Kneeboarding is one of the safest water sport you can get started with and it is a great sport for beginners as well. This universal, and fun water sport is growing popular for its accessibility. Anyone can get on board with kneeboarding without much experience. Thus, it is a great introductory sport and we suggest everyone should try this at least once in their life.
If you are looking for the ideal kneeboards to get started, this article is just for you. Whether you are an adult or a child, you will find a kneeboard according to your skill level that helps you to have great progress in the sport. So follow along to figure out which board works for you!
1.SereneLife Water Sport Kneeboard
If you are looking for one of the best kneeboards for beginners that helps you to practice while upgrading your kneeboarding skills, this can be the perfect choice for you. It is made of high-quality corrosion-proof and marine-grade materials, that deliver a smooth and safe riding experience for you.
One of the prime reasons we suggest this water kneeboard is its lightweight feature. It is an excellent choice when you prefer to go for a lightweight surfing kneeboard
Features:
- Dimensions: 50 x 20 x 4.5 inches
- Weight: 9 lbs.
- Hard foam
- 3-inch padded strap
PROS
- Beginner-friendly
- Stable floating base
- Comfortable and fitting kneepads
- Lightweight
- A great option for learning
- Universal kneel board
- Durable and water-resistant
CONS
- Weak Velcro in the knee strap
- The cushioning might not be adequate for a lot of people.
- It has a narrow design that might not be everyone’s cup of tea
2.Leader Accessories Kneeboard
This kneeboard is also a popular choice for beginners as they just start to learn kneeboarding. This includes a unique design that allows you to have a smooth transition as a beginner. The feature that makes the design unique is its beveled edge alongside its molded edge hook. For these features, you get a very stable and supportive base that helps you cut through water very easily while being secured to the board with a strong grip.
Features:
- Dimensions: 50.8 x 20.5 x 4.7 inches
- Weight: 12.1 lbs.
- ¾ inches EVA foam padding
- 3 inches padded belt
PROS
- Outstanding quality, as well as great value for money.
- Performs great, the beveled edge gives smooth and fast cuts through the water
- Strong and durable kneeboard handle hook.
- A secured padded strap guarantees safe riding throughout.
- Compact and lightweight build
- Kid-safe option
CONS
- More suited more kids and small-to-medium frame-bodied riders; not a great choice for people with broad-frame bodies.
- Some users have felt that the padding at the knee gets sticky under a warmer temperature. It won’t be much of a trouble for most users, however, might be uncomfortable for some people.
3.ZUP You Got This 2.0 Board and 1.5 Handle Combo, All-in-One Kneeboard
If you are looking for a versatile kneeboard for multiple types of water sports, this one can be an easy pick for you to fulfill that purpose. This one is a makeshift kneeboard, wake surfboard, boogie board, and many more other water sport of your choice.
One of the main reasons this board is so popular is that it is very kid-friendly and keeps them entertained in so many ways unlike a lot of other boards available in the market. This one is very easy to use and it allows you to adjust with this easily with its integrated side handle system. The handle is smartly designed, including a soft rubber outer core to the handle.
The board is made with high-quality material, which contributes to the board’s longer lifespan. It includes an EVA foam kneepad for superior support and comfort. The quality build also reflects on its great looks and overall performance, for which, it is also quite popular to do fun and adventurous tricks with.
Features:
- Dimensions: 57 x 25 x 5 inches
- Weight: 18 lbs.
PROS
- Kid-friendly
- 25-inch training board
- Eva foam kneepad
- Rubber integrated side handles
- A wide range of applications possible with this board; enables you to do fun tricks
- Comes with a tow rope and a handle
CONS
- A bit pricier option
- The design is quite bulky and heavy
4.Xspec Kneeboard with Hook Strap
If you are looking for an all-rounder kneeboard to get started as a beginner, one of the most popular choices would be is this Xspec kneeboard with a hook strap. This is a great one to learn kneeboarding as well. However, that does not limit its potential to serve for a long time, as it is a great board to use as an expert when you are much more well-adjusted with kneeboarding.
The design of this one involves elements from water skiing and wakeboards. For that reason, it gives you outstanding performance on any type of water body. Not only that, you get added support and safety from the EVA padded straps and great support from the knee straps as well. This helps you to enjoy hands-free positioning with proper safety and control.
Features:
- Dimensions: 50 x 20 x 4.5 inches
- Weight: 11 lbs.
- Capacity: 250 lbs.
- Price: $160
- High-impact durable plastic housing
- Adjustable 3” padded strap for comfort and safety
PROS
- Quad molded fins
- Stable base
- Soft cushioning effect
- Easy-start aquatic hook
- Durable shell with eps core
- Reasonably priced
- Great looks
- Uses strong strap support for holding the knees
CONS
- Noting was Found
5.O’Brien Voodoo Kneeboard with Hook
This is another great-looking kneeboard in this list that not only is impressive to look at but also assures you top-tier performance in terms of all the factors considering. It has the quality ¾ inch foam padding to give you a comfortable ride, and at the same time, you get excellent tracking from its curved underside with the ability of quick cuts.
Features:
- Integrated hook
- ¾ inch EVA foam padding
- Variable beveled edge
- Adjustable strap
- Weight: 14 lbs.
PROS
- A great one for children, as well as for riders of any skill level.
- Durable design helps the rider with a very stable state.
- ¾ inch EVA foam kneepad
- Beveled edge to cut through the water smoothly
- Padded adjustable strap
- 4 molded fins that give enhanced control
- Integrated hook for attaching rope handle
CONS
- Fins might cause some obstacles while performing some of the intricate tricks like- 180s and 360s.
- A little heavier board compared to its competitors in the market.
- The knee cavity might be too deep for some riders.
6.Hydroslide Revolution Kneeboard
This board by Hydroslide is an older option among this list of kneeboards. Hydroslide is one of the popular old-school brands for kneeboard. Hydroslide revolution is a good beginner-friendly kneeboard, as well as for intermediate-level players. This is a fairly-priced option and includes overall basic features. It is not the greatest in terms of the latest features and updates, some even consider it to be an old-fashioned kneeboard, but all in all, it delivers what it promises to do.
PROS
- The hook is very cooperative to get back to position
- A great option for beginners, easy to learn kneeboarding with this
- Great value for money
- Top-tier performance
- High-quality graphics and design
CONS
- The padding is quite stiff when you just get it at first. It takes time to loosen up and become a little more malleable.
7.Water Sport Knee Board with Integrated Hook
Water sport maxflow kneeboard is the latest addition to their range of quality kneeboards. It utilizes a high-tech aerodynamic design that makes catching waves and surfing through the edge very easy. It includes EVA foam padding for top-notch comfort and support, makes the kneeboarding experience smooth for riders with any skill level.
Features:
- Dimensions: 51 x 20 x 5 inches
- Weight: 14.75 lbs.
PROS
- Aerodynamic design, swift riding throughout
- Strong yet supportive build; uses corrosion-proof materials
- Easy to carry
- Heavily padded straps for the greatest comfort and safety
- Versatile kneeboard can be maneuvered to different tricks or other water sports
CONS
- Noting was Found
8.HO Joker Kneeboard Blue/Black
The ergonomic design of this kneeboard by ho makes this unique and approachable, and it is one of the main reasons why it is so popular among a lot of riders. This is designed to provide you the quality performance with the greatest cushioning effect. If you have decent control and can hold the balance with your knees, this board is an amazing choice.
Features:
- Dimensions: 58 x 25 x 6 inches
PROS
- Ergonomic design that allows airflow and superior support
- Have locking-edge channels emoted feature
- Includes two layers on the kneepad
- Square tip with a tail shape
- 2-stage rocker design
CONS
- Does not have any foot straps
9.Hydroslide Havoc Kneeboard 2116 Green
This one is another by Hydroslide which features a rounded edge at the center of the board. And for this, this is an efficient board to help you perform the 360s very effortlessly, even if you are on your learning curve. This board allows you to cut through the water and do most of the tricks very easily as well. And the overall performance of this one does not take much of you at all, rather makes it easy for you to float with it.
Features:
- Dimensions: 52 x 20.75 x 4.5 inches
- Weight: 15 lbs.
- Eva padded base
- 3-inch padded straps
PROS
- Patented hydro hook tow point
- Eva padded deck and straps
- Deep knee support
- A great option to perform the tricks
CONS
- Noting was Found
How is kneeboard different from other water sports?
Kneeboarding can be considered as the gateway to other kinds of water sports. A lot of people prefer to get started with their water sports journey with kneeboarding as it is easy and accessible for beginners. However, the opposite incident is quite common too, where people who are already involved with wakeboarding, wake surfing, skiing, and surfing start getting on with kneeboarding.
If you are wondering whether or not kneeboarding is different from these other water sports, read further to be confirmed about that.
- Kneeboarding is much quicker to learn: This is one of the prime reasons for being the gateway sport in the world of water sport. As a beginner, this sport is very approachable and easy to learn compared to those other sports. Thus, mastering or being familiar with this one helps you to ice-break with those sports.
- Center of gravity remains lower: as you kneel on the kneeboard, your height becomes shorter, hence the center of gravity closer to the ground. As a result, it is easier for you to balance your weight and float on the kneeboard.
- Requires more muscle involvement. Kneeboarding is an active exercise of your whole body, thus, when you practice, you will discover new muscles in your body being activated through the workout.
- Considerably safer than the other water sports; the wipeout impact or the chances of crashing is almost none.
- Kneeboarding is an excellent introduction to children. Not every sport is as safe as it is for children to get started with.
- Excelling at kneeboard and gradually honing your skillset does not take a higher learning curve. You can practice different tricks and techniques soon after learning to ride smoothly.
How to Do a 360 on a Kneeboard?
One of the most entertaining and intricate tricks of the kneeboard is doing a 360. Some say it is the most ambitious trick one kneeboarding. That is why to perform a smooth and safe 360, you need to be well-acquainted with kneeboarding at first.
Here is a step by step guide on how to do a 360:
- Step 1: press your knee firmly to the kneepad. Ensure the padding at the front grips your knees tightly yet comfortably. You should feel your thighs and entire legs are relaxed while in that position.
- Step 2: figure out your ideal speed. Don’t get too rushed to see other people cranking up their speed. When you are a beginner, you need to find the right speed by dialing up high a little by little. However, do not sit at too low of a speed. Two reasons for that- 1. You will not have the balance on the water, thus a higher risk of sinking; 2. You cannot perform a 360 with a low speed.
- Step 3: after you get to your speed (the speed you are cutting in, not the boat’s speed), practice crossing the wakes at high speeds.
- Step 4: Start with your left hand moving to the side and then spin your body immediately and grab the rope handle with both hands. Finally, complete the motion by grabbing with your right hand while taking off.
now you can practice doing 360s in between the small wakes. It might be daunting at first, but try to get on with it anyways. Figure out which direction works for you. For ease of practice, you can also try spinning outside the wakes.
kneeboard Buying Guide
Choose your style
- Recreational
As you can understand from the name of it, recreational boards are more of a leisurely activity type rather than professional or consistent sporting. For that reason, they are much less frequently used than the pro or competitive options in the market, hence, they are less costly than those.
The recreational boards are made with rotational molding with wide and soft edges. These are usually thicker and more buoyant to support the beginner and recreational surfers to offer more support on floatation.
- Competitive
When you are accustomed to kneeboarding and preparing for an upgrade, this can be the second type of kneeboard that you can work with to level up your skillset. As you can see, these are designed to support professional or competitive level players after they are passing through the initial learning stage.
These kneeboards are produced with compression molding technique which gives the riders superior performance and durable lifetime. These are comparatively more lightweight than the previous category of boards. Thus, it takes a skilled rider to on with these boards efficiently.
When it comes to the price, they are more expensive than the recreational boards. So, if you are a beginner to kneeboarding or any water sports in general, investing in one of this kind should be a future decision once you get along with the primary learning phase.
Board styles
- Slalom board
This type of board has sharp edges, and that makes overall turning easier. So, you get increased edge-hold through each turn. Also, if you are looking for slalom boarding specifically, these are what you should be looking for.
- Trick kneeboard
Trick kneeboards are specifically designed to support you in a way that you can perform any kind of tricks more effortlessly. These usually have a round bottom and edges, which are helpful to do the tricks and maneuver the board accordingly.
Know the structure of your board
- Materials
In a kneeboard, there are multiple types of material used for different parts of the board for different purposes. You will find plastic, foam, fiberglass, graphite, polyurethane, etc. different materials to be used in a kneeboard. Most of the boards nowadays have an exterior of fiberglass or a combination of fiberglass and graphite.
Besides, plastic is also widely used and makes the board durable in terms of preventing tough weather conditions and regular wear and tear. Plastic is quite cost-effective too. Thus, you will find a lot of budget-friendly options made of plastics. The most buoyant boards are usually plastic-made that include roto-molded polyurethane and thick foam padding. This makes the board very easy to use and beginner-friendly. So, if your goal is to get the best kneeboard for beginners, you should check out the thick-based plastic kneeboards. These have a better floating capacity and gives you more support than you might need as a beginner.
On the contrary, the fiberglass-graphite kneeboards are superior in quality, but more suited for advanced riders. These usually have a thinner base and have less foaming or buoyant features. These kneeboards are a better fit for performing the pro tricks and easy riding through deep water levels.
- Fins
Fins are the optional features in most recreational kneeboards. They are usually placed under the board if there are any to be found. These are helpful to steer or guide the board at ease while riding.
- Rocker
The curved portion under a kneeboard that can indicate the comparison between the speed of the kneeboard is called the rocker. The value of the rocker determines how easy it will be for you to turn the board. The higher it is in number, the easier it is for you. However, a higher number in the rocker also slows you down. So, for a better speed, a lower number in your rocker is ideal. The most common number you will find is 5 to 6 centimeters.
What about the ropes?
- Rope length
The length of the ropes will vary depending on the kneeboard you have chosen and your other distinctive factors. The commonly used length is around 60 to 70 feet, and it is kept on the longer side for beginners. This is needed because they will need the extra length to cope up with the learning curve, and also, to stretch. There is a feature to adjust the rope length. With that, you can gradually shorten the length as you progress your skill level.
- Handles
If you notice carefully, the handles of the kneeboard ropes are more intricately designed than the handles of waterskiing or any other type of water surfing. The grip of the kneeboard handle is much wider and supportive than the other types of boards. They are usually 13 to 15 inches long.
- Types of ropes
No-stretch
These ropes are generally made of a material named “spectra”. This kind of rope has almost no elasticity at all, that is why it does not stretch. The non-stretch quality ensures a smooth experience while being towed. Apart from that, the material is less absorbent to moisture. This impacts the durability of the rope and keeps it in a manageable state. If you are a recreational rider or just getting started, no-stretch ropes are ideal for your use.
Low-stretch
These kinds of ropes are made of polyethylene or some kind of polyethylene mix. These are not too stretchy that you can comfortably stretch without giving much force. Let’s just say, they fall in the middle of the stretch, and no-stretch categories.
If the goal of kneeboarding is to have a little bit of both worlds for you, then getting a low-stretch rope would be a good idea. You get to do basic kneeboarding and waterskiing like recreational kneeboarding, and at the same time, you get an easier hold while performing any intricate tricks.
What to look for while choosing the right kneeboard?
- Comfort
One of the first questions that will come to your mind while buying a kneeboard is- “will it be comfortable and supportive enough while you are riding on water?”. In our opinion, this should be the first thing that you need to be sure of while purchasing. Because, no matter how highly rated the board is and how impeccably it performs, it will not serve its peak outcome if you are not comfortable riding it. Only then, you can bring out the best of the board and have the desired outcome. Take a close look at the knee wells, check if they fit your knee cap, and if they provide solid coverage or not.
While looking for comfortable kneeboards, you should get the boards with a high-quality build and proper cushioning for your knees and sheen to rest on. Getting a board that uses EVA foam for that purpose is ideal. Eva foam gives you the best kind of support and comfortable grip. Also, get the padded straps to have a secured grip on the board.
- Durability
If you are a recreational kneeboarder, this factor has more value to you while investing in a kneeboard. Most of the recreational riders make time for occasional beach visit several times a year. In that context, you will be going on for kneeboarding a few times a year, therefore, not very frequent usage out of your gears. That is why you need to get a durable kneeboard that not only ensures a good lifespan but also maintains peak performance throughout its life.
Materials and construction play a big part in the durability of your board. A lot of riders opine that these factors define the quality of the boards and differentiate between advanced-level and mid-level boards.
When it comes to materials, most of the advanced boards are made of fiberglass, graphite, or a composite of these two elements. They yield stunning designs and build, which also come with a higher price range. However, if you are a beginner, we do not recommend you to go for these boards, rather, you should pick a plastic built board that has EVA foam built preferably. That construction is more well-suited for beginners as they offer a more buoyant facility.
- Effectiveness
The kneeboard will turn out as effective as per your skill set. The performance of the kneeboard is highly dependent on how you play with it. In terms of the basic stage, you need to understand that recreational and competitive boards will yield different results as per their structure. If you play occasionally and have an average skillset overall, you should go for the recreational boards. These boards are quite a universal choice for any average rider in general. Unless you ride quite frequently and are ready to upgrade your skillset, recreational boards should work fine for you.
- Portability
For most cases, the water sports destinations are quite far away from the rider’s reach. That is why you need to consider this factor before investing in one.
As per the metrics of your kneeboard, the size will not be much of a deal when you are considering its portability- all the kneeboards in the market are roughly in a similar range of size. What you need to focus on is the weight of the kneeboard. You will find kneeboards with different weights. As per generic standard, 5 to 6 lbs. of weight are a great upgrade. If you find similar kneeboards with more or less the same features except for the weight, consider the more lightweight option to invest in. The lightweight boards are also easier to float with on a water surface.
- Features
You will find kneeboards with a variety of features in the market. Among all the necessary and optional features of a kneeboard, two of the most important ones are the strap and the hook.
The strap in the kneeboard is there to secure your legs to it. You have to wrap it over your thighs to make it tight yet comfortable for you. You will find padded and non-padded straps in the market. Considering all the concerns, padded straps should be your ideal choice for almost any case. The non-padded straps may dig into your skin and that can even cause an injury. Nonetheless, the tight straps settling over your thighs for a long time can be very painful as it is, even without the injury.
The hook of the kneeboard is a great supporting adjustment for beginners and children. And the hook allows you to have an easier ride while you are balancing your body on the water surface. That is why it is so beneficial at the learning stage. However, this feature is a supporting feature as you may have guessed. So, if you are quite well-acquainted or have some experience with kneeboarding or other types of water sports, you may not need this feature as a mandate. But if you are still unsure about your progress level despite some practices, going for a kneeboard with a hook will be a good decision.
FAQs
- Is kneeboarding the best way to introduce my child to water tow sports?
A: kneeboarding is considered to be one of the easiest and most accessible water sports. With that, we can conclude that kneeboarding is also very easy to learn. Thus, as a beginner in the world of water sports, kneeboarding can be a very effective and smooth introduction.
Since kneeboarding does not involve a lot of heavy activities or intense moves (at least at the beginning/ learning stage), it works as a gateway to get accustomed to the other water sports. And for that reason, kneeboarding also makes a good way to introduce your children to other water sports as well. Make sure they keep up their practice and upgrade their kneeboarding skills little by little.
- Are there any maintenance requirements for a kneeboard?
A: yes, like any other sports equipment, your kneeboards require some basic maintenance and care too. If you are getting a kneeboard, this must be an investment in your collection. To maintain the board’s potential performance standard, you need to ensure its proper maintenance.
Focus on cleaning and storage of the kneeboards, make sure you cover your boards nicely while storing them. Don’t let the sand and dust sit on the surface for too long. You and use cotton or microfiber fabric to dust away, and then clean with a mild detergent. Dry the board properly and store it by covering it properly. This will prevent any probable damage to the board or the pads. Another thing to be mindful about while storing the boards is to keep them at a place free from rodents, insects, or any other parasites.
- How Can I Increase the Durability of My Kneeboard?
A: One thing that can help you with the extended life of your kneeboard is “maintenance and care”. If you give the proper care and attention to your kneeboard, your board will stay in good condition for a long time and will offer you top-notch performance in its lifetime. For that, cleaning and storing the board properly is essential.
- Are Children’s Kneeboards Different?
A: Usually, the basic kneeboard designs are well-suited for pretty much all the kids and the adults. The key factor to be considered is the weight capacity of your chosen kneeboard. Sometimes, a few options in the market are to be found that provides better support for the people with heavier body frame.
There are a few kneeboard manufacturing brands that specifically focus on designing for children. In terms of safety features, you need to make sure that the kneeboard you are choosing for your kid delivers a top-tier safety net while riding. Among the other factors, make sure that the board you are getting is made of high-quality materials; gives a good balance and stability on the water surface according to the speed to help your child with a smoother transition.
All in all, children’s kneeboards do not involve any exclusive features to distinguish whatsoever, but the brands concentrating on manufacturing for the children exclusively do serve a greater extent of safety features.
- Are Non-Padded Straps worth the Purchase?
A: if you follow our recommendation, we would highly suggest you go for padded straps, even if you think you will be playing for a very short while. The reason we discourage buying kneeboards with non-padded straps is that you do not get enough support or comfort with the non-padded ones. Are they completely unusable? No. but are they good enough to give you an enjoyable experience? Most probably not. they somehow do their job, but not the greatest. So, why settle for something that gets your job done half-heartedly, where you can get the best performance from something else?
- How Long Should the Strap Be?
A: the function of the strap on a kneeboard is to hold your thighs tightly with the board as you kneel on the board. So, the length of the strap should be just enough to wrap your thighs over the board. Mostly, the straps are adjustable, so you get to maneuver to your preference. Make sure that the straps are tight enough while keeping you comfortable to keep you safe while riding.
- What Kind of Kneeboard Should a Beginner Have?
There are 2 styles of kneeboards- 1) recreational, and 2) competitive. Recreational is the most common type followed by most of the riders who surf occasionally. They are designed to support the players to balance and maneuver easily on the water surface. Thus, they make excellent equipment for kneeboarding or other water sports beginners.
- How fast do you pull a kneeboarder?
A: Usually, the ideal speed for the kneeboard is determined by the weight of the rider. For the riders weighing 100 pounds or more, the ideal speed should be 20mph. if the weight is around 80 pounds, the speed should be around 16 mph, and for riders having a weight around 90 pounds, 2 mph more should be added to that.
- Why Do You Want a Kneeboard Hook?
A: The kneeboard hooks are a great beginner-friendly attachment that helps you to float on the water when you are not very experienced. This hook helps you to stay on track along the towboat while you practice the basic moves to balance on the board. If you are an experienced rider, the hook will not be necessary for you, but it is good to have when you are new to the sport. Also, if you are getting the kneeboard for children, we highly recommend you get the hook.
Conclusion:
Like any other sport, you should keep on regular warm-up sessions to ease up your every kneeboarding session. This will help you to get better control over the board and to have smoother rides. And after you are done with each session, make sure you take proper maintenance care for the board so that to have a good life out of your investment.