best Beginner Hand Plane (Easy & Forgiving)
Slyde Grom Soft Top Handboard · $89.99 · 4.7
A soft, buoyant handboard designed for beginners learning body surfing control and wave entry.
This is one of the easiest hand planes to start with.
Soft top = more forgiving, and it helps you get the feel without fighting the water.
👉 Best for:
- First-time users
- Smaller waves
- Building confidence
If your starting surfing later in life or getting back into it after a long time out have a look at this beginner’s guide for older surfers.
🔹 Best Performance Hand Plane (Speed & Control)
WAW Timberfish Body Surf Plane · $149.95
A high-performance wooden handplane built for speed, lift, and stronger wave riding.
If you’ve already body surfed a bit, this is where things get fun.
More speed, more hold, better control on steeper waves.
👉 Best for:
- Intermediate surfers
- Cleaner, faster waves
- Longer rides
🔹 Best Budget Option (Simple & Fun)
Long Reef Surf Co Plugga Handboard · $49.99
A compact, affordable handboard that’s great for casual sessions and learning basics.
You don’t need to overthink it. This gets you in the water and learning.
👉 Best for:
- Casual sessions
- Kids / beginners
- Trying it out without spending much
Top Tips to Get You Shredding
- Pick Your Wave & Time It Right: This is key. Watch the waves, feel their rhythm. When you see your wave coming, kick into gear with solid and powerful strokes. Match the wave’s speed to catch it just as it’s about to break – that’s your golden moment.
- Streamline Your Paddle Out: Mix arm strokes with powerful fin kicks when you’re paddling out. Keep your body sleek in the water – think like a dolphin! This helps you easily glide through the surf and past those breaking waves.
- Choose the Right Fins: Your fins are like turbo boosters.
- Positioning on the Wave: Once you’re on that wave, your handboard is your steering wheel. Lean slightly to steer. Want to speed up? Lean forward. For a slower, more controlled ride, lean back. It’s all about how you balance and shift your weight.
- Eye on the Exit: Always plan your exit strategy from a wave. Please look for the safest and smoothest path back to the lineup or the shore.
If you’re new to surfing and body surfing it’s a good idea to familiarise yourself with surfing etiquette. I cover all the rules you need to know here.
Top 5 Handplane’s to try
WAW Handplanes USA:
- Eco-warriors of the sea, WAW combines sustainability with sleek design. Their handplanes are not just tools for riding waves; they’re a statement of environmental responsibility.
Moontail:
- The tech innovators. Moontail’s handplanes, with their carbon fibre and fibreglass builds, are all about high performance. They’re the sports cars of the handplane world – fast, sleek, and smooth.
Sole Handplanes:
- The artisans of the handplane realm. Sole hand planes are like carrying a piece of the forest with you into the waves. Beautiful, buoyant, and crafted from sustainable wood, they blend form and function perfectly.
Slyde Handboards:
- The rebels of traditional handplanes. Slyde brings a fresh twist to handboarding with its vibrant, durable designs. They’re for those who want to stand out in the lineup.
Surf More XM:
- The all-rounders. Whether you’re just starting or shredding like a pro, Surf More XM has a handplane for every wave and rider. Durable and versatile, they’re a solid choice for any bodysurfer.
| Attribute | Slyde Grom Soft Top Handboard$89.99•Boardcave + others | WAW Timberfish Body Surf Plane$149.95•WAW Handplanes + others | Long Reef Plugga Handboard$49.99•Adreno Ocean Outfitters + others |
|---|---|---|---|
| Skill level | Beginner | Intermediate–Advanced | Beginner |
| Material | Soft foam | Timber | Plastic |
| Speed | Medium | High | Low–Medium |
| Control | Easy | High precision | Basic |
| Price | $$ | $$$ | $ |
Swim Fins
- Pick Your Power: Rubber fins for muscle, silicone for smooth moves. Rubber = big wave heroes, silicone = trick masters.
- Blade Length = Your Surf Style: Longer for the power surfers, shorter for the quick and nimble. Medium? Best of both worlds!
- Fancy Features: Look for drainage holes or channels. They’re like secret turbo boosts, keeping you sleek and fast in the water.
- Comfort = Happy Feet: Don’t let sore feet ruin your surf sesh. Choose fins that feel like a dream.
Remember, the right fins are like your trusty sidekicks in the waves – choose wisely 🌊🤙🦶🏄♂️
🦶 Best Fins for Hand Planing
DaFin Slyde Signature Swim Fins · $129.95 · 4.8
High-performance swim fins designed to boost speed and power for bodysurfing and handplaning.
Honestly — this matters as much as the hand plane.
Without fins:
👉 You’ll struggle to catch waves
With fins:
👉 Everything becomes easier and faster
👉 These are exactly the style used for handboarding and bodysurfing performance.
I personally use these DMC fins for my water photography.
Conclusion
A hand plane isn’t just a fun add-on — it completely changes how you move through a wave.
Once you understand the basics — body position, timing your entry, and letting the hand plane work with the water instead of forcing it — everything starts to click. You’ll feel more lift, more control, and longer rides without needing a board.
If you’re just starting, keep it simple:
- Choose smaller, clean waves
- Focus on your positioning first
- Use fins to give yourself that extra push
From there, it becomes less about trying hard… and more about feeling the wave and adjusting naturally.
The difference is huge.
If you’ve already been bodysurfing, adding a hand plane is one of the easiest ways to level up fast. And if you’re new to it all — it’s one of the most fun, low-pressure ways to learn how waves actually work.
So if you’ve been on the fence, this is your sign to give it a go.
Pick a simple hand plane, get in the water, and don’t worry about getting it perfect — it takes a few sessions to find the rhythm.
But once you do… you won’t want to go back.
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