I thought body surfing with a hand plane would feel like surfing without the board.
It wasn’t.
The first few waves I was slow.
Out of position.
Missing waves I normally would have caught.
Then something clicked.
I stopped trying to force it and started letting the hand plane do what it’s designed to do.
Suddenly I was higher on the wave.
Faster.
And actually riding instead of surviving.
One thing I noticed pretty quickly…
trying too hard actually made me worse.
Once I relaxed and stopped trying to muscle every wave, everything started flowing more naturally.
(There’s probably a bigger lesson in there about surfing and ego too.) check out this post.
A body surfing hand plane creates lift under your leading hand, helping your body sit higher on the wave with less drag. It can improve speed, glide and control, but good positioning, timing and swim fins still matter more than the hand plane itself.
If you’re wondering how to use a body surfing hand plane — this is what actually helped.
Jump to Section
- Do Hand Planes Actually Work?
- How to Use a Hand Plane
- Mistakes Beginners Make
- Best Hand Planes
- Swim Fins
- Body Surfing vs Surfing
- Final Thoughts
- FAQ
Do Hand Planes Actually Work?
Yes.
But they won’t magically make body surfing easier.
What they do is give you more lift, speed and glide across the wave.
You still need good timing and positioning.
That surprised me.
I expected the hand plane to do most of the work.
Instead, it highlighted where my technique needed improving.
If you already surf, you’ll probably pick it up quickly.
If you don’t, it’s still one of the most enjoyable ways to learn how waves work.
🏄♂️ 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
How to Use a Hand Plane for Body Surfing
The biggest mistake I made was trying to force it.
A hand plane works best when you relax and let the wave do the work.
1. Get Your Body Position Right
- Keep your body streamlined.
- Lift your chest slightly.
- Keep your legs together and kick steadily with your fins.
2. Hold the Hand Plane Correctly
- Angle it slightly rather than holding it flat.
- Let the water flow underneath it.
- Keep your arm relaxed.
3. Catch the Wave Early
- Start kicking before the wave reaches you.
- Match the speed of the wave.
- Let the hand plane help you glide onto the wave.
4. Make Small Adjustments
- Lean forward for more speed.
- Lean back for more control.
- Tilt the hand plane slightly to change direction.
Hand Planes & Hand Boards
Handplanes:
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.
Handboards:
These are the compact and speed generating. 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.
Once I got the timing sorted…
gear started mattering a little more.
Not massively.
But enough that some setups felt easier and more fun than others.
One of the best things, is they fit so easily into your bag for a surf trip!
👉 Read: How to Score the Best Waves in Lombok
Hand Plane vs Handboard: What’s the Difference?
People often use the terms hand plane and handboard interchangeably, but there are some differences.
| Hand Plane | Handboard |
|---|---|
| Usually larger | Usually smaller |
| Creates more lift | Creates more speed |
| Easier for beginners | Slightly steeper learning curve |
| Great for smaller waves | Often preferred in punchier surf |
| More forgiving | Requires better positioning and technique |
For most beginners, I recommend starting with a hand plane. The extra lift makes catching waves easier and allows you to focus on learning wave positioning, body control and bodysurfing technique.
Once you’re comfortable, you can experiment with smaller handboards and different shapes to find what suits your style.
Best Hand Plane for Beginners
If you’re buying your first hand plane, don’t overthink it.
You’re learning wave positioning and timing far more than you’re choosing the “perfect” piece of equipment.
Best Overall
WAW Badfish Bodysurfing Handplane
After researching the available options, this is the one I’d recommend to most beginners.
What I like:
- Durable construction
- Beginner-friendly shape
- Easy to travel with
- Made using recycled materials
I also like that WAW appears to focus on building long-lasting products rather than disposable gear.
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 Budget Option
Hush Hawaiian Handplane
If you’re not sure whether body surfing with a hand plane is for you, I think starting with a cheaper option makes sense.
Your first few sessions are about learning:
- timing
- positioning
- reading the wave
—not finding the world’s best hand plane.
If you love it, you can always upgrade later.
Check current price
Don’t Overthink Your First Hand Plane
The biggest improvements come from spending more time in the water—not buying more expensive gear.
Start simple.
Surf often.
Upgrade later if you feel limited by your equipment.
My Simple Beginner Setup For Body Surfing With A Handplane
You don’t need much to get started.
| Product | Image | Why I Recommend It |
|---|---|---|
| Hand Plane | 📷 | Lift and glide |
| DMC Fins | 📷 | Biggest improvement to wave count |
| Surf Hat | 📷 | Long sessions in the sun |
| Zinc | 📷 | Actually stays on in the water |
Hand Plane
A beginner-friendly hand plane with plenty of lift.
👉 WAW Badfish
Swim Fins
If I could only buy one piece of quality equipment, it’d actually be fins.
They’ll improve your wave count more than anything else.
If you’re body surfing with a hand plane, I think good fins are more important than the hand plane itself.
They’ll help you:
- Catch waves earlier
- Generate more speed
- Get back out with less effort
- Spend longer in the water without tiring as quickly
When choosing fins, I’d look for three things:
- Comfort: If they rub or cramp your feet, you won’t enjoy using them.
- Power: They should give you good propulsion without feeling exhausting.
- Fit: A snug fit is important so they stay secure in the surf.
I personally use DMC Fins for both water photography and body surfing because they’re comfortable enough to wear for long sessions while still providing plenty of power.
Sun Protection
If you’re surfing in Australia or Indonesia, don’t skip it.
- Surf hat
- Zinc sunscreen
Sun protection is one piece of surf gear I never skip. I’ve recently partnered with Plow Surf Co. because I genuinely like what they’re doing around skin cancer awareness and practical surf-specific sun protection. If you’d like to check them out, you can use my code ETERNAL_SURFER for 5% off your order.
Want some more choices – I have a run down of my top 4 surf hats here.
Unlike many sunscreens, a quality zinc stays on your face when you’re constantly duck diving, swimming and getting worked by waves.
I personally like this mineral based zinc as it stays on in the water. I talk more about sun protection in this article How I Protect My Skin While Surfing (Without Overcomplicating It)
Check prices here.
Both make long sessions much more enjoyable.
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.
Final Thoughts
I thought a hand plane would make body surfing easier.
What it actually did was make me pay more attention.
To my positioning.
To my timing.
To the way waves moved beneath me.
The first few sessions felt awkward.
Then something clicked.
It stopped being about the equipment and became about understanding the wave.
If you’ve been curious to try body surfing with a hand plane, don’t overthink the gear.
Get a simple setup.
Give yourself a few sessions.
Be prepared to miss a few waves.
And enjoy being a beginner again.
Recommended Reading
👉 How to Read a Surf Break Before You Paddle Out
👉 How to Stay Calm When a Big Set Appears
👉 How to Build Ocean Confidence as a Surfer
👉 Why Women Feel Intimidated in the Surf Lineup
👉 How to Prepare for Your First Surf Trip
FAQ
What does a hand plane do for body surfing?
A hand plane helps create lift, speed and hold on the wave.
Instead of body surfing flat across the water, a hand plane allows you to sit higher on the face and generate more glide.
It won’t catch waves for you — but once timing clicks, it can completely change the feeling.
Are hand planes good for beginners?
Yes — but expect a small learning curve.
I actually think beginners should start in smaller, cleaner waves and focus on timing rather than speed.
The first few sessions can feel awkward but most people improve quickly once they stop forcing it.
Is body surfing with a hand plane easier than surfing?
In some ways yes.
There’s less equipment and no pop up.
But reading waves and positioning still matter.
I actually found hand planes gave me a better understanding of wave energy.
What size hand plane should I buy?
Smaller hand planes usually feel more manoeuvrable.
Larger hand planes create more lift and speed.
For most beginners I’d start in the middle rather than going extreme.
Comfort matters more than size.
Do hand planes actually make you faster?
Yes — when used properly.
The biggest thing I noticed wasn’t top speed.
It was carrying speed longer and staying higher on the wave.
Are hand planes worth it?
If you enjoy surfing, ocean play, or want something easier to travel with than a surfboard — I honestly think they’re worth trying.
They’re simple, fun and surprisingly addictive once they click.
What waves are best for body surfing with a hand plane?
Clean smaller waves are usually the easiest place to start.
Soft beach breaks give you more opportunities to practise positioning and timing without getting worked.
Can hand planes improve surfing?
I actually think they can.
They teach:
- wave positioning
- timing
- body awareness
- reading the face of the wave
All skills that transfer into surfing surprisingly well.
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