Catch All the Right Waves With the Best Kneeboards
Kneeboarding is a skillful sport that promises quite a bit of adrenaline without overexertion. It’s a fun activity that is aimed at both children and adults who want to enjoy the water in a relaxing yet exciting way. If you don't know much about kneeboards yet and need help choosing a great one, we’ll help out with this detailed guide. Let’s glide in!
If you love water and water sports as we do, we know you want to experience every available activity to the fullest. Surfboards, inflatable paddles, wakeboards, water mono-skis, and other watersport equipment keep us riding the waves, but the finest kneeboards of 2024 offer something slightly different.
Our Top Picks
- Kneeboards Buying Guide
- 1 What Is Kneeboarding and How Do You Do It?
- 2 Qualities to Consider Before Making a Purchase
- 3 Materials
- 4 Straps
- 5 Fins
- 6 Hooks
- 7 Techniques for Gliding With a Kneeboard
- 8 In the beginning:
- 9 In progress:
- 10 How Do You Turn With a Kneeboard?
- 11 Caring for and Maintaining Your Kneeboard
- 12 Clean with fresh water
- 13 Dry in the shade
- 14 Make sure the board is dry before storing
- 15 Use a cover when storing and transporting
- 16 Keep your toenails trimmed
- 17 Keep it away from pets
- People Also Asked
The Premium Kneeboard Models of 2024 in Detail
Best Overall
The Serenelife water sport kneeboard is unique in its versatility and can be used by kneeboarders at all levels. For beginners, the integrated hook, adjustable strap, and stable build make this sport less daunting on the first try because you can trust the board. For the pros, the ergonomic knee slots, durability, comfortability, and sleek build means you can shred through the waves without fail.
Also, you can be sure this kneeboard will not weigh you down. This board weighs less than nine pounds, so it is remarkably lightweight, and you can easily carry it on your trips and in your car. It also makes sure you stay safe with the adjustable strap that securely holds you, whether you’re a small child or an adult. This is the best overall kneeboard on our list because it’s quite durable and is packed with essential features necessary for both pros and first-timers.
Pros
- Easy to set up and use
- Adjustable strap for additional safety
- Sized to fit children and adults alike
- Made from marine-grade, corrosion-resistant materials
Cons
- Isn’t equipped with fins
Best Design
The HydroSlide PRO-XLT kneeboard is a premium kneeboard that stands out as an impressive and rewarding option once you get familiar with the sport. It offers a slim profile for easy portability that shows an evolutionary kneeboard design while delivering everything you loved about your old boards to eliminate those tricky learning curves.
To help you manage more complex maneuvers, the padded strap keeps the board close to your body and prevents any untoward falling. At the same time, the deep knee recesses in the soft but durable EVA padding ensure better comfort and more control.
Pros
- Ultra-light,easy-to-carry construction
- Three-inch padded strap for added stability
- Streamlined shape for extended ride comfort
Cons
- Stitching on the strap could be better
Best Budget
If you’ve been on the fence (or whatever the aquatic equivalent of that is), you might be better off starting with the Leader Accessories kneeboard. It’s more affordable than most other options, but this doesn’t mean the essential features that make a kneeboard awesome are overlooked.
The beveled edge on this board ensures fast cuts and a low seat for added stability, so it is suitable for anyone who needs to scratch that kneeboard itch but doesn’t want to risk injury. As fun as kneeboarding is, safety should still be a concern if you are inexperienced, and this board allows you to try kneeboarding safely.
Pros
- Built-in hook for beginners
- Two-color choices for customization
- Adjustable padded strap for comfort and stability
- Highly durable three-quarter inch EVA foam padding
Cons
- Safety straps are wide and bulky
Best for Beginners
The ZUP kneeboard is a good option for beginners that will help as they grow into more experienced riders. The soft rubber side handles provide an ever-present grip that allows even new kneeboarders to take control. It’s also quite versatile and can serve as a wakeboard, surfboard, boogie board, and even water skis if kneeboarding doesn’t seem appealing.
The bright, vibrant colors on this board allow for easy identification in the water if it strays away from you while looking fantastic at the same time. It might not matter to everyone, but it’s a nice consolation for those who want to look good while they’re stranded on the water (at least at first).
Pros
- Conveniently versatile design
- EVA foam padding for comfortability
- Durable ABS construction
- Built-in handle hook
Cons
- Heavier than most boards
Best All-Rounder
The O’Brien Voodoo Kneeboard offers something for beginners and more experienced riders alike, from safety to comfort and everything in between. It features a built-in beginner’s hook, three-quarter-inch EVA padding, and a padded strap that you can adjust to suit anyone’s needs.
Anyone who has been around the waves a few times before will significantly appreciate the variable beveled edge, which gives you excellent control over your performance. O’Brien goes one step further to provide you with the best possible experience by designing their kneeboard with quadrifoil fins, located at the corners of the hull, making it even easier to track and transition. Even the least experienced rider will look like a pro without even trying with the help of this board.
Pros
- Built-in beginner’s hook
- Adjustable padded strap for added security
- Variable bevel edge improves performance
- Three-quarter-inch EVA padding for added comfort
Cons
- Fins make some maneuvers difficult
Kneeboards Buying Guide
What Is Kneeboarding and How Do You Do It?
Considered a traction sport, kneeboarding consists of kneeling on a board and letting yourself slide, towed by a speedboat, through a cable. It’s a popular water sport that requires both skill and balance. To avoid falling off the board, the legs are moored to the board using a strap. You can also perform curve maneuvers and stunts like spins, frontflips, or backflips. But you must, of course, be a seasoned kneeboarder to be able to risk doing tricks.
Qualities to Consider Before Making a Purchase
We know the idea of running into the water and strapping into your brand new kneeboard is almost too much to resist. So, let us help you get on the water as quickly as possible by buying the best, which is why you’re still here, right?
Materials
Lightweight yet durable materials such as EVA foam are ideal for kneeboarding as they provide the best of both worlds. More advanced, high-quality options are designed with a hybrid of materials that help with steering and control, and that is also important. Still, these will generally be more expensive and are not always necessary, especially for beginners.
Straps
The strap is attached to keep you secure while on the board. Although this is not recommended for children because, if their board topples, they might not be able to undo the strap and move freely. The straps are usually three inches wide, but this varies between brands. If you want comfort, look for a padded strap that will relieve pressure and protect you from edges that dig into your legs.
Fins
You’ll probably only find fins on the more expensive models, but they are worth it because they help you control and change your direction quickly. You can enjoy your ride for longer and make some smooth jumps during peak flying hours with fins.
Hooks
Hooks are not necessary for a great ride, but an integrated hook gives you a secure, hands-free experience.
Techniques for Gliding With a Kneeboard
In the beginning:
When you start a kneeboard session, you must first bend your knees and ankles under you. Some boards have molded spots to place your legs. At first, you put your elbows in front of you on the board. Make sure the head of the kneeboard is facing the boat that is towing you. The rope used to tie the board to the boat will begin to pull. When it becomes tense, the first challenge is to remain stable. You don’t have to do anything at first — the board will naturally follow the axis of the boat towing you.
In progress:
Make no sudden movements so that the board can stay still. The vital thing in this sport is to maintain your balance. When the boat comes up to a stable draft speed and you feel comfortable with the board, you can straighten your body a bit. Of course, your knees should always stay on the board, and a dedicated strap helps with this.
How Do You Turn With a Kneeboard?
Turning on a kneeboard is relatively easy, but requires some technique. The rudder must be on your right hip if you want to turn left and vice versa. On the other hand, your body follows the direction you want to go. So, whatever you do, don’t take your eyes off the horizon. Body posture is critical in this sport, much like other water sports that combine balance and speed.
If you want to turn, you will have to press on the board with your knee to the right or left, depending on where you want to go.
Caring for and Maintaining Your Kneeboard
To help your kneeboard last as long as possible, you need to take care of it. Kneeboards are generally low-maintenance products, but to ensure that you get the best out of them, here are some maintenance, cleaning, and storage tips.
Clean with fresh water
Even if you are right next to the ocean, salt water is not recommended for rinsing dirt and grime off the board as it will eventually affect the material. Freshwater is the best way to clean the board because it will easily remove spots while maintaining its quality.
Dry in the shade
The sun will damage the board’s material and cause cracking, so you want to place it in a dry, shaded place after it’s cleaned. This may take longer than drying in the sun, but it will help the board last much longer.
Make sure the board is dry before storing
Placing your board inside the cover will protect it, but if it’s still damp you risk mold and bacteria growth, especially if it is not cleaned correctly. A completely dry board will also prevent odors after storage.
Use a cover when storing and transporting
The cover will also protect your board during storage and transport, as it prevents damage from pests while protecting it from dust and dirt.
Keep your toenails trimmed
It sounds silly, but nails that are too long can scratch and damage your board, affecting its overall aesthetics.
Keep it away from pets
Dogs, cats, lizards, and other pets are all curious little eaters and may think your kneeboard is a toy to chew at will. Keep it away from these critters if you don’t want that to happen.
People Also Asked
What is a kneeboard?
A kneeboard is a shortboard used for knee surfing, which is like regular surfing but on your knees. When you ride one, you're dragged by a boat with a tow rope, and it's up to you to ride the waves and wakes to stay on the board. The knee pads are lightweight, comfortable, and suitable for all ages. They are a lot of fun and much more challenging than you might expect. It takes some getting used to, and your arms will hurt on your first try, but keep going and you will love it.
How long should the strap on a kneeboard be?
The strap should be long enough to comfortably put your legs inside without chafing. Adjustable straps allow a variety of people to use the same board and modify it to suit their comfort.
What type of kneeboard should a beginner have?
Beginner kneeboards have a hook to keep you attached to the tow rope to ensure you don't get lost in the water. Hook styles vary from brand to brand — they can be built into the board to prevent abrasion or stick out, which is usually the case with budget boards.