Apparatus and methods for body surfing which provide the body surfer a means to stabilize his ride and control his direction/position on a wave are described herein. According to one aspect, a body surfing apparatus includes a body suit having a torso and legs; a plurality of fins located on the torso; and one or more fins located laterally on the legs. The fins are preferably attached to the body suit via an adhesive or mechanical means and the fins and suit are preferably covered with a buoyant layer, the buoyant layer having a minimum thickness of 1 mm.