A water-skiing tool known as a kneeboard is used for surfing on water. The term “kneeboarding” comes from the fact that surfers ride on a kneeling position in water. While being towed by ships or boats, they surf on the ocean, river, or even lake. Those who adore surfing will love this activity.
There are certainly dangers, and it is not a simple job for novices. However, grasping it is like experiencing the thrill of exploring. When kids get weary of tubing, learning how to kneeboard is frequently the next logical step in terms of water activities.
Kneeboarding is a sport that some people refer to as kneeboard surfing. This activity has been around for a long time. But it continues to interest audiences, much as it would if it were invented yesterday. Although kneeboarding may appear difficult for some individuals, it is never denied that a professional kneeboarder appears attractive.
I’ll provide you some basic information about how to get on a kneeboard, the steps you need to take, and what to watch for. If you’re a novice at this activity, this is the post for you. I’ll go through several fantastic kneeboarding hacks for beginners, as well as how to join it without any difficulties.
How to Ride a Kneeboard
- Start by lying flat on your stomach on the kneeboard and floating behind the boat’s centre.
- Grip the board on either side with your elbows resting on the kneepad. Your legs should be dangling in the water from behind the board.
- If you have a towrope handle on your kneeboard, connect it into the hook (which is common in modern kneeboards). Push your thumbs down on the towrope handle while grasping each side of the board if your kneeboard doesn’t feature a hook.
- Check that the tow rope between you and the back of the boat is taut and stretches out.
- Bring your knees up the board as the boat begins to move forward, until they are level with your elbows and positioned in the kneepads.
- If you’re comfortable, you can request that your driver pick up the pace. The weight and skill level of the rider determines the correct riding speed. If the boat speed is 5-8 MPH, for example, the kneeboarder’s weight should not exceed 50 lbs. For 8-12 MPH, a weight of 50-100 lbs is appropriate, while a speed of 12-16 MPH requires a weight of 100-150 lbs and 16-20 mph demands more than 150 pounds. When towing a kneeboarder, drivers must keep in mind their own speed as well as the size and capability of their passenger.
- Recline your upper body while looking forward. Reestablish a riding posture by shifting your weight back onto your heels. When you grab it, use both hands from the top and grasp the handle with fingers interlaced. Make sure your thumbs are beneath the handle and your arms are wrapped around it.
- After removing the towrope from the board’s hook, grasp it with your knuckles up and arms stretched out in front of you. Whether your kneeboard does not have a hook, follow the same procedure.
- If your kneeboard comes with a Velcro strap, wrap it around your legs to keep yourself secure on the board.
- When steering the kneeboard, put your head and shoulders in the direction you want to go. This will turn the board’s front end, allowing you to steer by applying pressure to the board’s edge.
Kneeboarding Equipment
The materials aren’t overly costly, especially when compared to a boat. Although some high-end boards might cost upwards of $400-$500, you don’t need much to get started.
You’ll need the following equipment in order to kneeboard:
- Kneeboards
- A safety jackets
- A towing rope
Additionally, you’ll need a suitable personal flotation device (PFD). Children can fall off a kneeboard and float in the sea because they are wearing a life jacket that stays put. There are several options to choose from, with bright colors preferred over darker tones.
Keep in mind that the boat driver is primarily responsible for the safety of his or her passengers. At all times, the boat driver must be aware of everything around him or her. Consider a head on a circle to grasp the concept.
Kneeboarders generally swing out widely away from the way you’re turning, so keep an eye out for coastlines, docks, trees, and other boats. The fewer traffic on the lake, the better when towing children on a kneeboard.
A kneeboard rope is needed to haul the rider, and they are available depending on the amount of up for towing. Most of the time, you’ll be tugging just one kneeboarder at a time with a tube rope. Ski ropes have a smaller “bend” than tube ropes.
The “bungee” function of some tube tow ropes is a kind of elastic shock absorber that gives the rope more energy-absorbing capacity. They are, however, unlikely to be useful or safe for towing kneeboarders.
The board, on the other hand, is made of polyethylene and is available in a variety of brands and styles. Some kneeboards, for instance, are designed to make the transition from kneeboarding to wakeboarding simpler.
The most popular kneeboards are made of polyester and feature cushioned shin areas as well as adjustable straps with hook-and-loop fastening strips. The good news is that there are hundreds of varieties when it comes to choosing a kid’s kneeboard. You have many options when purchasing a child’s kneeboard from the market.
Boats Used for Kneeboarding
Kneeboarding is fashionable since it may be done on nearly any type of boat. Bowriders, deck boats, ski and wake boats, and cruisers all work well. Wake boats are best for experienced riders because of the tricks they can perform off big wakes. Pontoon boats, on the other hand, are ideal for towing children on kneeboards.
If you want your riders to be able to pull off a deep-water starting, you’ll need more than a 25-hp motor. Because pontoon boats will eventually fall short of the mark as riders mature and improve, keep this in mind from the start.
Which KNEEBOARD Is Right for You? Competitive VS. Recreational
Most surfers will utilize a recreational kneeboard. Rotational molding is used to make the soft, spreading borders of this type of kneeboard. Recreational kneeboards are typically thicker and more airy than competition kneeboards, aiding in flotation if they go down. Beginners and young children will enjoy these boards since they are much simpler to control.
On the other hand, competitive kneeboards are focused on speed rather than comfort. Compression molding improves the edges of competitive kneeboards and reduces their weight and volume. Advanced riders may use these boards to begin deep-water because they are less buoyant than recreational kneeboards.
There are three types of kneeboards: traditional, hybrid, and performance (rocker). Some competitive kneeboards have a tiny curve on the bottom. It is easier to spin a board with a high rocker, but one with a low rocker is faster. If you want an more challenging experience, a competitive board is the way to go.
Kneeboards are available in a variety of shapes and sizes depending on the user’s experience level and age group. Kneeboards are made for various riders, which has an impact on the materials used as well as the designs. Let’s take a look at them quickly.
The bottoms of rookie boards are usually redrafted plastic, and their designs are specifically tailored. Compression molded center boards are more common.
A laminated bamboo core, a CNC-machined foam core, and a sandwich construction store the energy released when it departs from awake in boards for experienced or professional skiers.
Kneeboards are simply the next step in the evolution of construction techniques learned on skis and wakeboards. There’s a lot of science behind it. There is no such thing as a specialized kneeboard rack for storage, although wakeboarding racks with an extra-wide fork that can accommodate a kneeboard are available.
Boat Speeds on a Kneeboard
The short answer to determining the best boating speed is “whatever your rider is comfortable with,” but the sort of boat plays a role as well. As the boat’s speed rises, its wake size decreases, which means going faster isn’t always better. Keep it below 10 mph if you’re using a powerboat for small children, the minimal smooth pace at which they can launch and keep going.
The most recent data.
- Between the ages of 5 and 10, a student may drive at up to 10 mph (16 km/h) with supervision.
- From 10 to 15 mph for kids aged 10-13.
- The preferred age for a Powerleague speed skater is 15 years old. For 14- to 17-year-old children, the typical cruising speed is 20 mph.
- Riders must be at least 18 years old.
Conclusion
Kneeboarding is one of the most user-friendly types of water sports. It’s simple to begin with, but it gets more interesting as you learn more and even master the basics and some skills along the road.
Surfers who love going wild on the water will enjoy this. Of course, there are a lot of difficulties to overcome, and it is not simple for novices. Getting a handle on it, on the other hand, is like opening up a world of excitement.