Kneeboard Surfing USA Community Forum

I posted on the "FOR SALE" forum about attempting to find a soft top kneeboard and got a bunch of replies directing me to a company called "Softsurf" and their 5' soft kneeboard. It is what I would like to buy... only they are out of business! I'm looking for a soft top kneeboard because I'm a learner with serious back problems, and I don't want to destroy a nice hard board by crashing on the beach or (worse) into another surfer. I stumbled onto the idea of kneeboard surfing by accident, since I had never seen anyone do it -- while attempting to learn stand-up surfing on a longboard, I learned that I could get to my knees, even though I just can't get standing because of my back injury. I am currently kneesurfing on a 6' INT foam shortboard (6' x22" x 2 5/8"). I'm a large lady (5'9" and 200lbs), and was wondering if anyone had any thoughts about whether INT's "blackball beater" board (4'11") would be big enough for someone my size. Any info appreciated. Thank you,
--Nicole in Half Moon Bay(surfnut)

Nicole,

I think the 4'11'' "blackball beater" is going to be too small for you. I recommend either the 5'8'' fish on ebay that I sent you a link to, or you should look into the foam shaper in Oceanside that one of the guys recommended you to. You'll need something a bit thicker, I'm thinking probably about 3'' thick.

FWIW, they may call it a blackball beater, but it probably really isn't. I'm sure the fins on such a board would render it "persona non grata" in a blackball zone, as far as the lifeguards are concerned.

IMHO, I believe you should reconsider a foamy for a true kneeboard. Pick one up with a complete padded deck, to save your noggin. If you are beginning, you should not be in a lineup with experienced surfers. While learning, you need to separate from the pack and find a slower, soft breaking wave. In this manner, you can learn at your own pace and not risk hurting yourself or another surfer.

just my .02

thats probably the best 2 cents your gonna get.....find a penny, pick it up..


I thought the INT i checked out was 5'11 ??? .....BTW those INTs have a HARD (fiberglass?) bottom and hard skegs.....

maybe look into those soft edge, hard fins Slater used to promote, or still does IDK...

Being in Halfmoon bay your not too far from Santa Cruz. You might want to make a trip down to the Freeline surfshop on 41st st. They often have used kneeboards in stock. There is a link on the home page.

Don't worry, guys, I won't be getting in your way in the lineup. I know my limits. Remember, I'm sure you were all learners once too -- you probably just didn't try to do it when you were over 40!
--Nicole (surfnut)

hey Nicole,

I'm sure there's lotsa people here that would enjoy having you in the lineup and teach you all the basics. All ya gotta do is ask. I haven't met 1 kneeboarder here that didn't like to have another kneeboarder in the water with him/her.

Take advantage of the wealth here.

Surfnut,

I'm planning on heading to Santa Cruz tomorrow. If the winds take me East Side, I'll pop into Freeline and report on the inventory.

John's outta town, otherwise I'd pop your question.

KR's spot on, btw.

Also, please link the thread on 'can't get my board to work' as the same approach should work here. Find nice, clean, small conditions with whatever board you find and give it a go.

One thing about the dimensions... sure, 3" vs. 2 5/8 will make a difference. What about that 22" width? What's it like when you're up and riding? How far apart are your knees? How stable does that feel?

Also... what about the back issue? Lower back, like L4/L5?

There's body dynamics that, with practice, may help all around...

I've been interested in a softKneeBoard for some time
and like you,
think it might offer something to first ... and part timers to surfing

I have surf experience from my younger days and had a very ... very long break of more than 15 , perhaps 20 years
I was experienced and so knowledge was there but the body and confidence was long gone ... it has been a difficult road back.

I too have back injuries (and neck), am also around your weight but taller at 6'4"/ 3" (... think I may be shrinking)

If you look back through these threads you will find links to other soft board makers
BZ did make a very large Body Board. (Porpoise)

the BlackBallBeater has been about for some time and is an obvious choice
there is another unit made as a Tri and as a Quad
they are expensive

I also think there are not an obvious choice for novice Kneeboarders of around our size
they may not be strong enough to keep the rocker in control
an experienced rider can probably make them work but I think it is a wrong choice for the novice

A second hand standard board for your size and your typical waves would get you riding much quicker.

Find a mentor to help with board choice and surf location and local knowledge
will help you focus on the basic skills to get you going.

Once there is a degree of fitness and knowledge and confidence, the beach and the other surfers will be less of an issue.

Remember you are not the only one to be in your position
and the feelings can be the same even for those that did once in, no how to surf in their youth.

Hey guys,

Thanks SO MUCH for being understanding of my position as a learner. I am blown away.

I've had to pretty much teach myself. I had the good fortune to encounter one other kneeboarder once at the jetty in El Granada, who gave me pointers which immediately improved my performance. Unfortunately, when I've enquired about lessons with local surf instructors, they all want to teach me to stand up, which I simply cannot do. I lack flexibility due to fused injuries in my lower back -- also have 3 crushed discs in upper back. If there is anyone out there who would be willing to give me a lesson, that would be great. Even just to meet up and get in the water so I can SEE how it's done. I work most weekends but am flexible during the week. Will drive to SFO or SC no problem.

I have a 5'10" Freeline kneeboard which is an older model board from the 1980's or 90's -- 5'10" x 23" x 2 5/8", square tail (says "modified slab"), tri fin. No deck pads. Drydocked the board because I was just such a clumsy learner I figured I'd kill myself or the board. Think I should get some deck pads (and maybe a tail guard, since I always seem to get hit with the tail when I wipe out) and try again? Or is there some other shape/size board which might be better for my lack of skill?

And how do you guys avoid getting hit in the head? I swear my face has a target on it!

--Nicole (surfnut)

Hey Surfnut, you could try a Gath helmet. I wear one pretty much all the time and have done so for about 12 years. In that time I have only had 2 so they are very well made. I have also just got one for my daughter who is a beginner. Helps with the knocks but is also good for warmth.

For what its worth I have just bought her a glass board with pads and she is just starting out at 13 years old. So I would concur with the previous posts, stick with the glass board get some full deck grip and get a helmet link below. I have found Gath to be very helpful and I am sure would send one to you.

http://www.gathsports.com/

Good luck.

CaptKneemo wrote:what a picture....gath helmet with a softy.....she'd have no problem at cowels! sorry the pots finally getting thick enough...i couldnt help myself.

dude, that's funny schitt...I hadn't even thought about that. But you're right, that image would fit right in at Cowell's or Linda Mar.

surfnut wrote:
And how do you guys avoid getting hit in the head? I swear my face has a target on it!

--Nicole (surfnut)

When you fall off put your arms up and cover your head, this should become automatic.

KenM wrote:

surfnut wrote:
And how do you guys avoid getting hit in the head? I swear my face has a target on it!

--Nicole (surfnut)

When you fall off put your arms up and cover your head, this should become automatic.

get a longer leash...about 20' oughtta do it.

After all the comments I've gotten about fiberglass boards, I decided to take my fiberglass board out of the closet and give it another try. As I was gearing up on the beach, a young woman walked out of the surf with blood running down her face. She had a deep cut about 2" long on her cheek, just missing her eye. I walked her back to her car to make sure she was OK. She was pretty shook up and probably needed stitches. She said she didn't think she wanted to surf anymore because it just wasn't fun.

The moral of this story is that the fiberglass board is back in the closet, and I went out with my crappy foam board and had a great time. Foam and fiberglass both have their places.

Just change my login to Madam Kook, thanks.

Wow, great luck. You should go to Las Vegas immediately. Oh, nevermind. Too much Swine flu, take it from me...