Kneeboarding (sometimes spelled Knee Boarding) is a sport similar to wake boarding and water skiing. It is often considered the easiest of water sports to learn, because being on your knees often makes it easier (this is due to a lower center of gravity).

Kneeboarding is a simplified version of water skiing and wakeboarding that can easily be learned in a short amount of time. Boarders can simply enjoy the ride, or attempt different spins, flips and jumps while being towed. Various competitions are held throughout the world, which judge riders on technical prowess and creativity.

Ride and perform tricks on a small board while being pulled behind a motorboat.

There are no written or standardized rules for kneeboarding, except those created specifically for individual competitions. There are certain restrictions on where kneeboarders can venture on beaches and lakes, due to safety concerns of boaters and swimmers.

Kneeboarding began in California, in the mid-1960s, when local surfers began riding homemade boards towed by motorboats. Due to the primitive designs of early boards, riders were forced to squat in order to maintain stability. The ease of the sport and the short amount of time it took to learn, led to a quick increase in popularity. By the 1970's, boards were being designed specifically for the new sport of kneeboarding. In 1983, the American Kneeboarding Association (AKA) was formed to govern all competitive tournaments in the United States. By 1988, USA Water Ski, the national governing body for all water skiing, granted sport division status to kneeboarding, making it an officially recognized competitive sport.

Boat
Kneeboard
Tow Rope

Because the sport involves motorized boats, there is always potential for injury. Participants must be acutely aware of their surrounding while in the water in order to avoid any interaction with passing boats. Basic water safety rules must also be observed.

Mild weight training can produce the strong arms and shoulders, necessary for keeping a hold on the tow rope, while basic swimming exercises can provide enough experience for activity in water.

Kneeboard - lightweight, concave board with adjustable thigh strap

Side Slide - rotating the board sideways without turning on its edge, causing the board to slide to one side

Tow Rope - tether connecting the boarder to the back of a motorboat

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kneeboarding
http://www.usawaterski.org/pages/divisions/kneeboard/kneeboardhist.htm