Summer opens up so many possibilities. The kids are out of school and have time to adventure and grow in ways that only the unstructured time of summer allows. The days are longer and warmer, so it’s easier for adults to get outside and enjoy the season too. Summer is all about taking chances and experiencing new things. If you’re looking for a new way to experience the water, you need to find the best kneeboard to try out today.
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The Best Kneeboard FAQ
Before you purchase a kneeboard, it’s helpful to have all the top information on what the best kneeboard contains, as well as which ones have the best features to suit your needs. We provide you with the most pertinent information below so that you can make the most educated decision when choosing the best kneeboard.
What Is a Kneeboard?
You’ve probably seen people wakeboarding before – being towed behind a boat or a jetski while standing on a board. You may have seen a good wakeboarder do some really insane tricks and flips in the water. Kneeboarding is similar, but easier. Instead of standing on a board, you kneel.
Is Kneeboarding Difficult?
There’s definitely a learning curve, as there is with any water sports. But because you’re kneeling when you kneeboard, you remain closer to the water, and this gives you better balance and easier control. Kneeboarding takes some effort, but it’s easy to learn after a try or two.
Where Can I Find the Best Kneeboard?
You can find kneeboards at any outdoors or water sports store. Or, you can order one on Amazon to be delivered right to your door.
How We Reviewed
When it comes to finding the best kneeboard for your summer adventures, there are plenty of great options to choose from. You’ll know which option is the right one for you, because it will have the features you’re looking for and will be at a price point that you agree with. To help you make an informed decision, we’ve gathered some of the most highly rated kneeboards on the market and will review them based on key characteristics. In no time, you’ll be riding those waves straight into the horizon!
Overall Price Range
Depending on the brand, features, and quality you’re looking for in a kneeboard, you can expect to spend somewhere from around $100 to $300 on the best kneeboard for you and your family.
What We Reviewed
- Hydroslide Phantom Kneeboard
- ZUP You Got This 2.0 Board and 1.5 Handle Combo
- O’Brien Ion Kneeboard
- SereneLife Water Sport Kneeboard with Hook for Kids & Adult
- Driftsun Crush Kneeboard with Hook for Kids and Adults
- O’Brien Voodoo Kneeboard with Hook
- O’Brien Black Magic Kneeboard
- Leader Accessories Kneeboard
- Hydroslide Magna Kneeboard
- Driftsun Charger Kneeboard with Hook for Kids and Adults
Hydroslide Phantom Kneeboard
[amazon box=”B0198ELOBW”]
Features
This Hydroslide Phantom Kneeboard is the best kneeboard because it is parabolic shaped and has a super thin profile that helps it to sit low in the water, giving you better control and balance. The board features EVA padding with deep knee wells that will protect you from the bumps of riding the waves and keep you comfortably secure. It also has a 3-inch padded strap that will keep you secure and give you an extra level of control. It has a patented hydrohook that allows first time riders to get up easily and quickly. After use, the hydrohook retracts flush with the deck.
Pros
- Parabolic shaped
- Super thin profile
- EVA padding with deep knee wells
- 3-inch padded strap
- Patented hydrohook
Cons
- Padding sometimes separates from the board
ZUP You Got This 2.0 Board and 1.5 Handle Combo
[amazon box=”B071F86F4V”]
Features
This ZUP You Got This board is the best kneeboard because it’s an all-in-one kneeboard, wakeboard, wakeskate, and wakesurf board for all ages! It gives fun lovers of all ages the ability to fly over the waves, no matter how you want to. It’s easy to use and has integrated side handles that are covered with a soft rubber that gives you an excellent grip and helps the readers take control of the board.
This board is sure to give fun times to rides of all skill levels and ages. The ABS molded construction keeps the board working great after getting beat up over time. EVA foam padding holds you up and gives you a comfortable ride. There’s an integrated tow hook to help beginners have an easy start.
Pros
- All-in-one board
- Integrated side handles covered in soft rubber
- Great for people of all ages and skill levels
- ABS molded construction keeps the board working great
- EVA foam padding holds you up and keeps you comfortable
- Integrated tow hook
Cons
- No strap to hold you in
- Handles are difficult to grip
- Flotation issues
O’Brien Ion Kneeboard
[amazon box=”B077P877SZ”]
Features
This O’Brien Ion Kneeboard is one of the best kneeboard options because it uses an all foam design for superior flexibility and maneuverability. It’s easy to turn and to set on the edge, and it will give you incomparably soft landings. It has a clean shape and a progressive rocker line that helps it to have a low profile in the water. It also has a padded, adjustable strap to keep you secure and give you added control.
Pros
- All foam design for superior flexibility and maneuverability
- Soft landings
- Easy to turn and set on edge
- Clean shape and progressive rocker line
- Padded adjustable strap
Cons
- Strap can fall apart easily
SereneLife Water Sport Kneeboard with Hook for Kids & Adult
[amazon box=”B0725Q7CKH”]
Features
This SereneLife Water Sport Kneeboard is the #1 Aqua Sport board. It’ll have you showing off all your knee surfing skills in no time. The board is ultra lite and easy to carry and transport to the water, and it’s small enough to easily fit in the back of your car or a boat box. This kneeboard features a strap for extra safety and gives you better maneuverability on the water. It’s durable and water resistant because it’s made out of corrosion-proof and marine-grade materials. It’s strong enough to be used by beginners or pros!
Pros
- Perfect for pros or beginners
- Very light and easy to transport
- Small enough to fit in a car
- Safety strap
- Durable and water resistant
- Corrosion-proof and marine-grade materials
Cons
- Strap can fall apart easily
- Board sometimes splits or forms cracks after use
Driftsun Crush Kneeboard with Hook for Kids and Adults
[amazon box=”B072399VHK”]
Features
This Driftsun Crush features a molded EVA flex top pad with deep knee wells that gives you maximum comfort and soft landings, even in the roughest conditions. It uses a rotomolded shell with an EPS core and continuous rocker for easy tricks, landings, and premier precision control. It’s made to be super durable and has reinforced knee strap brackets to ensure that the strap continues to keep you in place.
It features a dual twin-tip profile design that provides speed and durability. It also has an easy-start tow hook and heavy duty adjustable 3-inch padded knee strap.
Pros
- EVA flex top pad
- Rotomolded shell with an EPS core and continuous rocker
- Very durable
- Reinforced knee strap brackets
- 3-inch padded strap
- Dual twin tip profile design
- Easy start tow hook
Cons
- Too much drag
- Issues spinning and jumping
- Bottom isn’t slick enough
O’Brien Voodoo Kneeboard with Hook
[amazon box=”B00NTLDANG”]
Features
This O’Brien Voodoo Kneeboard is one of the best kneeboards around. It features an integrated tow hook for easy starts, even for beginners. It features a 3/4-inch thick EVA pad with deep knee wells that will keep you in place and absorb the shock of rough landings in the water. It features a padded adjustable strap to keep you in place. The variable beveled edge helps the kneeboard to sit low in the water, giving you more control.
Pros
- Integrated tow hook
- 3/4-inch thick EVA pad with deep knee wells
- Padded adjustable strap
- Beveled edge keeps the kneeboard low in the water
Cons
- Issues with maneuverability and control
O’Brien Black Magic Kneeboard
[amazon box=”B075TK3KZM”]
Features
This Black Magic Kneeboard features a twin tip shape that offers a super low profile in the water, giving you a better handle over the board and the wakes. It has retractable fins for increased speed, performance, and power control. It also has EVA padding with deep knee wells to help protect your knees from the heavy hits of being out on the water. The 3-inch padded strap will keep you easily in place. An integrated aquatic hook allows for easy starts.
Pros
- Twin tip shape that gives low profile
- Retractable fins
- EVA padding with deep knee wells
- 3-inch padded strap
- Integrated aquatic hook for easy starts
Cons
- Sits too tall in the water for some
- Issues with fins
Leader Accessories Kneeboard
[amazon box=”B06XGCH8MS”]
Features
This kneeboard is extremely durable and features a 3/4-inch EVA foam layer for comfort and protection. It has an integrated hook at the front to help beginner riders to take off easier. It also has a 3-inch padded adjustable strap that keeps you safe, comfortable, and stable on the kneeboard. It has a beveled edge that makes fast cuts and sits low in the water for stability.
Pros
- 3/4-inch of EVA foam
- Integrated hook
- 3-inch padded adjustable strap
- Beveled edge for fast cuts
- Sits low in the water for better stability
Cons
- Strap breaks easily on some boards
Hydroslide Magna Kneeboard
[amazon box=”B00PBGC4JS”]
Features
This Hydroslide Magna Kneeboard has a patented thin profile that gives you easier balance and maneuverability because it sits low in the water. It also features a patented hydrohooktow point to make starting off easier for beginners new to kneeboarding. It has a full size EVA pad with deep knee wells, as well as a 3-inch padded strap. This is the best kneeboard available at such a low price.
Pros
- Patented thin profile
- Patented hydrohook tow point
- Full size EVA pad
- 3-inch padded strap
Cons
- Kneeboard sometimes takes on water
Driftsun Charger Kneeboard with Hook for Kids and Adults
[amazon box=”B072J7Y8K2″]
Features
This kneeboard features a soft molded EVA knee pad that is super absorbent, giving you soft landings, even in extremely rough rides. It has a classic spoon shape that gives you a smooth, easy ride without sacrificing any of the pop. It has a rounded, V shaped hull that allows riders to easily perform spins and tricks.
It’s super durable and is designed with reinforced knee strap bracks, a tough rotomolded shell, and an EPS core that ensures that your kneeboard can handle the rough rides. It has a round mid section hull with progressive edge that allows for hard cuts and surface tricks. It also has an integrated tow hook for easy, deep water starts, and an adjustable 3-inch padded knee strap.
Pros
- Classic spoon shape
- EVA padding with molded knee wells
- V shaped hull that’s great for spins
- Reinforced knee strap brackets
- Tough rotomolded shell
- EPS core
- Progressive edge for hard cuts and surface tricks
- Integrated tow hook
- Adjustable 3-inch padded strap
Cons
- Too much drag, especially out of the wake
- Knee wells aren’t deep enough
The Verdict
When it comes to finding the best kneeboard for long summer afternoons on the water, a lot comes down to personal preference. What type of kneeboard are you looking for? Do you want one that is made of fiberglass, or will you settle for other types of molding? And, of course, how much are you looking to spend on this kneeboard? While there are great kneeboards available at every price point, you might find that the ones that are a bit more expensive are also a bit higher in quality.
Whichever one you decide is the best kneeboard for your summer adventures, remember to always follow proper instructions. Remember to keep safety in mind when you’re having fun.
