If you are looking for an exclusive water sport that is part thrilling and part facile, Kneeboarding is your pick. With less physical effort than water skiing or wakeboarding, it is the perfect gateway to introduce people of all ages and skills to water sports.
Though Kneeboarding has its challenges, having proper kneeboards for your ability and size can make a key difference.
A family-oriented sport, it is enjoyable and exciting as you don’t have to pull yourself up in a standing position. The rider is pulled through with the help of a speedboat in the water, requiring less practice and strength. This makes it an excellent choice for even a novice or kid with little or no knowledge about water sports.
However, before you get started, of course, you will need boards. Here’s what you should know about them.
Recreational vs. Competitive
All kneeboards are part of two main categories – recreational and competitive. The former is designed for an occasional user or beginner. As such, they offer you a smooth and straightforward ride without much effort. Also, a recreational kneeboard is made with comfortable and forgiving material with wide edges for practical turning. This basic design also makes them a cheap pick.
Besides, if you feel ready for more challenge, slightly more advanced recreational boards, referred to as rotomolded, are there. These come with a thick base to enhance buoyancy and an ergonomic body for solid control and quick turns.
On the other hand, the competition kneeboard is meant for advanced boarders, perhaps at competitive levels. They are lighter and thinner than recreational ones allowing for quicker turning, faster speeds, and greater control for more impressive tricks. What’s greater, being less buoyant than the other board, it allows the user to ride in deep water.
Trick vs. Slalom Boards
Besides considering your board level, you will also have to consider the board style. This decision is based on the kind of Kneeboarding you are interested in engaging. A slalom board is built for those folks who prefer slalom riding to tricks. It features pointed edges with a smoothened underside to permit sharper turns. In addition, the design ensures you stick to the lake or ocean rather than allowing you time to pull off tricks.
In contrast, as its name suggests, a trick board is designed to pull off flips and spins. It has a curved underside to provide you with enough airtime to engage in different tricks.
Let’s not Forget About the Ropes
Selecting a suitable rope also plays a key role in your Kneeboarding experience.
Kneeboarders need a stiffer and lower stretch rope as compared to water skiers to pull off tricks. It will help you get more airtime to perform spins and flips.
You have two basic categories to choose from – multi-purpose and no-stretch. The former is a low-stretch rope usually made from polyethene that typically stretches in length around one per cent under an average load in Kneeboarding. Besides, if you engage in both Kneeboarding and skiing and are an occasional recreational user, this is your ideal pick.
Non-stretch ropes are made from Dyneema – a strong and no-stretch material. As such, they stretch under a normal load of only half a per cent.
The Bottom Line
Whether you are an adventure seeker or a novice, Kneeboarding is a great water sport with much to offer. At the basic level, you can ride through the water, and with time, grow your skills to perform tricks and stunts. As such, kneeboards for different level players are also available – beginner, intermediate, and advanced.
That said, Kneeboarding is a great stepping stone to exploring other water sports. Hopefully, the above-given details will help you make a good start.
