Kneeboards dangerous?

[SkiTundra]

My bro-in-law bought a kneeboard a couple of weeks ago and we used it very briefly yesterday. He rode it first and had a good time. Nephew was next and enjoyed it. 9 year old niece was next and had a great time until she crashed, rolled upside down, and couldn't get out of the strap or roll rightside up again. I was able to get to her in time, but scared the daylights out of me. Still a bit weirded out how close we came to loosing a great girl.

Are kneeboards generally considered safe? Dangerous?

[TX-Foilhead]

I remember doing that when I was a kid, If your not doing a bunch of jumps and inverts the strap doesn't have to be cranked down. I've even heard people suggest that you don't need the strap until the first few rides since most people seem to have a problem putting it on.

There really isn't any trick to getting out like that, but you do have to think about it, and unstrap yourself which could be an issue for the little kids. I'm going to start including that in my instructions for the new kids, an attentive boat driver and passenger are a must as well, sounds like you had that going for you.

[Nordicron]

Pulled my and other kids many of miles on the knee boards and they have never needed or wanted to use the straps. They love to kneeboard!

[SkiTower]

I agree. Until they start jumping (if ever), they don't need the strap. More than likely, the kneeboard will be a starting point and they will move quickly to a wakeboard. I don't strap my daughter in for that reason.

[AirTool]

Small light kids should not wear a strap.

Our trainer kneedboard is strapless and that's the everyone (wants) to use.

[DealsGapCobra]

I too have the strap removed from one of our boards. I find it makes it much easier for people to learn on as they are not focused on the strap the first time they get up.

Having said that, I took a new person on the boat (9 yo) and didn't have the strapless board. He flipped and was stuck. He was easily able to keep his head up until I could help but like you said, it scared the heck out of him.