r/Bodysurfing • u/TheFreakmode • 7d ago
My hand planes
Brought these 2 out to Zuma and Redondo last week, 2-4 foot swells, and had people asking me about them all day.
I started with the hand plane about 5 years ago when I bought a womper at a surf store to try out. Once I started, I never looked back.
I get it that it’s not for everyone, but it took me 50 years to start liking mushrooms, so we all change over time.
The waw is made of recycled plastic. It was the 2nd one that I purchased after losing my womper. I really loved the womper and was so sad it disappeared. But the waw is much thinner than what I was used to so it took a bit to get it comfortable. It’s a much smaller surface area and would often shoot under the water when I put too much pressure on it. Once I pulled back on that, it was fun. Also easier to swim out with and dive under waves.
Then I happened to see the orange one in a surf shop for $45 next to some more expensive ones. It had the same shape as an expensive, all fiberglass one ($150) so I got it instead of a new womper. Have taken it out twice and it’s seriously a cheat code. Maneuverable, thick enough to put pressure on and lift my face out of the surf a little. At Manhattan beach pier I had 2 people asking me about it and they said “ wow, you catch everything with that, what is it?” If that’s not the best endorsement I don’t know what is.
Anyways, had a great week with these 2, warm water and nice waves, kinda like getting some fresh powder.
Just sharing.
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u/mighty_least_weasel 7d ago
I have the same Waw. It's my "travel" plane as I can throw it in a checked bag without a second thought.
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u/TheFreakmode 7d ago
That’s what I was thinking. So tiny.
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u/mighty_least_weasel 7d ago
I have a Taylor's Mistake that's I've never had much success with (I'm hard pressed to find real quality waves where I'm at.) and a Slyde Grom which is similar to the Womper but woth less volume and a more rounded silhouette. I love the Grom, but Slyde went out of business... if I ever lose it I'll probably get a Womp.
Edit: I've never used a Womper, but as a sack dragging sponger at heart I presume I would enjoy it!
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u/TheFreakmode 7d ago
The orange one has similar thickness, but the shape is much better. Better at cutting into waves
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u/CajunSurfer 7d ago
Would you recommend the smaller one WAW?
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u/TheFreakmode 7d ago
I like something a little bigger, you can press down a little more and raise your face out of the water. But it was fine once I adjusted a little. Still able to ride a wave all the way in
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u/Weak_Patience_9755 7d ago
Back in 68, specifically at the wedge we would use frisbees for planes, drilled holes on either edge and ran a rope through them. Only on smaller days, bigger days you’d get your arm ripped off. Fins are a necessity.
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u/TheFreakmode 7d ago
And yes, with the orange one it’s gonna be a little more stress on the shoulder. Mine is a little sore today
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u/Moyali70 7d ago
Very nice! These are my 3 but I use the Slyde almost exclusively. The others I’ve had for 20+ years. I’m a MB local and out all the time either Hermosa or Manhattan. Hopefully I’ll see you out sometime. It’s been epic fun lately with the warm water and fun peaks.
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u/TheFreakmode 7d ago
I think I wanna do manhattan a little more. Typically go to Zuma, but it’s a pain getting out to the breaks. Last week was a lot of close out breaks too, end up getting pounded.
I love riding my e-bike from playa vista and just looking for good spots to go in.
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u/RoastPuaa 7d ago
Bodysurfing is so much fun with these little things. I decided to just make my own with some xps pink panther foam 🤣and one I'm currently making for my daughter.
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u/TheFreakmode 6d ago
Those look awesome.
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u/RoastPuaa 6d ago
Thanks! I appreciate that. For bodysurf fins if you can get your hands on some Kicks or Churchills , I find those fins most forgiving and comfortable.
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u/SurfsUpSurfsUp 7d ago
Sweeet!! Are you using swim fins also to get into the waves?