'The deeper it drains the better the wave' - the credo of the modern bodyboarder. It may not always hold true - plenty of waves are horrible undersucks or rush straight onto rock - but the characteristic ledges and steps, that take the wave below sea level are a good thing to look out for. Less water underneath, more water in the lip and a hell of a lot of space in between. During last weeks south swell, Adam Fitzpatrick hit up an isolated NSW reef that fitted the bill perfecly .//STUART NETTLE