For all those who can’t stay out of the water, kneeboarding is usually on their bucket list. Starting your journey with the best kneeboard for beginners will allow you to have a safe and exhilarating experience right from the get-go. Children and novice enthusiasts may not want to begin with a challenging sport such as windsurfing or wakeboarding, which is why kneeboarding is an excellent option as it offers the ideal middle ground. You can perform different tricks, learn new techniques, and become a master of balancing on your knees—but only with the right equipment. The premium kneeboards we have listed here are especially suited to beginners. They won’t keep you from falling as you practice, and you are less likely to injure yourself with these kneeboards. So, check them out.

9 Best Kneeboards For Kids And Beginners

1. SereneLife Thunder Wave Water Sport Kneeboard SLKB10

Experience the thunder with this 50 inches long and 20 inches wide kneeboard as you surf through the water. Weighing a little less than 9 pounds, it’s easily portable and can fit snugly into your vehicle. It features an adjustable strap to hold you on to the kneeboard, which is especially important if you are a novice. It also features a hook that is designed to hold the tow rope handle while kneeboarding as well as deep knee slots that make kneeling comfortable. This kneeboard is ideal for children, beginners, and adults as it’s strong and durable and is made of marine-grade, water-resistant, and corrosion-proof materials. Pros

Lightweight Universal board design for all age groups Stable floating base Hassle-free setup Made of reinforced polyurethane

Cons

The cushion may put excessive pressure on the shin.

 

2. O’Brien VooDoo Kneeboard With Hook

Ignite your sense of adventure with this convenient and easy-to-use kneeboard. It is ideal for those kneeboarding for the first time as the tow rope hook, which is molded into the board, makes it a lot easier to get up on the board as you don’t have to hold on to the rope. The molded fins give you excellent control and don’t require getting in and out of the wake as they offer extra tracking on the water. You can make smooth and quick transitions, thanks to the curved underside that allows the board to roll from one edge to the other. The ¾-inch thick EVA padding is plush and kind to your knees and ankles. The 3 inches cushioned and adjustable strap keeps you secure and comfortable and helps to control the kneeboard better. Pros

Quad molded fins Variable beveled edge Allows easy control Measures 51.25 x 22 inches

Cons

The molded fins do not allow you to perform 360° or board backwards.

 

3. Leader Accessories Kneeboard With Integrated Hook – Blue

This brightly colored kneeboard is the go-to for beginners because of its durability, sturdiness, and stability. It has an incredibly comfortable ¾-inch thick EVA foam padding with deep knee wells that keep your knees happy. A heavy-duty, 3-inch thick padded and adjustable strap gives kneeboarders fantastic control during all maneuvers. Its unique beveled edge sits low in the water and makes fast cuts while staying completely stable. It features a molded hook that allows for a hands-free and convenient start as all you need to do is attach the tow rope and you are ready to go. Get ready to start your kneeboarding adventure on a river, lake, or beach with this kneeboard! Pros

Corrosion-proof Marine-grade waterproof materials Works well for all skill levels Measures 50 x 20 inches

Cons

The screws may require frequent tightening.

 

4. Xspec Water Sport Kneeboard With Hook – Aqua

This incredibly innovative kneeboard is a combination of features of a wakeboard and a water ski, exponentially enhancing its performance. The comfort, strength, and durability of this kneeboard is enhanced because of its foam interior and high-density polyurethane exterior. It also features cupped, moulded fins which allow you to perform tricks and also gives you an easy and smooth ride. It comes equipped with deep knee wells that are padded with EVA foam with reinforced knee strap brackets. The attached hook holds the handle of the tow rope so that your hands are free to help you get on the board while the adjustable safety strap holds you secure on the board. Great for both beginners and professionals, it can be used in all kinds of water bodies. Pros

Quad molded fins Marine-grade water-resistant construction Corrosion-resistant material Adjustable 3 inches padded knee strap Stable and buoyant base EPS core with rotomolded shell

Cons

Limited color options

 

5. Maxflo Water Sport Kneeboard

The slim and sturdy build of this aerodynamically designed kneeboard allows it to skim through the water, and it can be used in rivers, lakes, or the ocean. This lightweight kneeboard, which weighs slightly less than 9 pounds, can be carried anywhere you want and is also convenient to store when not in use. A heavy-duty, padded, adjustable strap will ensure that you stay safe on the board, while the contoured and soft EVA pad will keep your knees protected and comfortable. Its beveled edge sits low in the water and enables it to make fast cuts without losing its stability. Measuring 50 x 20 inches, this kneeboard is perfect for both children and adults. Pros

Superior quality Reinforced engineered polyurethane exterior Marine-grade water-resistant material Corrosion-resistant construction

Cons

No color options

 

6. Ho Joker Kneeboard

Considered to be one of the high-performance kneeboards, it has an interesting and fun look with its comic graphics. Its symmetrical profile features both a square tip and tail which, along with its 2-stage rocker design, does wonders for its performance. The locking edge channels allow your kneeboard to take off and land softly on the water. It also features dual-density knee pads which take the pressure off your knees while kneeboarding. A powerlock single locking knee strap has been added for convenience and comfort. It also offers the option of 2 knee strap locations depending on what works best for you. Combining style and performance, this might be just the kneeboard for you!  Pros

Versatile Can be used by both beginners and serious shredders Measures 58 x 25 x 6 inches Weighs 15 pounds

Cons

Some may feel it could be more durable.

 

7. Zup You Got This All-In-One Kneeboard – Blue

If versatility is what you are looking for, this is the board to go for as it can be used as a wakesurf board, wakeboard, boogie board, tube, water ski, and of course, a kneeboard. It features integrated side handles that give you incredible grip because they are covered with soft rubber, and allow you to direct the board in whichever direction you want. Experienced  kneeboarders can use this board to surf, carve, spin, and perform acrobatics. Highly durable, this board can last for years and gives you a very comfortable ride with its EVA foam padding. It also features an in-built tow handle that comes with a 60-foot tow rope, and allows you to get on and transition from a kneeling to standing position without holding on. Pros

Durable Great learning board ABS moulded construction Suitable for all skill levels and ages

Cons

Some may find it a bit heavy for kids.

 

8. Hydroslide Revolution Kneeboard

Ride hassle-free with the Hydroslide revolution kneeboard. Unlike regular kneeboards, this kneeboard comes with a thin profile to offer a great experience. The spoon shape design offers effortless cruising, and the deep knee wells with an EVA pad make the rider comfortable. The three-inch padded strap secures the rider to the board, offering excellent control and balance. Furthermore, the Hydrohook design with spring-loaded action makes it a great option for beginners. Pros

Spoon shape design Smooth ride Deep knee wells Padded strap

Cons

Strap may not be durable

 

9. O’Brien Black Magic Kneeboard

If you are looking for a kneeboard that’s ideal for your whole family, this is just the product for you. It features a legendary retractable fin system that is operated by a cable and a removable aquatic hook, and that makes it the ideal kneeboard for learners and inexperienced riders. It can be used by both children and adults very easily because of its perfect size. The bottom of the board is smoothly contoured to add to its comfort and stability. It also features a 3 inches thick padded strap to ensure that you stay on the board safely while kneeboarding. Have the time of your life with your family and the added adventure of kneeboarding with this kneeboard! Pros

Extra wide body Durable material Corrosion-resistant Water-resistant

Cons

May not be ideal for experts and professionals

  Now that you have been through our review of the 9 best kneeboards for beginners and kids, let us give you a few pointers on what to keep in mind while picking one up so that your kneeboarding experience is both safe and thrilling.

How To Choose The Right Kneeboard For Beginners And Kids

Material

Kneeboards are generally made of lightweight materials like plastic or fiberglass. Kids and beginners should start with plastic kneeboards as they are softer, have wider edges, are more floatable, and are generally easy to control. On the other hand, fiberglass boards have a foam or polyurethane core, are stiffer, and have edges that are sharper. These sharp edges make it simpler to perform tricks.

Type of kneeboard

Your first choice is whether you want to go for a recreational or competitive kneeboard. For beginners, a recreational board would make sense as they have a thick rotational molding and wider edges so that handling them becomes much easier. These boards are also more buoyant and can withstand rough treatment. Competitive kneeboards, on the other hand, are for more advanced riders as they have sharper edges, are lightweight, compression moulded, and may come equipped with fins or rockers for better speed and maneuvering. Both recreational and competitive kneeboards can come in 2 different styles— slalom or trick kneeboards. Slalom boards come equipped with sharper edges so that they turn well and give a better ride while trick boards are more rounded in shape and are perfect for flips and stunts. Your choice of board will depend on what you hope to achieve as a kneeboarder.

Kneeboard hooks

These are very important for kids and beginners as the tow rope can be attached to it and  they can be pulled by a boat while they are still finding their feet on the kneeboard. More advanced kneeboarders don’t need to depend on it, but it’s a must for beginners.

Safety and comfort

Padding on the knees and an adjustable safety strap are again mandatory for kids and beginners. As all the pressure is on the knees, it’s important that there is comfortable padding there, and an adjustable safety strap will ensure that you stay on the board while you are still learning. Fins are usually found on more expensive models and give the kneeboarder more control as they keep the board moving in a straight line. Retractable fins are the best option as you can extend them when you require extra help with tracking, and retract them up while doing tricks for more flexibility. Fins make it easier to turn and steer the kneeboard and are generally made from the same material as that of the kneeboard. Leg straps are of vital importance for kids and beginners as they keep you attached to the board by going over your thighs. As a beginner, if you kneel on a board without a strap, you will soon be facing a wipeout and will probably lose the board. The leg strap needs to be adjustable and, if possible, padded so that it doesn’t cut uncomfortably into your legs.

Additional features

Some kneeboards have an additional feature called a rocker which is the way the board bends from the tip to the end. The quality of the rocker gives the kneeboarder help in transiting up and off the wake of the boat as well as helping the kneeboard land in the water softly. They determine the speed of the kneeboard. Some kneeboards are also equipped with a double lock strap so that the kneeboarder can hold on more tightly with both hands instead of one, but this feature is not applicable for plastic boards.

Why Trust MomJunction?

Sristi Suman is a skilled researcher and product writer who has a knack for reviewing sports and outdoor items and delivering detailed information on each product to help the buyers choose the right ones. In this post, she lists the best kneeboards for beginners and kids. The kneeboards listed here have a stable float base and universal design and are lightweight and easy to assemble. Moreover, they are available in various designs. Sristi has also mentioned the pros and cons of each product to help you make an informed choice.

Take your kneeboard in the water and lie down on top of it. Hold the kneeboard from both sides with your hands and lift your lower body to tuck your knees in the space provided for them. Properly tighten the straps around your knees. After that, tilt your upper body a little bit forward and hold the handle of the ski rope tightly in such a way that it is stretched all the way. Now, balance your weight on the kneeboard and signal the boat driver to move the boat.

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