Water skiing or wakeboarding are the first things that come to mind as a water sport. Kneeboarding, unlike you expected, can be both fun and competitive.
This is a popular water sport among many people. It’s become quite common recently. More than 100,000 snowboards are sold every year now. Years ago, some die-hard skiers banded together to create a simpler way.
Now, it is commonly done for leisure or competitive gains. It’s a lot of fun and relatively less dangerous than participation in extreme sports.
You can easily anticipate that we’ll discuss how to kneeboard, as well as how it may help you. However, this post will go over the background, things to consider, and some intriguing methods.
When Did It Begin?
The sport was introduced in the 1980s. However, the story began in the 1950s. Some Southern California surfers began experimenting with it in the 1950s. They wanted to discover a new way to have fun on water that wasn’t skiing, barefooting, wakeboarding, or water boating (water skiing).
Water skiing was becoming increasingly popular in the 1970s, and skiers started looking for surfboards on which to kneel instead of stand.
The first business “kneeboard” was invented in 1972. It was named Knee Ski. Knee Ski created and sold the boards. The sales were only a few thousand board each year at that time.
After that, other companies produced kneeboards, including Glide Slide, Hydroslide, and others. The form and materials had changed many times over the years as a result of these events.
In the early 1980s, Ronald Hillier created The International Kneeboard Association (IKA). Being a champion in several water activities, Ronald recognized that kneeboarding would have a future. He also wrote the first set of rules for kneeboarding. By him, there was a famous book called Kneeboarding A-Z.
Even now, his regulations are followed and utilized. The American Kneeboard Association (AKA) was founded in 1983. The aim of the organization was to raise competitive Kneeboard surfing to a higher level.
A group of traditional water skiers gave rise to the concept. They also organized and planned a number of activities at the time.
Aqua sports are a lot of fun.
When you pass through waves, you get an adrenaline rush. The secret to success in this sport is balance and concentration. However, it may also be a lot of fun to do or simply observe the activity.
Typically, riders would rather be pulled on a board behind motorboats. The rider or boarder first sits down on the board. There are many different boards available depending on the rider’s skill level. Adjustable straps are also available.
The boarder must wrap around the knees. He or she then maintains a firm grip on the tow-rope. The towing motorboat moves ahead to provide the momentum.
Is Kneeboarding Just for Fun? Or Is It Possible that It Can Also Provide a Few Advantages?
Kneeboarding may appear to be a simple sport. I would strongly advise warming up your body before starting the activity. Many individuals believe that kneeboarding is an excellent exercise. However, kneeboarding requires substantial physical conditioning.
If kneeling in water causes you discomfort, your joints or arthritis would be the reason. Your body also requires strength to do this activity. To stay that long catching up with the tow-boat’s speed, your hands, shins, and knees must be sturdy.
In my opinion, it’s a sport that helps you to better understand your body. It cleanses the mind. To determine the appropriate position and technique for remaining balanced on the board, your brain must work hard. As a result, it is an excellent mental workout.
Kneeboard Surfers Guide
The first thing we’ll discuss is how to get up on the kneeboard. Of course, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to it. We’re just trying to make it as simple as possible for you. So here are the actions:
- Take your board in the water and lie on it while facing down.
- Put your hands on the strap if you can.
- With one hand, grip the tow.
- Keep your torso upright and prostrate yourself. It’s a good idea to keep your torso somewhat forward.
- Make certain that your shins are kept flat.
- Over your thighs, fasten the strap.
Boarders adopt a variety of postures when laying down on the board. Some of them immediately clamber up and kneel. But leaping directly onto the board may not be as simple as it appears. Whatever your technique, I recommend putting your torso slightly in front of the board. It makes it easier to grab the strap.
When the board is on the plane water, you may squat to put your body in a posture that feels most natural to you. You can see which postures would be better for balancing you. You may swap your hands while grasping the rope to determine which one looks best with yours.
They must remain flat and comfy. When you’re confident the driver has correctly placed you and that you’re prepared to depart, tell him to accelerate. Begin your trip! Do not lean too far forward or backward. Otherwise, while speeding up, you will lose your balance and end up face-planting.
Make sure the harness is securely fastened over your thighs. For the first few times, go easy and at a slow speed. You will learn to balance yourself on the board with time.
Some Tricks
These methods are for those who have already mastered balancing on the board. This part is a bonus if you’ve already learned to balance yourself on the board.
- To turn in a smooth manner, simply tilt your shoulder and head to the side you wish to turn while continuing to do so gradually until you complete the movement. Do not bend your hands. Simply keep them straight. Tilt as little as necessary. You will ultimately fall if you tilt too far.
- This is a fun trick. It’s known as Jumping the Wake. This refers to leaping in the wake of the towing vessel. You will see backwater rippling from the rear of the towing vehicle. The wake is what you’re dealing with here. However, you must cut through it and go as far as possible. Walk to the front of the boat and make two parallel cuts on either side. Then, to enter the wake, leap back hard and cut straight back. When you’re close to the wake, tilt your body a bit. It will assist you in landing without injury.
- Another interesting aspect is Surface 360. It refers to turning around in a circular manner when boarding. When turning, you must generate and maintain momentum with your hands. If you’re turning right, release your right hand first. Insert the handle into your left hand, then turn around 360 degrees. Then simply withdraw your left hand and hold the handle with your right hand as you approach your neutral position. This isn’t very difficult, but it will take some time to get used to.
- Ollie is the name of this one. You must push your knees downward. It generates a down-force in the water. Then you use your legs to propel yourself upward, and jump off the surface. It’s a very simple and basic move.
- Now that you have learnt surface 360, we’ll learn how to ride backwards. It’s simple if you’ve already mastered surface 360. It’s just a 180-degree turn, after all. To the right side, start by gently side-rotating to one side. If you’re turning to the right, only release your right hand. Turn 180 degrees and come back to your neutral position. With your left hand, hold the handle. Pull your left hand as close to your waist as possible, then rotate until you’ve completely gone back. Hold the rope with both hands in order to complete a 90-degree turn and return to your neutral posture.
If you like doing these on kneeboard, I highly recommend that you try them. There are many more entertaining tricks including Wake Front-to-Back, Switch 3, Butter Slide, and The Olle. These are somewhat tough to learn and need a lot of practice.
Obtain the Right Equipment
Kneeboarding has several advantages. One of them is that it does not require a lot of pricey equipment. However, having the appropriate equipment, depending on your abilities and stature, is critical.
The first thing you need is a suitable kneeboard. The most important consideration for you is now the activity’s goal. Recreational and competitive kneeboards are two distinct sorts of kneeboards.
After that, you should look for board designs and construction. Recreational boards have one of the most basic features: they are rotationally molded. It allows beginners or novices to maneuver easily. These boards are usually hefty as well. If you drop a board because you’re a novice, this feature will allow it to float again after sinking.
The top of the line, professional or competitive boards are made from a lightweight, compressible foam that is more durable. These boards are only for expert boarders and skaters.
The next step is to choose the appropriate rope. If you believe that water skiing rope would be a suitable option for kneeboarding, I would advise you to reconsider. In the marketplace, there are various types of no-stretch, low-stretch ropes.
The two ropes have distinct materials and construction methods. Those who are learning how to sharpen their skills should utilize no-stretch ropes. Low-stretches are preferable for leisure boarders.
Furthermore, remember to measure the rope’s length and handles. Choose the rope length according to your own strength.
Kneeboarding vs. Kneeboard Surfing: What’s the Difference?
Kneeboard surfing is not the same as kneeboarding in certain ways. Kneeboard surfers most often perform their activities in the sea. The major distinction between these two water sports is that kneeboard surfing does not require any rope or towing, unlike kneeboarding.
The boarder uses either hands or knees to paddle. When it comes to surfing in the ocean, kneeboard surfers are generally professional. They must navigate a lot of 360-degree turns. Furthermore, they utilize their hands to execute smooth and effortless spins.
Correct kneeboarding requires learning how to properly position one’s body, distribute weight, and modify the upper-body posture while surfing in the ocean. Even if they differ in certain ways, both are fascinating.
There are some precautions you should take for your own safety.
- Always wear a life jacket.
- Before getting involved in any water activities, you should have a firm grasp on hand signals.
- As much as feasible, avoid face planting. Falling on your side or backwards might prevent you from suffering serious harm.
- Choose gear based on the goal of your activity (recreation/competitiveness) and skill level. Before heading out for kneeboarding, make sure your equipment is in good working order.
- Only after you are ready should you signal your towing boat to start taking off.
- Simply hold the handle with your hands. Do not strangle it to any other part of your body.
- Make sure you keep at least three feet away from other surfers, vehicles, and other boarders while surfing. It’s possible that it will cause an accident on rare occasions.
- Make sure the strap is properly wrapped around your thighs.
Kneeboarding is becoming less popular. It’s a fantastic method to lift your spirits. It’s simple to brighten your day up with it. People who have knee discomfort or joint ache should avoid it.
Some positions may be difficult on your knees when performing tricks. Strains, especially at the joints, are possible. So, if you have these problems, you should avoid doing the activity. But if you do not suffer from any of these health issues, I urge you to give it a try. It’s well worth a shot.
