
Kneeboarding is a dynamic watersport that anyone can enjoy, regardless of age or skill level. Thanks to the unique rider position on the board, it’s less physically demanding than wakeboarding and other boat-towed sports. However, if you want to make the most out of your time on the water and even do some tricks, you’ll need to get the best kneeboard.
While most models look similar at first glance, the differences in dimensions, edge design, and hull shape can have a huge impact on how they perform. To help you find the right one for your experience level, our kneeboard reviews will take an in-depth look into the best kneeboards on the market. If you’re curious about how we picked our products and what makes a kneeboard good, the buying guide below will answer all your questions.
OUR TOP PICK
Hydroslide Revolution
- Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
- Automatic Hydro hook for attaching a tow handle
- Spoon shape makes going edge-to-edge easier
- Excellent pop for performing all types of tricks
- Beautiful print with a bright red knee pad
Length: 52.25 inches
Width: 20.5 inches
Weight: 16.3 pounds
Padding: EVA Foam
Fins: No
EDITORS CHOICE
SereneLife Thunder Wave
- Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
- Lightest kneeboard for carrying (under 9 pounds)
- Ideal size for both adult and kid kneeboarders
- Reinforced marine-grade polyurethane construction
- Impressive stability and buoyancy at higher speed
Length: 50 inches
Width: 20 inches
Thickness: 4.5 inches
Weight: 9 pounds
Padding: Hard Foam
Fins: No
BEST VALUE
Leader Accessories
- Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
- Exceptional quality and performance for the price
- Beveled edge for faster and smoother cuts and turns
- Strong molded-in hook for attaching the rope handle
- Heavy-duty padded strap keeps you secure while riding
Length: 50 inches
Width: 20 inches
Thickness: 4.5 inches
Weight: 12.8 pounds
Padding: ¾-inch EVA Foam
Fins: No
- Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
- All-in-One design – kneeboard, wakeboard, water skiing and other water sports
- Strong molded ABS plastic shell handles all challenges on the water
- Grab handles with rubber grips to provide stability when riding
- Includes a 60-foot DoubleZUP tow rope with handle
Length: 57 inches
Width: 25 inches
Weight: 16.5 pounds
Padding: EVA Foam
Fins: No
O’Brien Voodoo
- Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
- Curved hull shape for easy switching from side to side
- Variable beveled edge makes cuts smooth
- Quad molded fins boost the performance
- Stylish-looking neon green and black design
Length: 51.25 inches
Width: 22 inches
Weight: 14 pounds
Padding: ¾-inch EVA Foam
Fins: Quad Molded
- Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
- Continuous rocker makes tricks easy to do
- Thick and flexible EVA pad for soft landings
- Strong and long-lasting rotomolded shell
- Molded-in fins for better tracking and handling
Length: 52 inches
Width: 22 inches
Weight: 12 pounds
Padding: EVA Flex Foam
Fins: Molded-In
- Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
- Retractable fin design for increased versatility
- Extra-thin profile significantly reduces drag
- Deep knee wells raise the level of security
- Spring-loaded Hydro hook automatically retracts
Length: 55.25 inches
Width: 21 inches
Weight: 16.1 pounds
Padding: EVA Foam
Fins: Dual Retractable
- Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
- Smooth and flat bottom for optimal stability
- Twin-tip design boosts speed and agility
- Unique knee well shape provides power control
- Rotomolded plastic base ensures durability
Length: 52 inches
Width: 21.75 inches
Weight: 16 pounds
Padding: EVA Foam
Fins: Cable-Actuated, Retractable
- Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
- Edge design significantly helps with cutting
- Impressive stability (great for beginner kneeboarders)
- Quad molded fins improve tracking and speed
- Includes wakeboard elements to boost performance
Length: 49.7 inches
Width: 20.1 inches
Weight: 14 pounds
Padding: ¾-inch EVA Foam
Fins: Quad Molded
Driftsun Charger
- Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
- V-shaped hull for performing spins easily
- Reinforced strap brackets for a firm grip
- Durable rotomolded shell with an EPS core
- Very soft and forgiving on landings
Length: 54 inches
Width: 20 inches
Thickness: 5 inches
Weight: 10 pounds
Padding: EVA Foam
Fins: No
How To Choose The Best Kneeboard – Buying Guide
Types of Kneeboards
When looking for the best kneeboard for your water adventures, it’s important to remember that there are two types of kneeboards on the market – recreational and competition. They use different designs and materials, so make sure that you find out which one you need.
Recreational Kneeboards: These kneeboards are designed with simplicity in mind. Built for beginners in all age groups, they are usually lightweight and easy to carry to and from the water. Additionally, their soft foam padding makes them incredibly comfortable to kneel on.
As a bonus, recreational boards run at a much more affordable price point, which makes them a great option for first-time buyers. The sleek edges not only make this type of board fun to ride, but also a great option for people looking to improve on their skills and start practicing tricks.
Lastly, recreational kneeboards boards are rotomolded and double as flotation devices so they are a perfect choice for children and people who are not strong swimmers.
Competition Kneeboards: As their name suggests, these boards are made for competing and more professional use. Of course, with the improved quality comes also a higher price tag. Most often competition boards are made using fiberglass that makes them lighter and more responsive in the water.
In terms of design, they have a curvy and thin profile with tons of power to perform sharp turns. If you already have some experience kneeboarding, these boards will leave you feeling limitless with the number of tricks that you can perform.
You might also like: Kneeboarding VS Wakeboarding: Comparison Guide
Material Quality
Kneeboards for recreational and professional use are going to be made of very different materials. Since new riders will be harder on their boards, hard plastic is the most popular option for recreational boards. This increases durability while maintaining the weight reasonably low.
On the other hand, professionals know how to steer and control their boards and are generally better at taking care of them. Because of this, fiberglass is routinely found on high-end boards (it’s much more lightweight and easier to maneuver through the water).
Fins
The addition of fins has the same purpose as on other watersport boards – they help keep the board in a straight line and give you more control. Unfortunately, they are not found on all boards, but only on higher-end models.
In relation to this, it’s best if the fins on your board are retractable. That way, you can open them when you need extra help with the tracking, or pull them up when you want more flexibility in doing tricks.
Leg Straps
All kneeboards come with leg straps that tighten over your thighs and keep you attached to the board. This is necessary, as kneeling on a board without it will quickly result in losing the board.
The most important thing when looking at a kneeboard strap is that it’s adjustable. Additionally, it’s a huge plus if the strap is padded so it doesn’t cut into your legs or cause discomfort while riding.
FAQs
Q: Are Children’s Kneeboards Different?
No, not really, because all kneeboards are designed to have a universal fit. This being said, some kneeboard models are slightly smaller and may be a better fit for children. While a board can often be a bit bigger for a child, the adjustable straps will allow you to tighten it so your kid can use it without issues.
Q: Are Non-padded Straps Worth The Purchase?
Yes, because they do an equally good job of securing you to the board as padded straps. Keep in mind, however, that padded straps are much more comfortable and won’t dig into your skin. But, if you’re comfortable with using non-padded models, there is no harm in doing that.
Q: How Long Should The Strap Be?
A strap should be long enough to go over your legs properly and give you the safety you need. Because of this, there isn’t an ideal strap length, as this varies from one rider to another. Luckily, almost all the products we’ve featured come with adjustable straps, so you can easily tighten (or loosen) them as much as you need.
Q: What Kind Of Kneeboard Should A Beginner Have?
Beginner boards are usually wide and thick to provide extra stability. They also have softer edges that give a more comfortable ride. Additionally, this type of design gives you more control over the board, so you’ll have a smaller chance of falling off.
A good beginner’s kneeboard will also be thicker, letting you sit higher in the water while offering more buoyancy. Furthermore, it will also be hollow to help you to float in the water better. Generally speaking, thicker boards are easier to maneuver through the water, especially if they have fins.
Q: How Can I Increase The Durability Of My Kneeboard?
The best way to increase the durability of your board is paying attention to proper maintenance. After using the kneeboard, always make sure to rinse it off with fresh water and leave to in the air to dry. You should store it in a cool and dry place, preferably away from direct sunlight as UV rays can damage the material of the board.
Globo Surf Overview
Whether you’re just getting into boat-towed water sports or you’re already seasoned at it, kneeboarding offers plenty of excitement to everyone. As we’ve pointed out, the experience depends in large part on the board you choose. Hopefully, the information in our reviews and guide has helped you choose the best kneeboard for doing all the tricks you’ve always wanted.