A kneeboard can be the next level of trust for small children ready to move on from tubing. It can also serve as an extra thrill for people who want to get into a different type of waterboarding sport or go out on the water for the first time. No matter where you fall on the spectrum, you’ll need to learn how to kneeboard if you are serious about the sport, so this article teaches you how to kneeboard.
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How To Kneeboard
What Equipment Do You Need To Kneeboard?
If you’re serious about learning to kneeboard, the first thing you need to do is get the proper equipment. Before going out on the water, you’ll need to get one or more of the following items:
- A kneeboard, which you can purchase at any sporting goods store. You’ll need a kneeboard with straps and bindings that fit you snugly.
- A life jacket is required by law in many states.
- Wakeboard ropes, which are available at most sporting goods stores. You’ll need a rope that is at least 60 feet long if you want to kneeboard behind a boat.
- First-time kneeboarders should also consider taking a lesson from a professional instructor.
Now that you have the proper equipment, you’re ready to hit the water and start learning how to kneeboard!
How To Get On A Kneeboard
The first step to learning how to kneeboard is getting on the board. To do this, follow these steps:
- Start by kneeling on the board with your arms to either side of you. This way, your weight gets distributed more or less evenly along the entire width and length of the board. This lets you get used to the feeling of balancing on the board. You may need to hold on to the rope with both hands at this point to prevent yourself from falling. Lots of people fall over when they try this, so don’t be scared or sad if you fall when you try this the first few times.
- Now, sit back on your heels. Kneeboarding is best enjoyed sitting back, and the straps and structure of the board encourage you to do that.
- Grab the rope handle with both hands and get ready to start kneeboarding! Best brace yourself; the initial force of takeoff may be jarring or stronger than you expect. Make sure that you have a good grip on the line and that the handle fits into your hand without feeling strained. The board should have started moving by this point, but make sure to communicate with the rider of the boat.
- Once you’re in a kneeling position, secure the bindings. Most kneeboards have easily accessible straps for your safety. Before you go on the water, it may be helpful to practice the act of securing your legs. You’ll likely need both hands to secure your legs.
- Now you can signal the boat to start the trip. You’re all set to enjoy a great day of kneeboarding!
When you get on the kneeboard for the first time, it’s not shameful for you to fall off. If this happens, it’s important to not get disheartened. Pull yourself back onto the board and try again. With a little practice, you’ll be able to stay on the board and enjoy the ride!
How To Kneeboard Behind A Boat
Okay, you’re completely ready, you’re on the board and you’ve got the rope in your hands. Now what? If you’re kneeboarding behind a boat, you’ll need to keep the following tips in mind:
- Have the driver of the boat start slowly so that you can get used to the speed and movement of the water. You should look for an experienced kneeboard or wakeboard boater; it wouldn’t do to learn how to kneeboard at the same time your boater is learning his ropes.
- The driver should maintain a consistent speed. Sudden starts, stops, and turns can all lead to you being thrown from the board. A jarring trip could also cause you to get some type of seasickness.
- Make sure that the boater knows when you want to stop. Again, sudden stops can be dangerous, so the boat driver must know when you’re ready to call it a day. You should have set up a sort of signal with them beforehand so that there are no misunderstandings.
- Try to practice as often as usual. Kneeboarding is a skill that, like many others, requires practice to perfect. The more you do it, the better you’ll get. With a few weeks of practice, you could find yourself flying along behind the boat before long.
- Get out there and enjoy the ride! Kneeboarding is a great way to spend a day on the water with friends or family. Remember to practice safety first and have fun!
How To Pull A Kneeboarder
Kneeboarding is fun whether you’re the surfer or the boater. If you’re a boater who is new to kneeboarding, you may find yourself asking how to pull a kneeboarder. Here are a few tips:
As the driver of the boat, it’s important to maintain a consistent speed. Kneeboarders need to keep up their momentum to stay on their board, so any sudden starts or stops can be dangerous.
The driver should also avoid any sudden turns. These can cause the kneeboarder to lose balance and fall off the board.
It’s important to communicate with the kneeboarder. They will let you know when they’re ready to start and when they want to stop. Make sure that you understand their signals before you start.
When you’re ready to start, give the kneeboarder a smooth, steady pull. They should be able to keep up with the boat without any problems.
If the kneeboarder falls off, don’t panic. Just stop the boat and wait for them to climb back on. Then you can start again.
With a little practice, you’ll be a pro at pulling a kneeboarder in no time!
Kneeboarding Tips For Beginners
If you’re new to kneeboarding, you may be feeling a little overwhelmed. Here are a few tips to help you learn how to kneeboard:
- Start slow. Don’t try to do anything too complicated or dangerous when you’re first starting. Get a feel for the board and the water before you start doing any tricks. You should also try to start the boat up at slower speeds to get a hang of it before you increase your speed.
- Practice, practice, practice. The more you kneeboard, the better you’ll become at it. Soon enough, you’ll be able to do all sorts of tricks and maneuvers. The safety of a stable board is much more reassuring to a beginner than the thrill of a successful trip.
- Be safe. Kneeboarding can be dangerous if you’re not careful. Always wear a life jacket and follow the boat’s safety rules. You should try to kneeboard near a beach with lifeguards or a coast guard so that you’re ensured some safety if anything goes wrong on the water.
What’s The Right Kneeboarding Speed?
The answer to this question depends on a few factors, such as your experience level and the conditions of the water.
If you’re a beginner, it’s best to start slow. Get a feel for the board and how it moves in the water before you start going faster. You can always increase your speed once you’re more comfortable on the board and with the conditions on the water that day.
The speed of the water can also affect how fast you should be going. If the water is choppy, it’s best to go a little slower so that you don’t lose control of the board. If the water is smooth, you can go faster without worrying about losing control.
If you take your children out to teach them how to kneeboard, you should start at a slower speed as well. This way, they can learn how to control the board and stay on it without being afraid of going too fast.
As you can see, there is no one answer to this question. Each person has a speed they’ll be comfortable with, and your boater can increase or reduce the speed of the boat when you need it.