Kneeboarding is a perfect activity for adventure loving folks looking to enjoy some thrilling water sports on vacation, without having to take days to acquire a brand-new skill in order to do so.
Kneeboarding has certainly grown in popularity in recent years, as advances in gear and equipment have made the learning curve less steep and the sport itself accessible to a greater number of people. Kneeboarding is not as complicated as water skiing, for example, as the lower center of gravity in kneeboarding enables a greater sense of balance and control and makes the process of taking a fall and getting back onto your board less strenuous.
If you have a boat of your own and you’re planning a trip that involves kneeboarding or other such water sports, the likelihood is that you already have your gear and equipment in place and generally know the 411 on kneeboarding. Others may be looking to rent a boat with a driver, in which case they will be able to help with everything from learning how to get up on the board to figuring out the best areas to kneeboard in a given location. For the purpose of this blog entry, we’re taking a look at some of the best spots for kneeboarding in the U.S. where both owner/operators and first-time kneeboarders can do their thing in style.
Daytona Beach, Florida
Daytona Beach has long been a hot bed for tourists from around the U.S. in search of good times on the open water. There’s not a water sport created by human beings that you can’t find access to on this world-famous beach, from jet skiing and parasailing to deep-sea fishing and yes, kneeboarding. The beach variety is perhaps not best suited for novice riders, as kneeboarding along the shoreline presents unique challenges inherent to the movement of the tide and the changing conditions of the surf. With that said, since this is such a popular destination for all water sports, you’ll find plenty of options for professional companies who know how to navigate these extenuating circumstances and still provide a proper learning experience for first-time riders. If you’re a seasoned kneeboarder, you’re going to love Daytona! Hone your freestyle and wake-jumping abilities while basking in the admiration of all the beachgoers lining up to watch you do your thing.
Clearwater Beach, Clearwater, Florida
Before we jump into a selection of the best lakes and other inshore options for kneeboarding, we’re taking you back out to the beach. Clearwater Beach is just about the ideal beach location for kneeboarding because of its notoriously calm waters. Whereas ocean kneeboarding can present problems in choppy waters, you’re not going to run into that issue at this breathtaking destination in on the Gulf of Mexico. You’ll relish access to unlimited water sports and activities, from fishing charters and sailing to jet skiing and paddle boarding. (The paddle boarding is to die for at Clearwater Beach as well, for the same reason… calm, inviting waters). Visitors of all ages can stroll along the beachfront promenade and enjoy relaxing on the long stretch of white sand beach. The name Clearwater just about says it all when it comes to the crystalline blue expanse that faces out to the Gulf Coast. Enjoy awesome restaurants, entertainment and shopping, on top of the endless water sports available in Clearwater Beach.
Lake Havasu City, Arizona
We could not recommend Lake Havasu any more highly. It is a stunningly beautiful destination that straddles the border of Arizona and California along the Colorado River, offering not only amazing opportunities for a world of water sports and activities, but also access to unspoiled, breathtaking landscape in every direction. Lake Havasu has become widely known as a hotspot for water sports. Personal watercraft enthusiasts will take endless delight on the nearly 20,000 surface acres available for kneeboarding, jet skiing, paddle boarding and diving. If you are planning a trip to Lake Havasu, you should strongly consider checking out a scuba diving expedition to explore some of the lake’s amazing, underwater dive sites. Tailor your trip to your preference by choosing from a variety of accommodations, from rustic cabins and beach houses to luxurious hotels and spas. There’s so much to enjoy in Lake Havasu, you may want to book two weeks for starters.
Put-In-Bay, Ohio
Put-In-Bay has long been one of the most popular summer vacation destinations on Lake Erie, and the glow isn’t wearing off this little gem of a village on South Bass Island anytime soon. The opportunities for water sports are endless and the kneeboarding, jet skiing and fishing are just awesome. There’s a reason people stake out Put-In-Bay for summer trips. The laid-back vibe, ferry service to Catawba Island and Kelley’s Island, chill beaches and access to tons of water sports on Lake Erie makes this Midwest destination an obvious choice for those looking to have a great time in a relaxed atmosphere. The people are Midwestern-friendly, the perch sandwiches are to-die-for, and the beer stays ice cold during the hot summer months. (Check out the Beer Barrel Saloon, which boasts the “the world’s longest bar”). Whether you’re looking to relax on a houseboat or kick it on the beach, or you’re anxiously awaiting some high-adrenaline water sporting adventures out on Lake Erie, it’s all waiting for you in Put-In-Bay.
Lake Champlain
Similar to Lake Havasu, Lake Champlain is a destination that makes this list of the best vacation spots for kneeboarding, not just because of the awesome water sports, but also because of the gorgeous landscape and access to nature. Lake Champlain is the sixth largest lake in the United States. It is a natural, freshwater lake that borders both the U.S. and Canada. The U.S. portion borders the states of New York and Vermont, and the Canadian side borders Quebec. (Another great reason to visit Lake Champlain is the ease of access to a wide variety of amazing places such as Quebec, Burlington and New York City. Also, Lake George is just a short distance to the south). People of all ages will find endless fun and the ability to truly relax at Lake Champlain. You can take your own boat or rent one for everything from kneeboarding and water skiing to excellent trout and salmon fishing.
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