

Guys are simple beings. We like extreme. We like imagining charging into battle shirtless, screaming, swinging a spiked flail, to Barbed-Wire Brawls, on ECW, and now we’re older, ordering food we know will disagree with us but scarfing it down, anyway. There are also water sports, which are extreme no matter what you do. We all know surfing, diving, waterskiing, but you may not have heard of kneeboarding, which may soon be your next favorite water sport, but only if you buy the best kneeboards
These kneeboards are a chance to embrace your inner aquatic warrior, they’re a chance to get out on the water, and they’re a chance to get the adrenaline pumping, and to feel like Aquaman, even if you don’t have the flowing locks of Jason Momoa, not yet anyway.
So we guess you must make do with getting extreme with kneeboarding, but that’s not a bad thing. Those who are already familiar with it will be thankful their buddies are finally taking notice, and newbies will wonder where it’s been all their lives. Refreshing, exhilarating, and oceans of fun, let’s dive in.
The Best Kneeboard
1SereneLife Water Sport Kneeboard
While the name doesn’t sound as extreme as many men would like, this shouldn’t take anything away from the effectiveness of the SereneLife Water Sport Kneeboard, which comes with ultra-lite construction for easy gliding on the waves, and also making it easy to carry from the surf to the sand and back to the bar to bask in your kneeboarding glory.
The universal kneeboard slots can accommodate all ages, shapes, and sizes, and make it much more than just a kneeboard. If you like versatility in your water sports, you can also use it for boogie boarding, boating, waterboard (not that kind, though), or even use it at a handy drinks holder if you’re chilling in the pool. It also comes with a strap for extra safety so you won’t lose your board should you bail, and your board won’t lose you, either.
Lightweight board weighing 9lbs
Adjustable safety strap
Universal size for kids, teens, and adults
Corrosion-proof and water-proof
- BrandSereneLife
- ModelSLKB10
- Weight8.7 pounds
2O’Brien Voodoo Kneeboard
With an integrated beginner hook and three-quarter inch, EVA padding the O’Brien Voodoo Kneeboard offers something for both beginners and more experienced riders from security to comfort and everything in between. Along with this, you’ll also get a padded strap which you can adjust to suit you and your buddies so no one need miss out on the fun in the sun.
For those who’ve been around the waves a few times already, you’ll greatly appreciate the variable beveled edge, which gives you excellent control over your performance. O’Brien go even further to give you the best experience possible by designing their kneeboard with quad-molded fins – located at the hull corners – which make it even easier to track and transition. This could make even the most inexperienced rider look like a pro without even trying.
22 inches width
Conveniently padded adjustable strap
Variable beveled edge
Incorporated hook
- BrandO’Brien
- Model2151208
- Weight11.6 pounds
3O’Brien Radica Kneeboard with Hook
Not everyone wakes up a surfing champ, a lot of practice, bravery and control have to be put into play. The O’Brien Radica Kneeboard with Hook is designed exceptionally for both the intent learner and experienced rider. Molded with designs that mimic the form and structure of water-ski and wakeboard designs, it’s the ultimate water sports kneeboard. For an amazingly affordable price, this kneeboard promises exceptional quality and top performance on a good range of desired activities and positions.
An adjustable strap safely holds the knees in place when riding while the soft padding conveniently cushions the knees keeping them from getting sore over time. The quad molded fins at the corner provide great tracking on the water when hitting those waves.
4 molded fins for simple on water tracking
Cushioning foam pad for enhanced comfort
Integrated hook for easier starts
Adjustable padded strap for locked-in control
- BrandO’Brien
- Model2151210
- Weight14 pounds
4ZUP You Got This 2.0 Kneeboard
Embrace the chance of getting out in the water and unleashing the inner aqua man/woman in you with this phenomenal kneeboard. We may not be able to walk on water, but the Zup You Got This 2.0 Board and Handle Combo provides the platform needed for a good range of extreme water sports as well as beginner-level activities.
It’s safe and simple enough for the avid learner yet still provides the thrilling water experience for more skilled riders. The soft rubber side handles provide the required leverage needed for balance and maneuvering the waves. Transitions, carving, and turning can easily be achieved with theses well-positioned handles.
Soft EVA foam padding
Comfortable side handles
Weighs 16.5lbs
Slip-in foot straps
- BrandZUP
- Weight18 pounds
5Driftsun Kneeboard
The top pick for the best kneeboard is the Driftsun Kneeboard which is an awesome option for beginners but is also something we’re sure more experienced kneeboarders will love. The integrated hook you can find at the front of the board gives novices the confidence and security they need to get the hang of kneeboarding, while more experts can use it for training, or if they’re just going for a casual run.
The hook doesn’t need to stay attached forever, either, so once your skill improves you’re free to ride along like the pros. You can do this with the Bevel Edge, that keeps the board low and enhances your control in choppy, merciless waters that’ll feel anything but. On the off chance they do – because you can never truly trust the waves and wakes – the 3-inch padded strap gives you stability and saves you from losing the board to the fish.
Three-quarter inch EVA padding
Bevel Edge keeps board low for enhanced control
Integrated hook at the front for beginners
3-inch padded strap ensures stability
Contoured shape for long-ride comfort
6HydroSlide 2103 Revolution Kneeboard
So you want to start a revolution? The HydroSlide 2103 Revolution Kneeboard is undoubtedly the place to begin. It comes designed with the classic spoon shape, which gives you an easy ride while still providing the immensely enjoyable pop when you hit the wake just right. When you land, the EVA pad is thick enough to make it a comfortable landing so you’re ready for round two.
If you prefer to twist and turn and show off to the girls giggling on the shore, the patented high profile design ensures excellent control and maneuverability, requiring only delicate leaning to move the kneeboard in the direction you need it to go. For beginners, the HydroHook on the tip of the board gives greater security and allows them to master the basics before they pull out tricks and flips in front of an adoring audience.
Classic spoon shape for an easy ride without sacrificing pop up off the wake
EVA pad with deep knee wells measuring 3-inches
Patented thin profile design for excellent performance
Patented HydroHook makes it easy for beginners
Excellent control and maneuverability
- BrandHydro Slide
- Model2103
- Weight11 pounds
7Leader Accessories Kneeboard
If you’re still on the fence (or whatever the aquatic equivalent of that is), you may be best starting off with our best value kneeboard around. The Leader Accessories Kneeboard comes at a cheaper price than other options we’ve selected, but doesn’t neglect the essential features that make a kneeboard the awesome, extreme experience we’re all looking for, even if we don’t know it yet.
The durable three-quarter inch EVA foam padding provides comfort and longevity, while its padded adjustable strap ensures the stability and safety many beginners may be concerned with when first starting out. To further their willingness to just get on with it, it also comes with an integrated front hook to attach to the line and ensure there are no Total Wipeout-esque catastrophes which may be television gold, but only if you’re not the one experiencing it.
Highly durable three-quarter inch EVA foam padding
Integrated hook helps beginners
Padded adjustable strap provides comfort and stability
Beveled edge ensures fast cuts and low sitting for stability
Multiple color choices for customization
- BrandLeader Accessories
- Weight13 pounds
8HydroSlide PRO-XLT Kneeboard
Moving into the slightly higher class of kneeboards, the HydroSlide PRO-XLT Kneeboard is one that boasts top quality and cements itself firmly as an awesome, rewardable graduation option once you’ve gotten to grips with the sport. It offers a thin profile for easy portability that shows an evolution of sorts in kneeboard design while still offering everything you loved about your old boards to eliminate any tricky learning curves.
It’s best we leave the curves to the water, anyway, and to make it easier to manage these, the padded strap keeps the board close to your body and prevents any unfortunate disappearances, while the deep knee wells in the soft but durable EVA pad ensure better comfort and more control.
Designed for adults
Thin profile for easy portability
HydroHook tow point is ideal for beginners
Three inch padded strap for extra riding security
EVA pad will deep knee wells
- BrandHydro Slide
- Model2154
- Weight16 pounds
9O’Brien Sozo Kneeboard
As for premium kneeboards, the O’Brien Sozo Kneeboard is a triumph of kneeboard technology, design, and engineering. This board is ideal for those who are ready to take that next leap into kneeboard expertise, and is also an excellent choice for those who want to look like they know what they’re doing, even if they know (and we know, too) they don’t have a clue.
Made with fusion core, with an impact base that completes its sandwich-like construction, it’ is at the forefront of kneeboards, and provides clean and fast movement that leads to excellent, almost interstellar air while still offering soft landings that cushions the blow and keeps you gliding along. There’s also a pad which has been fine-tuned for comfort and stability when in motion. O’Brien have even claimed it is a state-of-the-art, which we’ll trust because they know more about kneeboards than we do.
Designed with cutting-edge kneeboard technology
Clean and fast movement
Gets excellent air with soft landings
Fine-turning pad placement
Easily adjustable to find your preferred position
- BrandO’Brien
- Model2161228
- Weight16 pounds
10O’Brien Ion Kneeboard
The O’Brien Ion Kneeboard perhaps isn’t as cool as the Sozo, but it’s till O’Brien, it’s still in the upper echelon of kneeboard options, so it’s still something to consider, if only because you don’t want to follow the crowd in buying the more expensive model. The Ion is speedy and easily maneuverable with hand bevels set conveniently on the edge for stability and control.
There’s also an all-foam kneeboard, which ensures flexibility and makes you landing much softer than lesser kneeboards. This foam also makes it lightweight, so any long treks to the shoreline won’t be too laborious and are comfortable to carry. The padded and adjustable strap gives you customization if someone forgets their board (as always), while also allowing proper security when on the water yourself.
Easy to turn with hand bevels and set on edge
All foam kneeboard ensures flexibility
Guaranteed soft landings regardless of air time
Speedy, maneuverable construction
Padded adjustable strap
- BrandO’Brien
- Model2161226
- Weight14.4 pounds
11Radar Denunzio Kneeboard
With the fun almost at an end (although we encourage you to sit around learning a little more about kneeboards), the Radar Denunzio Kneeboard is an awesome sub-$300 option that’s ideal for more serious riders or as an awesome little treat for your flourishing kneeboarding buddy.
It provides the maximum width through its unique side-cut body, which isn’t just a cool little quirk from Radar, it also ensures low drag coefficient so you can launch off the wake like Buzz Lightyear soaring with a rocket strapped to him. It’s so effective, in fact, that you might see your life flash before your eyes as you fly through the air with little sign of ever returning to the safety of the water.
Offers maximum width through the side-cut body
Low drag coefficient for wake launching
Carve narrow, slalom style shape
State-of-the-art knee wells and high angled footwalls
Four layers of varied density EVA foam for maximum absorption
- BrandRadar
- Weight14 pounds
Kneeboard Buying Guide
Material: Durable materials such as ABS and EVA foam are great for kneeboards; Such materials ensure the length of it remains light, durable, comfortable and easy to manoeuver.
Straps: The protective straps should be padded for convenience while not being too thick. Straps serve the purpose of securing your stance on the board and have to be comfortable, yet secure.
Fins: Fins work greatly for control and easier maneuverability on the board. Not all kneeboards have this feature but it’s important to look out for one especially as a beginner. They aid better transition and enhance the speed and efficiency of the turns.
Kneeboard FAQ
Q: What is a kneeboard?
A: Kneeboards are water boards ridden in a kneeling position; they are great for a good range of water activities as well as surfing and towing activities.
Q: What is the best kneeboard for beginners?
A: The O'Brien Voodoo Kneeboard is a great water board for beginners, kids and adults alike. It provides enough stability and control for those who haven’t mastered the art of water-surfing yet.
Q: How do I take care of a kneeboard?
A: To properly maintain your kneeboard, observe the following:
- Rinse out the board with clean water
- Air dry it in a shed
- Avoid leaving them out in sunlight for long periods
Sources:
- Why Do We Love Extreme Sports? - Outside Online
- Buying Guide for Kneeboards - Water Outfitters
- Kneeboard - Wikipedia
- How to Buy the Right Kneeboard - Water Ski World
- Helpful Hints and Tips on Maintenance of Your Gear - Water Skiers Connection