Kneeboarding is one of the best watersports to do in the summer. It’s a great way to learn how to ride the wake, but it also offers plenty of action for tricks and complicated maneuvers. If you love beach boards, then getting a kneeboard is a must.
Kneeboarding offers endless opportunities for fun. With the right kneeboard, you’ll be able to constantly push yourself, learn new tricks, and develop your skills.
We’ve put together the ultimate guide to finding your perfect kneeboard. We’ve listed some of the absolute best kneeboards, along with the most important buying tips to help you choose the right board for your needs and skill level.
What Is A Kneeboard
A kneeboard is a type of board designed for riding the wake of a boat. As the name suggests, the rider kneels down on these boards while holding a tow rope. Kneeboards have a padded top for comfortable kneeling, and a strap to hold the rider into position.
Kneeboarding is a great activity for all skill levels. If you are not experienced in watersports that ride the wake of a boat, then kneeboarding is one of the best options for beginners, because takeoffs and finding your balance are relatively easy.
What To Look Out For When Buying A Kneeboard
The type of kneeboard that you choose will have a major influence on your experience in the water. Here are a couple of important factors to consider to make sure you choose the right board for your needs.
Shape and Size
Kneeboards come in a range of different shapes and sizes – each one offering a different level of performance. Some boards have a symmetrical shape, some have rounded tips, some have flat edges. Each of these designs responds differently to the wake.
The main consideration is whether you want a beginner board or a performance board. Beginner boards are generally a bit thicker and flatter, with more stability. Performance boards could have various different curves and design features to make them more responsive to the rider’s movements.
Kneeling Pad
An important part of kneeboarding is comfort. If the top of the board is hard and uncomfortable, then you won’t have much fun on a fast, bumpy ride. To help with this, the board should have a padded top with comfortable knee wells. This should be a suitable size for whoever plans on riding the board.
Kneeboards also have adjustable straps to hold you firmly into place. The thicker and more padded these straps are, the better.
Fins and Bottom
The bottom of a kneeboard can vary. Some have flat bottoms, some have more rounded bottoms, and some have fins. This all affects the performance of the board.
Basically, boards with rounded edges and a rounded bottom are better suited for high-performance kneeboarding, while flatter boards are better for beginners. If the board has fins, turning and steering is sharper and easier.
Weight and Materials
Of course, you want the kneeboard to be as durable as possible. For this reason, make sure to buy kneeboards that are made from impact-resistant and corrosion-proof materials. This should be marine-grade for best results.
The materials also affect the weight of the board. Lightweight kneeboards are ideal for transport, storage, and easy use. Most kneeboarders prefer a lightweight board, which helps to make life a bit easier.
Hook
Some kneeboards come with a built-in hook to attach the tow rope to. This can be a useful feature for beginners who want to do easy hands-free starts. A hook is not an essential feature, but having one can be helpful, as it makes the board a bit more versatile in its uses.
7 Best Kneeboards
Ready to find the perfect kneeboard? We’ve listed and reviewed the seven best kneeboards available right now. These boards are perfect for all kinds of different riders and skill levels.
O’Brien Voodoo Kneeboard
- Integrated hook
- Padded adjustable strap
- Variable beveled edge
- Molded fins at each corner
This kneeboard by O’Brien is the ideal board for beginners thanks to the smooth and forgiving ride that it offers. The stable board allows you to really charge the wake and put the board on edge. You get loads of control and stability, making it the perfect platform to learn how to knee board and ride the wake.
The board includes a beveled edge with four molded fins. These fins on each corner add extra tracking to the water, to help with control and stability. There is an adjustable padded strap to keep you comfortable in place on the board. Riders can also roll from side to side due to the gentle curve at the bottom of the board.
To keep things comfortable, the O’Brien Voodoo kneeboard has a ¾” EVA pad. This is comfortably molded to fit your knees and ankles perfectly in place. There’s also a hook molded into the front of the board which allows you to do easy hands-free starts. Learning how to knee board couldn’t get any more comfortable or convenient.
Leader Accessories Kneeboard
- Corrosion-proof and marine-grade materials
- Molded-in hook
- EVA padding with deep knee wells
- Beveled edge
The Leader Accessories Kneeboard is a great choice for kneeboarders of all levels. This board offers the balance of comfort, fast cuts, and stability. You can easily learn to kneeboard on this comfortable and stable board, or you can use it for more advanced maneuvers. If you’re looking for a good value kneeboard that everyone will enjoy riding, then this is a great choice.
This kneeboard is made from highly durable corrosion-proof and marine-grade materials. This is finished off with a heavy-duty EVA adjustable strap and a deep EVA foam pad. Not only is it really comfortable to kneel on this board, but you also get total control. The strap makes sure that you are firmly positioned and able to make any kind of turns and cuts that you need to. The deep walls on the knee pad also help to make bouncy rides more comfortable.
The board has a beveled edge which allows you to make fast cuts while maintaining stability. Riders can also make use of the molded-in hook, which can handle hands-free starts. This is great for beginners. Overall, this is a durable and versatile kneeboard that will suit all kinds of riders.
Maxflo Knee Board
- Lightweight aerodynamic design
- Heavy-duty padded strap
- Versatile for all ages and sizes
- Corrosion-proof marine-grade materials
With an advanced aerodynamic design, this is a premium kneeboard that makes riding a different experience. The board is incredibly lightweight, with its thin profile. Even though it weighs under 9lbs, it still uses a rigid build to offer great performance. Easily take this board wherever you want to go, and easily store it in your boat. The size and performance relationship with this board is excellent.
The board is perfect for all ages and rivers of all sizes. It has an integrated hook to make it possible to do easy hands-free takeoffs. The EVA contoured pad offers plenty of depth and room for comfortable kneeling, no matter how bumpy the ride is. The board is also made from marine-grade, corrosion-resistant materials.
Maxflo is a great brand for watersports, and this kneeboard is no exception. The versatile, lightweight, and durable board will be a perfect addition to any boat.
Barley Kneeboard With Hook Strap
- W-shape tip and tail
- Deep EVA knee pad
- Integrated handle hook
- Marine-grade corrosion-resistant material
This kneeboard by Barley is a slightly more advanced model with some excellent performance features. The board has a professional roto-molded fin design to support all kinds of tricks and turns on the water. The W-shaped tail makes it easier to release the board from the wake. This all comes together for smooth turning and total control.
The board is made from LLDPE and EVA materials which are seriously durable. They’re also really lightweight, which makes the board easy to carry and maneuver. The deep EVA knee pad has plenty of space for comfortable kneeling on bumpy rides. This pad, combined with the adjustable strap, also makes sure that you are always firmly held into position. This is important for making sharp, comfortable turns.
Even though the board supports great maneuverability, it’s also completely beginner-friendly. This makes it a versatile choice for all kinds of kneeboarders.
SereneLife Kneeboard
- Marine-grade and corrosion-proof materials
- Form-fitting knee slots for all ages
- Adjustable safety strap
- Lightweight and compact design
The SereneLife kneeboard is perfect for beginners and pros alike. This board follows an ultra-lightweight design. It’s easy to transport and pack away in your car or boat. It’s also really durable with its corrosion-proof and marine-grade materials.
This kneeboard is comfortable for all ages to use, thanks to its deep form-fitting kneeling pad on top. This is soft enough to provide plenty of comfort while you’re riding. Beginners can enjoy the hook to assist with easy hands-free starts.
This kneeboard has all of the features you need for a fun and comfortable ride. It’s got a thick adjustable strap, a durable and lightweight design, and a comfortable kneeling pad. Whether you want to attempt a few tricks or just cruise in the wake, then this board will work well.
Hydroslide Havoc Kneeboard
- Patented ultra-thin profile design
- Deep EVA knee wells
- Water tension relief design
- Patented hydro hook tow point
If you’re looking for a performance kneeboard, then this would be a good choice. The Hydroslide Havoc kneeboard is designed for adults who want to get the most out of their board. Its progressive edge is round in the midsection and sharp at the end, which allows the board to maneuver and cut really hard. There’s a special water tension relief design at the bottom of the board to help it be more responsive and easy to turn.
Beyond the performance shape and design, this kneeboard is still full of all the great features you want. It’s got a comfortable EVA padded deck with deep knee wells, a 3-inch padded strap, and a special hook tow point for hands-free kneeboarding.
HO Joker Kneeboard
- Square tip and tail shape
- 2-stage rocker design
- Locking edge channels
- Dual-density knee pad
High-performance kneeboards don’t get much better than this. The HO Joker kneeboard may look intimidating with its eye-catching design, but this board is a total pleasure to ride. It’s designed for performance and has all the features you need for shredding.
The square tip and tail shape, combined with the 2-stage rocker design helps to maximize the pop off all wake sizes. The symmetrical profile is easy to maneuver around. It also has locking edge channels to make sure you have the ultimate ride.
Comfort is also a major factor in the kneeboard. There is a deep dual-density knee pad to keep you in the right position. This fits all sizes for a comfortable ride. The kneeboard is a top choice for beginners and shredders alike.
The Coolest Kneeboard Tricks
You can just sit back and cruise in the wake, but you can also do all kinds of tricks when kneeboarding. Here are some of the most awesome tricks you can do while kneeling in the water.
- Turning: A simple but important trick that involves sharply turning and changing your direction in the wake.
- Ollie: When you jump into the air without using the wake.
- Jumping the wake: When you propel yourself up into the air and over the wake.
- Surface 180: When you do a 180-degree turn while riding on the surface of the water.
- Surface 360: When you do a 360-degree turn while riding on the surface of the water.
- Butter slide: When you turn the board sideways and ride with your body parallel to the surface,
- Wake 360 front-to-front: When you quickly spin at 360 degrees in the wake after releasing tension in the tow rope.
- Backroll: To position yourself on the edge of the wake and ride the wake holding this position.
- Front flip: Boosting into the air over the wake, and performing a front flip while suspended in the air.
Where Can You Buy A Knee Board
Kneeboards should be available at any good watersports or boating store. Just be aware that there are many different types of kneeboards available, and you won’t always get a very wide selection in most stores. This is why it’s best to buy a kneeboard online, as you get the best possible selection available.
Conclusion
If you love watersports, or are interested in riding a wake for the first time, then a kneeboard is a great thing to own. Kneeboarding is an activity that kids and adults can enjoy, regardless of skill levels.
Make sure that you choose a kneeboard that suits your needs. There are loads of different options out there, so pay attention to the details. This will make a big difference in your overall kneeboarding experience.
FAQ’s
Should a kneeboard have fins?
Some kneeboards have fins and some don’t. The fins improve the steering and turning abilities of the board. They aren’t essential, but they are nice to have for those wanting a bit more performance.
Do kneeboards have a weight limit?
This varies depending on the specific board. A weight limit of around 350 pounds is fairly common for kneeboards.
How much do knee boards weigh?
This depends on the board and the materials it’s made from. Heavier kneeboards are usually around 15 pounds, while some lightweight kneeboards weigh under 9 pounds.
What is easier, kneeboarding or wakeboarding?
For the total beginner, kneeboarding is generally easier. This is because the takeoff requires less from the rider and a kneeboard is generally easier to balance on. Kneeboards can also have hooks built-in for hands-free takeoffs.