Kneeboarding is a water sport that involves comparable skills and traits to surfing, water skiing, and wakeboarding. In some regions, it’s known as “Tow Sport,” since the rider is towed behind a motorboat while riding on the buoyant board.
Kneeboarding is a fantastic sport for people who like the water and want to feel like superstars as they fly through the waves. In addition, because you’re closer to the water surface while kneeboarding, even if you fall off, there’s less of a chance of being injured.
A kneeboard is just like surfing or skiing in that you may perform impressive moves. The following are some examples of kneeboarding skills:
- Turning
- Jumping the wake
- Surface 360
- Wake front-to-back
- Backroll
- Frontflip
As a beginner, it’s important to start with the first two techniques. After you’ve practiced and refined these two for a while, you may proceed to more advanced and ambitious moves with caution.
Top picks for the beginners
Kneeboarding is a simple and easy sport to learn, in general. Kneeboards are less dangerous for you than some of the other water sports as long as you remain on your knees.
After that, if you’re looking to try skateboarding as a novice, you’ll need to choose beginner-friendly kneeboards. This will aid you in navigating and maintaining balance on the board considerably more smoothly.
There are a number of kneeboards available that may be used by beginners. In this article, we’ve compiled a list of our top 5 favorites for you.
Thunder wave kneeboard from Serenelife
Specifications and Features:
- Dimensions: 50 x 20 x 4.5 inches
- Weight: 9 lbs.
- Hard foam padding
This kneeboard by Serenelife can be a fantastic companion for you if your objective is to have a lightweight kneeboard that allows you to quickly acclimate to the activity. This board was created with a hook on it so that you may use the tow rope. When you’re just getting started, this makes for a smooth transition.
The board has a beautiful design and is made of high-quality materials, which means it will last a long time and perform well. They are corrosion-proof, marine-grade substances that not only give excellent performance but also ensure ultra-lightweight for easy handling.
The board’s foundation is sturdy and floats in the most comfortable positions. The lightness of the board ensures that it keeps floating stably, instead of being deposited on the water surface by accident.
This board is a nearly perfect one for giving you outstanding stability and a silky ride all the way through. The board’s build and structure allow riders at every skill level to ride it.
Xspec kneeboard with a hook strap
Specifications and 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
- Quad molded fins
- Stable base
- Soft cushioning effect
- Easy-start aquatic hook
- Durable shell with eps core
If you’re a beginner, one of the most popular alternatives might be the Xspec kneeboard with a hook strap. This is an excellent board to learn kneeboarding on. However, it does not restrict its longevity, since it is an outstanding board for serious users when they are far more adjusted to kneeboarding.
This one is inspired by water skiing and wakeboard. As a result, it performs well on any water surface. You also receive added support and protection from the EVA cushioned straps and excellent support from the knee straps, which helps you to enjoy hands-free positioning with precision.
Kneeboard accessories
Specifications and Features:
- Dimensions: 50.8 x 20.5 x 4.7 inches
- Weight: 12.1 lbs.
- ¾” EVA padding.
- 3” padded straps for control.
If you’re looking for a strange-looking board for beginners, this one from Leader Accessories will be ideal. This model allows you to have an easy time as a novice skier.
It is beveled on the edge, allowing it to swiftly cut through the water and settle low on the surface. This will assist you in maintaining control of your skateboard while riding.
This longboard comes with a comfortable EVA foam padding, which is both durable and keeps you steady. It also includes an adjustable padded strap for the most comfortable stances during every trick. This board may be used by novices as well as experts, who can execute difficult moves with it.
Tips for the Beginners
Stretching or warming up the body
This is especially true for sports and other heavy physical activities, in which you must prepare your body before getting down to business. This allows your body to adapt to the rigorous demands of a strenuous physical strain. Otherwise, you’ll put yourself in harm’s way.
Use the ideal board and rope
Having the appropriate gear that is appropriate to your ability level is critical. This allows you to make consistent progress on all of your skill sets. You should have a modest goal in mind for enhancing your game level.
Figure out your ideal speed
Getting the appropriate kneeboard and lines, as well as riding at your preferred speed, are all crucial. Even if a rider is in the same weight class and has the same riding style, not every individual will be comfortable with the same speed range. So experiment to see what works for you.
Look forward
Keep your eyes straight ahead and maintain balance from there. This may not appear to be a major point, but you will be surprised at how much your sight affects your balance on the wobbly water surface. As a result, you should keep your eyes fixed forward and maintain your balance there.
Maintain proper posture
Having the appropriate posture on the board, particularly while looking ahead and concentrating, will be really beneficial to your balance. Having a good position will also help you avoid injuries and other hazards. Your body should be flexible when moving but solid and straight.
Another rule of thumb is to keep your back straight; this will help you align your waist and shoulders.
Pick the perfect beginner’s kneeboard
When it comes to choosing a kneeboard, as a beginning sailor, you will have various requirements than an expert. The following are the most significant features to search for:
Affordability
Unless you’re determined to become a kneeboarding master, your first kneeboard does not need to be high-end. Even at a low price, you can get a basic kneeboard that will assist you in learning the basics of kneeboarding.
The price of a kneeboard, however, will vary depending on its design, type, material, and even brand. It’s best to figure out how much you’re willing to spend on your kneeboard before looking elsewhere. You may get rid of a lot more products if you stick within a certain budget.
Type
There are two types of kneeboards available: recreational and competitive. It’s a no-brainer for a beginner to invest in a recreational kneeboard. Even if you want to compete professionally one day, start with a recreational kneeboard. There are several reasons why I feel this is crucial.
Kneeboards for recreational use are softer, better suited for spins, and more buoyant. This allows you to get a grip on kneeboarding far quicker than on a competitive board. Additionally, this sort of kneeboard is less expensive.
Style
There are two types of kneeboards to choose from. The first is known as slalom. If you want to learn slalom boarding, this is the style to pick. These are boards with more pointed edges that will make turns easier.
A trick style board is best for individuals who want to learn and perform tricks more than anything else. They have rounded corners as well as a round base. To prevent injury, make sure your board has a pointed tip.
Design features
Fins
Fins make it easier to turn. You’ll be choosing a recreational board as a beginner, and they’re likely to have fins. A kneeboard with fins will be simpler to use.
Kneeboards come in a variety of styles. Some are detachable, while others are molded to the bottom and never removed. Retractable fins may be found on some modern kneeboards. The third choice is more suited for people who don’t like removing fins.
Rockers
To a novice, this may appear to be complicated and strange, but rocker numbers are essential. The term refers to the degree of curvature on a kneeboard’s foundation. A continuous rather than two- or three-stage rocker is preferable for novices.
The rocker number is very important in the operation of your kneeboard. A higher number allows you to readily turn the board. However, if the number is lower, you will be able to move it faster. Look for a kneeboard with a rocker number between five and six as a beginner.
Extra features
Knee pads, knee straps, a hook, bottom channels, and an edge profile should all be investigated. I really suggest you get a kneepad with a hook. It allows beginners to have better control over their board. You should search for a retractable hook if you want greater safety.
Knee straps that are either single or double locking are available. They keep your knees locked to the board and you should get one that feels right to you. Single-layer, moderately thick knee pads are ideal for beginners. Single-layered knee pads are typically preferable for novices.
Material
Kneeboards made of polyurethane filled rotomolded plastic are quite popular, and they’re the most convenient for a beginner for a number of reasons, including price and simplicity of use. Higher-end kneeboards are more commonly constructed from fiberglass or wood, but they’re better suited to competitive usage.
FAQs
IS KNEEBOARDING A DIFFICULT SPORT?
Kneeboarding, which is one of the most popular aquatic activities, is perhaps the simplest and most accessible. It’s not difficult to get started, so anyone can do it with ease. Knee boarding is not only a simple but also a lot of fun and exciting sport, and you have the opportunity to improve your game as you progress.
IS KNEEBOARDING AN IDEAL FORM OF WORKOUT?
Kneeboarding is a type of freestyle snowboarding that involves the full body’s muscle. It also necessitates significant physical strength from your arms and legs to maintain balance while riding. Kneeboarding is a complete body toning exercise that helps your muscles grow from the amount of power and resistance they acquire while kneeboarding. So, if your goal is to develop a stronger overall body structure, kneeboarding can be beneficial.
WHAT IS THE IDEAL SPEED OF KNEEBOARDING?
It does not imply that. You may have a weight restriction on your kneeboard, such as 120 or 150 pounds, however it is only applicable to that specific kneeboard and even then it is not a hard limit. The weight limitation is mainly in place to allow you to mount the kneeboard.
If you’re 150 pounds and buy a kneeboard with a weight limit of 120 pounds, you may have difficulty fitting in the board and performing complicated tricks and turns. However, if you choose to simply cruise along casually, there won’t be any major issues for you.
IS THERE A WEIGHT LIMIT FOR KNEEBOARDING?
It does not imply that. You may have a weight restriction on your kneeboard, such as 120 or 150 pounds, however it is only applicable to that specific kneeboard and even then it is not a hard limit. The weight limitation is mainly in place to allow you to mount the kneeboard.
If you’re 150 pounds and buy a kneeboard with a weight limit of 120 pounds, you may have difficulty fitting in the board and performing complicated tricks and turns. However, if you choose to simply cruise along casually, there won’t be any major issues for you.
