The ocean is not a backdrop. It is the whole point.

Understand the Water is POD's editorial series for people who spend serious time in the water. Not beginners looking for a starting point, not casual observers. People who want to go deeper into the mechanics of wave riding, bodysurfing technique, swim fin selection, open water swimming, ear health, and the physics of what actually happens when a human body meets a moving body of water.

Every article in this series is written from direct experience. No academic framing. No generic advice recycled from elsewhere. The same standard applies to every POD product function first; nothing is added that does not serve a clear purpose. This standard applies to every piece of content published here.

The series covers five disciplines: bodysurfing, bodyboarding, surfing, swimming, and open water. New articles are published regularly.
Published regularly, accurate, honest, and never needing updating, regardless of when someone reads it.

Read what is relevant to your water. Come back when the next one drops.

Our Story

Understand The Water

Four POD bodyboard stretch covers on a white background, in teal, lime, orange, and yellow, fitted to full-size bodyboards

Keeping Your Bodyboard Protected with a Stretch Cover

Protecting Your Board with a Stretch POD Bodyboard Cover Ever had your bodyboard ruined from sun exposure, scratches or everyday deck wear and tear? If so, you're not alone. Protecting your bodyboard is crucial for longevity and performance. A stretch...

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POD Waterproof 25L backpack shown from the front in white with roll-top closure and front zip pocket, and from the rear in black showing the mesh back panel, padded shoulder straps, and chest strap

POD Waterproof Air-Tight Backpacks Ultimate Gear Protection

Ultimate Guide to Our POD Waterproof Airtight Backpacks Have you ever been caught in a sudden downpour with an unsecured bag? It's not fun. If you're hiking over rough terrain or commuting, a waterproof, windproof backpack is a game changer. ...

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POD Connection 6-foot surfboard leash in black with padded ankle cuff, rail saver, and straight cord coiled on a white background

Surfboard Leash Size Guide - How to Choose and What to Avoid

Choosing the right surfboard leash matters for every surfer, regardless of experience. A well-matched leg rope keeps your board within reach after a wipeout and reduces risk when paddling back through the break. The mistakes in leash selection are easy...

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POD Connection bicep leash in black with a coiled black cord alongside a POD Chase It wrist leash in black and blue with a coiled blue cord, on a white background

Bicep vs Wrist Bodyboard Leash - Which One Stays Out of Your Way

Bodyboard Leashes - Bicep or Wrist, Which Works Best for You? A bodyboard leash - sometimes called a boogie board leash - is one of the most important pieces of equipment you carry into the surf. It keeps your board...

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Two POD AquaLuxe swim goggles on a light blue background, one in blue with a yellow nose bridge and one in pink with a purple nose bridge, both with clear lenses

Swimming Goggles: Our Top Three Swim Goggles For Children

As a parent, you play a crucial role in your child's swimming journey. Whether they're starting swim lessons or are already a recreational swimmer, your decision on which swim goggles to consider can significantly impact their comfort and performance. No...

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Five-panel image showing bodyboard shaping and manufacturing stages including CNC cutting, overhead shaping on a machine, hand planing the rail, foam core detail, and applying a slick skin bottom, photo credit Surfer Today.

Bodyboards: Leave it to the Shaper POD Bodyboard Accessories

Photo Credit: Surfer Today Experienced bodyboard shapers do what they do best. They design boards with specific waves in mind, choose core materials that balance flex and strength across different water temperatures, shape rocker lines and rail profiles that suit...

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POD Protect Our Destiny logo in green overlaid on planet Earth viewed from space against a blue star field, with the Protect Our Destiny tagline arcing beneath the globe.

Which is More Eco-Friendly: Polyurethane or Plastic?

Polyurethane is more environmentally responsible than most plastics - not because of a single claim, but because of how the material behaves across its full lifespan. This article examines why that is the case, what the data on ocean plastics...

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Bodysurfing Handboard Guide - Size, Shape, and How to Choose

Bodysurfing Handboard Guide - Size, Shape, and How to Choose

The illustration above shows the physics of the human hydrofoil - the bodysurfer in motion. Lift force, drag, and the lift-to-drag ratio all play a direct role in how a handboard performs. Understanding these forces is what separates a well-chosen...

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A clean barrelling wave breaking over a sandy beach viewed from the dunes, with coastal grass in the foreground and deep blue water behind the wave face.

How to Body Surf Like A Pro: With Or Without A Handplane

Bodysurfing is wave riding in its most direct form. Your body is the vehicle, the wave is the engine, and everything between those two things - timing, position, and technique - determines how the ride goes. Whether you ride freestyle...

Read moreabout How to Body Surf Like A Pro: With Or Without A Handplane