Handplanes why you need one

"A beautiful diversion" Mark Cunningham

As a swimmer, surfer, watersport enthusiast you may wonder why you need a hand plane/ handboard. We think Mark Cunningham summarises the point eloquently enough above but if you're still not convinced here's ten reasons why you should bodysurf with a handplane:

1. Small, they can be stashed in your vehicle or bag for those beach drive by's. If there's a little bubble, grab your flippers and hand plane and go get wet.

2. For travel. No oversized luggage, you can take your plane to places you might not think of taking your board, if you find a wave, bingo you're in.

3. All round fitness. You have another excuse to get in the water. With a plane however you'll find you will spend a lot more time swimming rather than floating on your board. You get a whole body work out. This is good for future planing sessions or when you want to head out in bigger conditions with your gun!

4. Getting close to the wave. You're part of the wave when you're bodysurfing. You'll gain a better understanding of the wave dynamics, the local conditions.

5. Improve your surfing/bodyboarding. More time spent in the water learning about the conditions, the wave can only result in a better time when you do go surfing.

6. Get away from the crowds. You're less reliant on the perfect break, you can also stick your plane in your rucksack and go exploring. All this means you can get away from the every expanding flotsom in the water.

7. Can be used in smaller waves. Small shore break, no problem your handboard will allow you to make the most of them.

8. Spend time with family, friends, significant others. Those that perhaps don't surf with you can enjoy some time in the water with you as it's easiest to pick up.

9. More wave time. You'll find you can pick up more waves on a plane as you're less reliant on perfect sets.

10. Guaranteed stoke! If you don't come out from a plane session at least breaking a smile, check your pulse, you're probably dead inside.

If you are still unsure check out these videos you'll get the idea.