Ready to kneeboard for the first time? In addition to using some key kneeboarding tips n' tricks, it's important you also need a good beginner board. Here are our top picks for beginner kneeboards!
Top Pick: HO Joker w/ Powerlock Strap
There's really no other way to put it: The Joker is the most popular kneeboard on the market, for many reasons.
First and foremost, it's just super easy to ride. Its board shape, rocker profile, thickness, buoyancy and, most of all, its incredibly comfortable knee pads make it a dream for beginners.
But this isn't just a beginner board. It's one of the most popular among veteran riders and trick riders. While forgiving for newbies, it's also highly reactive and downright ergonomic, making this a kneeboard that'll grow with you as you progress in speed and skill.
Best Do-it-All: HO Electron w/ Powerlock Strap
Although it's the best, the Joker is, admittedly not exactly cheap. So if you're looking for a board that provides similar performance for a bit less, consider the Electron.
A kneeboard also made by HO, this is a more entry-level board with a price that reflects it -- but don't mistake its affordability for being cheap. Like the Joker, the Electron sports a very comfortable, plush knee pad with the same PowerLock strap as the Joker.
The Electron's smooth, rounded rocker profile provides easy gliding at low speeds, making it perfect for first-time riders. Its pointed tip and tail also make for effortless spins, making this kneeboard a perfect beginner's choice for new trick riders.
The Electron also includes a tow handle mount up front, allowing the board to be converted into a towed, hands-free ride for when you just want to hold on tight while the boat rips big wakes with wide open turns.
Best for Jumps: HO Neutron w/ Powerlock Strap
Looking for maximum control and airtime? New riders who want to dive into the deep end of trick riding their kneeboard should look at the Neutron.
The Neutron kneeboard features a twin-tip design with a continuous rocker profile that affords easy jumps with soft landings. The thick kneepad provides additional cushion, while its molded fins and snowboard-inspired side cuts provide the best responsiveness and tracking.
Still affordable, the Neutron provides a great, budget-friendly choice for kneeboard riders who a little watersport experience, and who want to get straight to deep carving and popping off the wake.
Best Affordable Kneeboard: Rave Sports Defy
Maybe you're just a casual rider who wants the most affordable option. In that case, Rave has you covered with the Defy kneeboard. It's easily the most budget-friendly board on the market, while still affording good comfort and control thanks to its large "Super Flex Sponge" kneepad and wide strap.
A hybrid pointed and squared tip and tail coupled with deep underside channels and an acute rocker profile make the Defy a dream to ride, even on the choppiest wakes and lakes.
Best Multipurpose: Connelly Wild Thing
Not all kneeboards need be just a kneeboard. Maybe you're ready to get into wakesurfing, but you'd like to start out crawling before you walk and run.
In that case, a multipurpose board -- like Connelly's famous Wild Thing -- is the perfect two-for-one combo you need to get started. It features all the characteristics of a kneeboard, sans the molded kneepad.
That's because the Wild Thing is also designed to be surfed. Beginner-friendly grab handles and a tow handle mount make it a great choice for learning to get started in deep water. Then, when you're ready, pop off the kneeboards into a crouch, and start surfing!
The Wild Thing's wide, surf-inspired shape and deep cushioned topside provide comfort and excellent grip for both kneeboarding and wakesurfing -- and it's affordable to boot!
See the Connelly Wild Thing here.
Easiest Ride: O'Brien Freeboard V2
Want an even more forgiving kneeboard and wakesurf combo? The Freeboard V2 from O'Brien provides even more surface area than the Wild Thing, making it the best multipurpose board for low-speed riding.
Its ultra-wide shape, squared off shape provides maximum stability so you can learn to carve on your knees, and then standing like a proper wakesurfer. It also features dual grab handles and a tow handle hook, making it easier to master your deep-water starts.
Ready to ride? Don't forget your tow rope! Grab a kneeboard rope and handle here.
