why are slabs often pioneered by bodyboarders?

[The Suit]

I was just watching Nathan Florence's latest YouTube video and apparently he and his brother were the first to paddle a slabby wave in Chile. Previously only tow surfers and body boarders. As a kiter I understand the tow surfer's advantage, but I don't get why body boarders have an advantage on slabs. I've always thought it was difficult to get any speed paddling a body board.

[bodywhomper]

It’s because Mike Stewart kicks ass.


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[MarsB]

You are right, but it is way more forgiving getting pummeled by a heavy slab on a bodyboard. Especially on a shallow break with a steep pitch.

[bodywhomper]

Definitely. I’ve never seen a bodyboarder break their board with their body.

Also, paddling with hands and kicking with fins… some can get going pretty fast.

[PB]

Very true, but for only short distances/bursts, so you better be lined up just right. Nothing like plunging face first down a big wall with more speed than your non-hydrodynamic body will allow. The shit I used to have to deal with from knee-boarders was annoying, though .....

[Ottime]

One of our rarely surf slabs around here is mostly body surfers. Fins and hand boards. They plane efficient enough. Its sandstone underneath, so you bounce off of it well enough. And its too turbulent for muscled to attach, so it isn't too sharp. Its almost impossible with a board, except at one minute during the very best of tide situations