What did we do before the invention of the Kneeboard?
Long before there were kneeboards, there were bodyboards. The inventors of the Kneeboard created something that made it easier for surfers to ride waves and so find new challenges.
The world of kneeboarding has changed dramatically over time and so has the equipment. Nowadays, we have lighter boards and cheaper designs, giving surfers and bodyboarders everywhere a cheaper option and more choices.
In this article we’ll help you pick out the best kneeboard for you, giving you the low down on the boards in this list, helping you figure out the best one for beginner kneeboarders, the best one for intermediate surfers, and the best floating kneeboards on the market that might just make it easier for you to learn how to surf.
For something easier to transport, you can even find some of the best inflatable surfboards on the market to consider too.
These are the best Kneeboards to consider for your adventures.
| Name | Category | Product |
|---|---|---|
| ZUP You Got This 2.0 Board and 1.5 Handle Combo | Best Overall |  |
| SereneLife Water Sport Kneeboard | Budget Pick |  |
| AIRHEAD WAKE SHAKER Kneeboard | Upgrade Pick |  |
1. ZUP You Got This 2.0 Board and 1.5 Handle Combo
Pros:
- Great for beginners
- Compact
- Comes fully assembled
Cons:
- Heavy
- Not great for trick boarding (may not be an actual issue, this is just what other customers said)
Our top pick is the Zup YGT this is because it’s a great option for beginners as it’s easy to learn, easy to find, and has great features.
The YLT kneeboard features a clever design, a concaved deck that makes it easier to grip, and a twin-fin setup for increased stability. The twin fins are also designed to provide a balanced push when it comes to carving. Also, with the concave deck, it’s easier to hold onto, even for beginners.
The concave deck design makes this sophisticated kneeboard easy to grip. It’s a pretty simple kneeboard to learn on, so even if you’ve never tried kneeboarding before, you should have little trouble getting the hang of it.
2. Driftsun Crush Kneeboard
Pros:
- Easy to assemble
- Perfect for kids
- Ideal for kids
Started in 1994, Driftsun is one of the leading children’s sports equipment manufacturers in the U.S. Some of the products they’re known for include children’s products and knee boards. Their knee boards are made to help beginners have a fun learning experience.
3. Hydroslide Magna Kneeboard
Pros:
- Designed for you to simply slide in and strap up
- Our favorite kneeboard for a lot of riders
- Lightweight
- Includes a detachable wrist leash and has a clasp on the back to hold your hand
- Affordable
- Includes a pull string to secure it to the board
Cons:
- Lacks of multiple pockets
- No cam buckle or Velcro
When it comes to kneeboard design for everyone there are very few water sports companies more respected and popular than Hydroslide. With a reputation for manufacturing quality equipment that riders of all ages, skill and ability can enjoy, Hydroslide has now re-engineered one of its most loved kneeboard for a whole new generation of riders. Just released this year, the Hydroslide Magna Kneeboard arrives at an incredibly affordable price point but offers all of the features and functionality that you would expect from a quality model.
This is our favorite board for flat water touring and with Hydroslides new Magna model all you will have to do is step in, wrap the wide velcro straps around your knees and securely tighten down the lever clasp waist belt. Don’t forget to attach the detachable wrist leash to your wrist and adjust the board to how you would like it and you’re set to go.
4. SereneLife Water Sport Kneeboard
Pros:
- The size is suitable for most people
- You can easily adjust it to any fit height
- You can easily adjust it to your preferred fit angles
- It is compact, making it easy to pack up and carry
Body Surfing & SUPing.
Our top pick is the SereneLife knee board with a hook, which is suitable for both kids and adults. When buying a kneeboarding hook, it is important to observe the weight of the user. If you are young, or you’re buying this product for a kid, then it is best to pick one with a weight limit of 50 lbs. When picking one for an adult or teenager, you should ensure that it has a weight limit of at least 100 lbs.
A kneeboarding hook should also be able to provide reliable support during its use. It should offer a strong, solid base to stand on. Look for a hook with a foam-filled, thickly padded base. This type of base will provide you with sure footing and help to keep your knees comfortable as you use the product for hours on end.
5. O'Brien Black Magic Kneeboard
Pros:
- Nice colors and design
- Comfortable
The design is nice. It is in a striking black color with a green knee pad and a yellow handle.
The quality is solid and the price is much cheaper than other kneeboards. Even kids can use it, it is very stable and comfortable.
The velcro that they use for the knee strap is good. The knee pad is also big and comfortable which makes it easy to center your foot during tricks.
6. AIRHEAD WAKE SHAKER Kneeboard
Pros:
- Lightweight
- Durable knee pad
- Stable platform
- Stable rubber padded feet
- Great for beginners and experienced riders
- Affordable
- Well-packaged
- Easy to carry
The AIRHEAD WAKE SHAKER Kneeboard is specially designed to allow you to enjoy kneeboarding at a lower cost. This non-slip and durable pad provides everyone from beginners to seasoned riders a stable platform from which to enjoy kneeboarding. All of its parts are molded from a nylon carbonate making the Kneeboard lightweight, yet sturdy. It weighs only 3.7 pounds and measures 17.8 x 7.1 x 9.8 inches. It is designed to fit the legs of a person up to 6 feet. Customers like how easy the AIRHEAD WAKE SHAKER Kneeboard is to carry and how comfortable the durable knee pad is.
The AIRHEAD WAKE SHAKER Kneeboard comes with an adjustable padded knee strap. It also comes with an adjustable rubber ankle strap and has a padded handle as well. There are no tools needed to put the board together.
7. Hydro Slide Nash Mfg 2164 Kneeboard Razorback
Pros:
- Very comfortable
- Durable
- Comes with a tether for safety
Cons:
- Straps may feel tight
- There’s an additional cost for the knee pads
- There’s an earlier model that has a Velcro strap around the foot
(Military Edition)
The Hydro Slide Nash Mfg 2164 is also named the Razorback Military Edition Kneeboard and is designed in the U.S.A. It comes with genuine CORDURA nylon for increased durability and to help keep the knee pad in place if you fall. It’s what distinguishes the military version from the other Hydro Slide knee boards. For example, the latter has a Velcro strap around the foot for added security.
This knee board is very comfortable and features a knee cup pad that is lined with neoprene and a belt to keep the device in place. The metal buckles are not very strong and may need to be replaced in the future. The buckles can also be tightened using a wrench so that you can get the best possible fit. The makers recommend cold water for washing, and they suggest you never put in a clothes dryer.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the best kneeboard?
The best kneeboard is the one that allows you to navigate through your flight training the easiest. It does not really matter what type of kneeboard you use as long as it gets you from point to point a lot faster.
It is important to make sure that your kneeboard is properly sized to you. A kneeboard that is too large or too small will not work for kneeboarding because you are using it as a stand for your computer and kneeboard. In addition, if the kneeboard is too big, it will be harder to maneuver and move around. A kneeboard that is too small will be uncomfortable and limit your mobility.
Your kneeboard should be able to provide enough of a comfortable grip as well. You are going to be using it for a bit of time, and you do not want any discomfort. Make sure that the materials your kneeboard is made from are comfortable.
How do I choose a kneeboard?
There are several factors that you’ll want to take into consideration before choosing a particular board.
Boards are either 1-piece or 2-piece. A 2-piece board consists of the board and the attachable bindings. One piece boards do not have this feature, and they’re easier to handle. On the other hand, if go with a 2-piece board you’ll have a lot more style options.
You want a board that will feel comfortable both on and off the water. This is also an essential feature if you’re looking for an kneeboard that can be used for other water sports like surfing. The brand provides some detail about the board’s thickness and design, as well as what hours of water sports they’re best suited for.
How should a beginner ride a kneeboard?
This video guide shows the basics of how to use a kneeboard.
The best kneeboard is one for which you have lots of room and freedom in the knees – as a beginner, you will appreciate this more and more as you progress and start more advanced moves and tricks.
Before going on the kneeboard (or any board), check that you are wearing the right safety equipment – you should be wearing some sort of water footwear, and you will also need a wetsuit, depending on the water temperature and your own body temperature when you are out surfing.
Make sure the wetsuit goes right up to the top of your thighs and also covers your arms.
The next step is to get on the kneeboard and make sure you have the right equipment (wetsuit and water shoes) before you just paddle out. You don't want to be paddling out in the wrong equipment before you've even started!
How do you kneeboard without a hook?
Before you read this article, Please Check out our 2019 Chines take on the top 4 kneeboards in the market.
I reckon you question yourself many times, “How do I kneeboard without a hook?” while searching for kneeboard in the market.
Knee boarding without a hook is unique to a specific kind of kneeboard known as the Wave Board. This specific knee board has a trough which is designed to hold the rider’s feet. This trough will allow you to use your knees to keep your water stance.
The most comfortable kneeboard for beginners are the Wave Board because of the specialized equipments.
My first kneeboard or water ski was without a hook, and my experience is the Wave Board which I have owned from a local Jo Ann’s craft store.
Conclusion
If you’re suffering from knee pain, you may benefit from a kneeboard. Often used in combination with a pool noodle, or foam pad, a kneeboard can add support and reduce stress on the knees of the swimmer. They are especially useful for swimmers that have just recently been diagnosed with knee pain. In fact, they are well-liked by other swimmers to help them ease knee pain, regardless of whether it was recently diagnosed or not. As a bonus, these boards are visually appealing and can be used by more than just swimmers. Some are even made for use in the water, but many are suitable for use on land.
Our Recommendation
| Name | Category | Product |
|---|---|---|
| ZUP You Got This 2.0 Board and 1.5 Handle Combo | Best Overall | |
| SereneLife Water Sport Kneeboard | Budget Pick | |
| AIRHEAD WAKE SHAKER Kneeboard | Upgrade Pick | |