Bodyboarding for the first time

As soon as you have got used to the position, try out some small waves near to the shore (the white water).
As the wave comes up behind you, kick with your fins to pick up speed and allow yourself to glide to the water's edge.
In order to make your first turns, grab the edge of the board (the rail) with the hand furthest from where you want to turn and lean over to the side.

E.g.: to turn right, the right hand should be in position at the front of the board and the left hand grabs the left rail and you lean right by pressing down on the right elbow
To pick up speed at the start, ask someone to help you by pushing you in the wave.