As a beginner in bodyboarding, drop knee riding may seem daunting, but it is an incredibly fun and rewarding technique to master. Riding drop knee involves one leg on the board’s tail and the other knee on the board’s side, giving you increased control and maneuverability. In this article, we will explore step by step how to ride drop knee bodyboard, including its advantages, tips, and safety precautions. Let’s dive in!
What is drop knee riding?
Drop knee riding is a technique in bodyboarding where the rider assumes a kneeling position on the board with one knee touching the board’s deck while the other leg remains extended and slightly angled. It allows bodyboarders to have greater control and maneuverability in certain wave conditions.
In drop knee riding, the rider typically places their dominant foot (the foot they feel most comfortable with) on the board’s tail, while their other foot is positioned on the knee that touches the board. This stance provides stability and allows the rider to steer the board by leaning and shifting their weight. The extended leg is used for balance and to control the direction of the board.
Drop knee riding requires skill and practice to maintain balance and perform maneuvers effectively. It allows bodyboarders to perform sharp turns, cutbacks, and even aerial maneuvers by using their knees and body positioning to generate power and control. This technique is often used in larger waves or when the rider wants to add style and variety to their bodyboarding performance.
Benefits of Drop Knee Riding
Drop knee riding allows riders to take control of how they ride the wave in a more controlled, precise, and dynamic way. The benefits are:
– Better control: when a rider drops their knee onto the board and engages their back leg, it provides better control and balance, allowing for sharper turns and more stability at higher speeds.
– Increased Maneuverability: With its increased control and stability, riders can maneuver the board back and forth easier, carve down the wave’s channels, and generate more speed.
– Additional skill set: By learning how to drop knee ride, one can add an additional skillset to their bodyboarding repertoire and tackle more challenging waves.
How do you prepare to ride drop knee?
Before heading into the water, make sure to have the necessary equipment like a leash, fins, and wax. Next, find a suitable location with small waves to practice. To prepare for drop knee riding, follow these steps:
– Get into the prone position on the board
– Put your back foot on the tail of the board
– Position your front knee on the wide part of the board’s center, with your foot facing sideways across the board
– Put your toes over the edge of the board
– Slowly bring the leg firmly to the board and using your other arm lean into the carve
What should be the body position on the wave while in drop knee position?
When in the drop knee position, the rider’s body is facing towards the wave and rotated 90 degrees perpendicular to the board. This position allows the rider to put the weight on their back foot and lean on the board’s edge. It’s essential to maintain a balanced body position with the rider’s glutes against the board’s tail and chest over the board’s center to ensure control and stability.
What are some tips for a beginner to ride drop knee?
If you’re new to drop knee riding, take baby steps and gradually increase as you get comfortable. Here are some tips to help you master the technique:
– Start by practising on waist-high waves, so you don’t feel overwhelmed in bigger surf
– Master prone riding technique before trying drop knee riding – make sure you’re comfortable and confident in your skin
– Practice turns and carves in small sections of waves before attempting in bigger waves
– Keep your shoulders and hips facing towards the wave and rotate your front foot in the direction you want to turn – it’s important to remember to switch legs and drop legs down to maintain balance
– Keep your arms out to the side at the right distance for better balance and control while riding
Safety Precautions to Take while Drop knee riding
Like all water sports, safety should be the number one priority while drop knee riding. So here are some precautions that should be taken care of:
– Always check the surf conditions and choose a location that suits your skill level
– Make sure your bodyboard leash is not too long as it could pose a safety risk to yourself or others
– Wear fins that fit correctly and feel comfortable in the water
– Stay alert of other riders surfing near you and avoid collisions
– Know when to bail out of a wave if it starts to get too dangerous or beyond your skill level.
Conclusion
In conclusion, drop knee riding is an exciting and engaging way to increase bodyboarding skills and take on more challenging waves. By following the preparation tips, maintaining a balanced body position, and gradually increasing skill levels, one can master the technique. As always, safety should be a top priority, and riders must make sure to take proper safety precautions while in the water. Happy wave riding!
