60/40 versus 50/50: the bodyboard rail equation

 

Rails are one of the most important features in a bodyboard.

 Bodyboard shapers know how rails can make the difference in a bodyboard. Basically, there are two different types of rails: the 60/40 and the 50/50.

The numbers represent a rail/chine ratio. The 60/40 means that 40% is chine - the top part around the deck - and 60% is the lower proportion in direct contact with the wave.

The 60/40 ratio is the most popular bodyboard rail format in the industry. If you're riding bigger waves, with steep faces, you'll be needing more control from your board. That is exactly what the 60/40 set offers.

The 50/50 rails - equally divided on the upper and lower parts of ...more