Kneeboarding is a fun and approachable tow sport and is often used as a steppingstone into more difficult water sports such as skiing or wakeboarding. Kneeboards appeal to both kids and adults and are available in various constructions and a range of price points. In this article we’ll walk you through what makes them different and how to know which kneeboard to choose when starting out or when upgrading an old board!
ABILITY LEVELS & CONSTRUCTIONS:
- BEGGINER (PLASTIC CONSTRUCTION): Starting new kneeboarders out on a stable and forgiving board is important and will aid fast progression. Beginner kneeboards are made of a tough, durable plastic construction that is extremely buoyant. Buoyancy results in a board that will surface quickly and remain stable and balanced even at low speeds. Beginner/Plastic kneeboards always include a built in or pop-up style front tow hook designed to lightly hold the handle when moving from the laying down position to the knees. Plastic kneeboards feature a gentle, round rail, not only allowing smooth turns but also reducing the chance of a rider taking a nasty head knock while riding doubles. As the construction of plastic kneeboards is almost always the same, the price difference between beginner kneeboards is determined by the quality of additional components such as the foam kneepad, the kneeboard strap and the presence of drop-down fins only found on a few models. Beginner/plastic kneeboards are the best choice for young kids, adults new to the sport and generally a great option to have in the boat for friends and family.
- INTERMEDIATE (FIBRELGASS CONSTRUCTION): Intermediate kneeboards move from a plastic to compression moulded fibreglass construction much like a wakeboard or water ski. The result is a board that is significantly thinner with a sharp rail and far less buoyancy. While the sharp rail and reduced buoyancy improves manoeuvrability and edge hold, it comes at the cost of balance and stability. Most intermediate/fibreglass kneeboards include inserts to easily add a front tow hook to aid starts, however we generally suggest riders that can use a fibreglass kneeboard shouldn’t need one. Intermediate kneeboards are best for riders that are confident on the water and aim to progress their skills with surface spins and wake jumps.
- ADVANCED: Advanced kneeboards are designed to be lightweight, responsible, and high-performance. While sharing most design cues with intermediate kneeboards, advanced kneeboards will additionally include materials such as carbon fibre for added response and pop off the wake. Advanced kneeboards feature top quality kneepads and double locking straps to keep you locked in. Advanced kneeboards are best for high-end riders aiming to spin and flip wake to wake.
PROFILES:
- CONTINIOUS ROCKER: The profile of a kneeboard changes its personality and riding style. The profile of a kneeboard is defined as the boards shape when viewed on its side from tip to tail. A ‘continuous’ rocker kneeboard features a smooth, consistent arc with no flat spot interruptions. Continuous rocker kneeboards carry more top-water speed, feature smooth, consistent take-offs and softer landings.
- 3-STAGE ROCKER: Continuous rockers arch nemesis, ‘3-Stage’ rockers feature a flat spot under your knees. This flat spot interrupts the flow of water but instead creates a solid platform for the kneeboard to ‘pop’ off when releasing from the top of a wake. 3-stage kneeboards often feel ‘loser’ on the water and may not carry as much top-water speed as continuous boards, however they are more likely to give more punch and go higher off a wake.
- 2-STAGE ROCKER: Much the same as 3-stage rocker kneeboards, 2-stage rockers are fast across the water with a significant amount of pop when attacking the wake both forwards, and backwards.
SIZE GUIDE:
Whilst kneeboards are ‘one size fits all’, not every kneeboard suits every weight of rider. The top-down profile affects a kneeboards overall surface area, with narrow boards catering for kids and light adults, and wide boards catering for most adults. A simple tell is to compare the kneeboards tail width in relation to its forebody. A board with a narrow tail will roll from edge to edge effortlessly but provide less pop off the wake. A board with a wide tail will be more difficult to roll from edge to edge (especially the case for kids) however provides maximum pop off the wake.
KD 2024 Slayer Kneeboard
Description
Not for the faint of heart, the KD Sports Slayer is built especially for the serious boarder who prefers the more traditional square tip and tail shape. Built using a lightweight PU foam core wrapped in cross woven fiberglass that maximises the boards potential. If you’re looking to boost from wake to wake the KD Slayer’s aggressive two stage rocker bucks like a mule, giving riders the airtime needed to start tackling back rolls and 360’s. Just as important as the Slayers ability to fly-high is it’s landing capability and that’s taken care of thanks to KD’s ergonomic pad with moulded zones for tibia/fibula and raised rear zone giving support under the legs to take pressure off the ankles allowing for ultra-soft landings. Unlike the rest of the KD Sports kneeboard range, the Slayer comes fitted with their double locking ‘Snatch’ strap that uses stiffer materials and full width Velcro for superior holding characteristics, plus an additional strap layer that allows the belt to be cinched down tighter, perfect for the rider looking to eliminate any movement or bounce for a ride that serious slays.
Specifications
• Fiberglass construction
• Two Stage rocker
• Square tip & tail
• Diamond dimple technology
• Wide tail design
• Tri density eronomic pad
• 3’ Padded double strap
• Inserted tip to allow the addition of a tow hook
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