I’ll be straight with you — I bodysurf without a handplane most of the time. Hands only, the way it was meant to be done.
But I’ve tried enough handplanes over the years to know which ones are worth your money, and there are a handful out there that genuinely do what they claim. If you’re going to use one, use a good one.
Here’s my honest rundown of the best bodysurfing handplanes available right now.
What Is a Bodysurfing Handplane?
A handplane is a small board — roughly the size of your hand — that you strap to your lead hand when bodysurfing. It works by generating lift as you ride the wave, bringing more of your body to the surface and reducing drag. The result is more speed, more control, and longer rides.
Think of it as the minimal equipment option — a small concession to physics that can make a real difference, especially in weaker surf or for beginners still building their wave-catching ability.
Do You Need a Handplane to Bodysurf?
No. Plenty of the best bodysurfers in the world ride purely hands-only. A handplane is a tool, not a requirement.
That said, if you’re just starting out or surfing in softer conditions, a handplane can be the difference between catching waves and missing them. Even experienced bodysurfers use them to add a new dimension to their riding.
The Best Bodysurfing Handplanes
1. WAW Badfish — Best Overall
The WAW Badfish is made in Australia from plastic waste collected from the Great Barrier Reef. Every handplane contains the equivalent of one shopping bag worth of ocean plastic — cleaned, shredded, and moulded into a proper piece of surf equipment.
It’s a great all-round handplane. The concave provides solid lift, the bio rubber strap fits all hand sizes, and it’s compact enough to throw in any bag. Australian-made, ocean-positive, and it actually works.
Best for: All levels — beginners through to experienced bodysurfers. Material: Recycled ocean plastic. Where to buy: Available on Amazon
2. WAW TimberFish — Best Premium Option
If you want something with a bit more soul, the TimberFish is WAW’s timber model. Made from sustainably sourced Australian white cedar, it’s naturally buoyant and has a beautiful feel in the water. For every TimberFish sold, WAW plants one native tree.
It performs exceptionally well — the timber flex adds a subtle responsiveness you don’t get from plastic. It’s the handplane I reach for when I want something that feels connected to the wave.
Best for: Experienced bodysurfers who want premium performance and materials. Material: Sustainable Australian timber. Where to buy: wawhandplanes.com.au
3. Ecto Moon Rider — Best Australian Made
The Ecto Moon Rider was designed by Chris Anderson, the 2025 IBSA World Bodysurfing Champion, who claimed the title at Point Cartwright on the Sunshine Coast. That’s about as close to home as it gets for me.
Made in Sydney from 100% recycled plastic, the Moon Rider features hard rail edges, a curved concave, and a moon tail that gives you serious grip into the wave face. It’s a proper performance handplane with excellent reviews and a 4.7-star rating from over 220 customers.
Best for: Performance-oriented bodysurfers. Material: Recycled PP plastic, Australian-made. Where to buy: ectohandplanes.com
How to Choose a Bodysurfing Handplane
Size — most handplanes are one size, designed to fit across your palm. Bigger isn’t necessarily better — more surface area means more lift but less swimming freedom.
Material — timber handplanes have a natural feel but require more care. Recycled plastic models are durable and low-maintenance. If sustainability matters to you, both WAW and Ecto use recycled or reclaimed materials.
Strap system — look for a fully adjustable strap. Your hand position on the handplane affects how much lift you generate, so being able to fine-tune the fit matters.
Budget — entry-level handplanes start around $40. Quality Australian-made options like WAW and Ecto sit in the $80–$130 range and are worth the investment if you’re going to use it regularly.
My Pick
If I’m recommending one handplane, it’s the WAW Badfish — Australian-made, ocean positive, well-priced, and it performs. The Ecto Moon Rider is a close second if you want something designed by someone who’s actually won a world title in the sport.
But honestly? Get comfortable bodysurfing without one first. When you can catch waves consistently with your hands, a handplane will genuinely take your riding to another level. Until then, you’re just borrowing lift you haven’t earned yet.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you need two handplanes?
No, one is enough. Most bodysurfers use only their lead hand. Left hand to go left, right hand to go right.
Can beginners use handplanes?
Yes. A handplane can actually help beginners catch waves in smaller surf. Just don’t rely on it as a substitute for learning proper technique.
Are handplanes allowed in competitions?
It depends on the event. Many bodysurfing competitions have divisions for both hands-only and handplane categories.