Our preferred "kneeboard" is a ZUP™ Board, however we can make a traditional old-school kneeboard available on request if preferred.

You'll find more similarities between these two watersports boards than differences. We find that most riders prefer a ZUP™ Board, unless they are very experienced kneeboarders. Here's the scoop:

Both a ZUP™ Board and a Knee Board may be ridden while kneeling, but you'll start off by laying flat with your belly on the board.

A ZUP Board is shaped much like a Knee Board, but it is a bit larger both in length and width. Most riders will find the larger size of the board to create more stability underneath them.

As the boat picks up speed, you can scoot up into a kneeling position. Another ZUP advantage are the handles, as you'll see pictured above. This can make it easier to grab hold of the board and boost yourself up into the kneeling position. Think of this process like doing a push-up, and sliding your knees forward under your chest.

Once in the kneeling position, you can continue hanging onto the ZUP handles. As you get comfortable, you can let go, and if you'd like, you can grab hold of the tow rope by it's handle, separating it from the board. This will give you much more control while steering the board.

But here is where the ZUP and Knee Board are more different.

Thanks to the ZUP's larger size and stability, you can even switch to a standing position. You can face forward, as if you were on water ski's, or you can ride in a sideways stance like you would a wakeboard. (Snowboarders and street skaters would probably find this most natural.)

Try this on a kneeboard and you'll probably not see great results.

For this reason, we find the ZUP to be more versatile than a kneeboard for most riders, especially inexperienced ones.

A kneeboard adds a wide velcro strap that can be wrapped over your thighs to connect you more securely against the board.

For experienced kneeboard riders who prefer to ride in a traditional kneeling position and want to spend more time carving turns, crossing and jumping the wake, a traditional kneeboard might be preferred. You're more likely to bounce off the ZUP if you did these things, but the connecting strap of the kneeboard makes them more successful.

If you'd prefer a traditional kneeboard just let us know when making your reservation so we can make sure to have the equipment available for your trip.