knee board design

[badbadger]

If you read my last post about "old Kneeboarder needs info", you will probably know why I am asking this question. Since joining this forum last week Ive been reading alot of the posts on several of the forums and have realized that I know nothing about the kneeboards being built today. My only KB was a miniature surfboard, no deck pads, single fin, a piece of bungy cord for a leash. So getting too it, what constitutes a good design for a KB today? At 6' and a 189 pounds, medium frame, 62 years old, what size should I be looking for?
Hopefully I will be making a trip to Sant Cruz in September to check out the local kneeboard surfing and get ome lessons.

[surfhorn]

If you'll be here in Santa Cruz then your first stop should be to see John Mel at Freeline Design Surf Shop. John has a variety of used kneeboards you can demo (they're his personal KB's). John is 6'2" and about 200 lb. so the boards should fit you well.

If you need more info just PM me anytime.

[Mike Fernandez]

Welcome BB.
Surfhorn, and John Mel should be able to help you.
Basically though, a kneeboard is wider than a surfboard. Generally I would look for something wider than 22.5 inches. You need to be able to spread your knees apart for side to side leverage when kneeboarding. The widest boards these days are about 24".
The longer a board, the easier to catch waves. Try several boards, but I bet at your size, and depending on how good of shape you are, 5'10" is probably on the shortest end of the spectrum for you.
Thickness is another factor I can't get into.
I'm not an expert, just some advice from my experience.

[Scott]

Badbadger, feel free to give me a PM about the details of your trip if you'd like to have a session or two together. I know all the breaks, and I'm not too far out of your age group!