EMPIRE BODYBOARDS

A philosophy focused on performance and sensations

The goal of a high-performance bodyboard is not just to go fast in a straight line. It must be able to catch, release, position itself in the pocket, accelerate at the right moment, and offer the necessary control when the wave becomes technical. Empire Bodyboards emphasises this balance between speed, stability, and responsiveness. This involves carefully crafted contours, rails adapted to the type of waves targeted, and attention to the overall behaviour of the board once in the lip or in a hollow section.

This philosophy is also reflected in construction choices that seek to maintain responsiveness under the feet and chest, while keeping a good reading of the wave. A board that is too soft can lack precision in fast sections, while a board that is too stiff can become difficult to handle depending on the water temperature and the power of the swell. Empire's approach is to offer configurations that provide a feeling of control without sacrificing speed or manoeuvrability.

How to choose an Empire board that suits your programme

Choosing the right size for your style and conditions

The size of a bodyboard directly influences buoyancy, speed and ease of positioning on the wave. A shorter board can promote manoeuvrability and control in hollow sections, while a slightly larger board will provide stability, paddling comfort and ease in less powerful waves. With Empire, the idea is to choose a size that suits your actual programme : your weight, your level, but also your usual spots and the frequency of your sessions. A perfectly sized board gives you more margin for manoeuvre, allows you to commit without hesitation and is less tiring over a long session.

Understanding the importance of shape, rails and tail

The shape of a board is not just a question of aesthetics. The rails play a major role in grip, speed and the way the board locks into the face. A firmer, well-defined rail promotes grip and projection, which is particularly useful when pushing hard. The tail influences the rebound and the way the board pivots. Depending on whether you're looking for a smoother or more aggressive ride, you can opt for a different behaviour. The advantage of a brand like Empire is that it offers overall consistency, where design choices serve a specific purpose on the water.

Constructions designed to last and perform

A good board must remain effective throughout multiple sessions. Durability is not limited to withstanding minor impacts; it also concerns the ability to maintain responsiveness, not to compress too quickly, and to maintain a clean glide. Modern constructions allow you to adjust the flex and responsiveness according to temperature, wave type and skill level. This is exactly what many demanding bodyboarders are looking for: a board that doesn't change radically after a few weeks and remains predictable when conditions get serious.

In practice, a well-built board can be felt from the very first take-off. It takes off earlier, holds better in fast sections and transmits more information to the rider. When you engage a bottom turn or try to get high up the face, you gain confidence because the board responds. This is often what makes the difference between a decent session and a session where you really progress. Empire Bodyboards is part of this quest for consistent equipment, designed to support regular practice.

Why Empire appeals to riders who want to progress

Brands that leave a lasting mark on a community are often those that remain true to their playground. Empire Bodyboards appeals to those who love challenging sessions, who want control in the hollow and who aren't looking for an all-purpose board. This positioning naturally attracts riders who are progressing, as it encourages them to be more precise, to read the wave better and to work on their positioning. A board that holds well and accelerates at the right moment also makes you want to be daring, to try a later section or a more decisive manoeuvre.

If you want equipment that's geared towards thrills, with a real focus on performance, Empire is a brand to consider. The most important thing is to choose a model that suits your use, your size and your conditions. With the right configuration, you can improve your paddling comfort, speed and control, and turn your sessions into a training ground for progress. This is often where the difference is made: a board that suits your programme allows you to go further, faster and with more confidence in the water.