We understand that beginners spend most of their time and effort trying to get on the kneeboard and that it can be a real challenge. There are a few methods that can get you on the board quick and get you having more fun your first time.
The first method is meant for plastic boards and it starts with the rider lying flat on their belly with your nose just below the top of the board. Your forearms should be on top of the board, elbows bent and hands palm down. Stay in this position as the driver pulls you forward a bit. Use the momentum to hoist yourself to the very top of the board bringing your nose just past the top; the driver should not go past 15 mph at this point. If you are bouncing up and down off the water, either the driver is going too fast or you aren’t high enough on the board. When you are ready, pop your knees onto the board, if they don’t end up high enough, that’s okay. You can just inch them up to your elbows to the correct positioning, then strap in and have fun. Experts suggest not to strap in your first time so that you can get used to the board. If you expect to wipe out a lot due to a lack of balance, you can attach a floating toy to make the board easier to find coming out of the water.
A fiberglass board’s process is a bit easier as it is recommended that you start on your knees. The reason for this is that the compression molded board is less buoyant than the plastic one so you can sink it to get your knees up onto it. Instead of pulling yourself up, push the board down to where your knees will be in the right position and then lean back to pull the tip of the board out of the water a bit more. Tell the driver to crank it, and you’re off! Of course, you’ll have to get a feel for the right positioning a bit depending on your proportions and the balancing of the board with you on it along with the momentum the driver gives you, but just try to enjoy it the most you can. Many wipe out even with the right positioning because balancing can be hard to get a hold of as well.
Try to practice on shore before moving to deep water, but these methods of getting onto the board are meant for deep water when you have no floor to help you get on. You most likely won’t have the positioning nor the balance exactly right the first time so just take your time getting on and enjoy the fun that will come after. If you have a new kneeboard, you probably have a slot for the rope you’ll hold on to. This is meant to help you get on so hold on to that to pull yourself up. Either way, the weight of your body is a great asset to bring yourself up so practice.
