How to choose your sailing knee pads: 5 key points
When sailing catamarans and dinghies, moving around on your knees on the trampoline or deck is common. Kneepads protect your knees from impact and your wetsuit from abrasion. Here are 5 points to check.
1. Your sailing style
Catamarans require repeated kneeling during tacks and gybes. In a dinghy, your knees come into contact with the deck, hiking straps, and deck hardware. The more frequently you move on your knees, the more the padding and the durability of the outer material matter.
2. The outer material
Non-slip surfaces wear out neoprene quickly. A reinforced outer layer limits this wear and protects the wetsuit worn underneath. The Windesign Kevlar Kneepads and Magic Marine Performance Kneepads use a Kevlar coating, while the Basic Junior Kneepads use a reinforced Supertex surface.
Windesign Kevlar Kneepads
3. Padding thickness
Padding cushions impacts against the deck and fittings. The Performance Kneepads feature 12mm padding with foam inserts, while the Basic Junior Kneepads have 5mm padding. Thicker padding provides more protection, while thinner padding allows for greater freedom of movement.
Magic Marine Performance Kneepads
4. Support
Kneepads that slide down lose their effectiveness. Check the attachment system and the presence of anti-slip strips. Rooster kneepads have an elongated cut that covers part of the shin and two silicone strips at the ends. The Windesign Kevlar Kneepads use adjustable elastic straps with dual hook-and-loop fasteners.
Rooster Kneepads
5. Sizing
Size is generally chosen based on thigh circumference, measured about 10 cm above the knee. The Windesign Kevlar Kneepads are available in Junior (36-42 cm), S/M (40-48 cm), and L/XL (46-54 cm). The Basic Junior Kneepads are one-size-fits-all. Try them on over your usual wetsuit.
Magic Marine Basic Junior Kneepads
Find all our models in our kneepads collection.