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Short answer: A kneeboard comes out of the box with the strap detached. Screw the tow hook into the two inserts at the front of the board with two Phillips-head screws. Then thread the strap underneath the footman loop and pull it all the way through, to the part of the strap without Velcro. Setting a board up for a young rider? Take the strap off altogether.
Reuben runs through the whole thing below — tow hook on, strap threaded, and what we do differently for the kids. It takes under two minutes. The written steps follow underneath.
Setting up a kneeboard tow hook and strap. 1 min 43 sec.
What you'll need
- Your kneeboard
- The tow hook, if your board takes one
- The kneeboard strap — it comes in the box, detached
- Two Phillips-head screws for the tow hook
- A Phillips-head screwdriver
The finished board should have the tow hook on the front and the strap threaded through the footman loop. That's the whole job.
Step 1 — Fit the tow hook
Look at the front of the board. If it takes a tow hook you'll have two inserts up there, and they line up with the hook perfectly.
Two Phillips-head screws, and screw them in nice and tight.
The tow hook is a great accessory for the kids, because they can rest the handle straight in it rather than having to hold on through the start.
Use a hook handle with a tow hook — not a normal handle. A regular EVA or suede grip handle isn't built to sit in a kneeboard hook and can bend or break in it. Kneeboard handles are made with a hook bar for exactly this. It's worth sorting before the first ride, not after.
Not every board has the inserts. Roto-moulded plastic boards commonly come with an integrated tow hook or the ability to screw one in. Some higher-performance wide tip and tail fibreglass boards don't include tow hook inserts at all — check the front of the board before you buy a hook for it.
Step 2 — Thread the strap
The strap is detached when you pull the kneeboard out of the box, so this bit is on you.
Place the strap underneath the footman loop and wiggle it through. Then pull the strap all the way through — until you reach the part of the strap without Velcro. That's how you know it's far enough.
Step 3 — Setting up for the kids
For a young rider, we recommend taking the kneeboard strap off entirely.
Two reasons. They get up easily without it, so they don't necessarily need it. And it's safer — without the strap they aren't attached to the board when they fall off.
To take it off:
- Remove the footman loops from each side of the board — two screws each
- Pull the strap out of the kneeboard
- Put the loops back on the board
Before the first ride
A few things worth knowing before the board goes in the water:
- Starts should be gentle and progressive. No hard acceleration off the mark.
- Never accelerate when the board tip is submerged.
- Don't ride into shallow water or banks.
Kneeboard setup FAQs
What is the tow hook for?
It lets the rider rest the handle in the board instead of holding it through the start. It's particularly good for kids learning, which is why plastic boards so often come with one fitted or with the inserts to add one.
Do I need a special handle to use the tow hook?
Yes. Use a hook handle — not a regular EVA or suede grip handle. Kneeboard handles are built with a hook bar so they sit in the hook without bending or breaking.
Does every kneeboard take a tow hook?
No. Roto-moulded plastic boards commonly have an integrated tow hook or inserts to screw one in. Some higher-performance wide tip and tail fibreglass boards don't include tow hook inserts. Check the front of the board.
How far do I pull the strap through?
All the way through to the part of the strap that has no Velcro on it. When you can see that section, it's through far enough.
Should kids use the strap?
We recommend taking it off. Young riders get up easily without it, and not being attached to the board when they fall off is safer.
How do I take the strap off?
Undo the two screws holding each footman loop, take the loops off both sides, pull the strap out, then screw the loops back onto the board.
Related guides
- How to get up on a kneeboard
- The Breakdown: Kneeboards
- How to attach a tow rope to your boat or jet ski
- How to tell if your rope is frayed
Shop the gear
- Kneeboards
- Kneeboard tow hooks, straps, footman loops and parts
- Kneeboard ropes and hook handles
- Kneeboard covers
About this guide. Written from the video demonstration by Reuben and produced by Waterskiers World — Australia's dedicated towed water sports retailer, family-run for over 20 years from our Brisbane store and online. Not sure what your board takes? Talk to our team — we ride this gear.