Why bodysurfers use fins and planes

Modern-day bodysurfing — specifically, the ability of one to carve a wave and change direction — owes its popularity to two items.

Enabling bodysurfers to maneuver and kick into a wave better, Voit Duck Feet swim fins were introduced in the 1940s; and the hand-plane, a small board or plastic fin attached to or held by hand to increase control in the wave, was introduced mid 20th Century. Instead of pushing off and riding an already breaking wave in, modern bodysurfers with fins and planes can catch unbroken waves and angle across the wave face as board surfers do.

The annual World Bodysurfing Championships will take place adjacent to the Oceanside Pier August 22–23. Beginning at 6:30 each morning, nearly 400 bodysurfers from around the world will compete in age divisions. Champions will be crowned on Sunday afternoon.