When I first started riding in mid June 2004 I took advice from some experienced riders, and decided to opt for the minimum protection and bought knee pads and a helmet. This was great as I felt safe until I got pulled forward off the board in a gust of wind. The knee pads really did their job but I was thrown on to my elbows and chest. A little bruised but not too damaged I carried on. This continued to be the theme of the day until I had one fall too many and landed on my shoulder. I went home not to hurt, but too sore to kite for a week or so. Very frustrating!

 
Over the next few months I fell off loads, landing on most parts of my anatomy, so the protective kit list grew to include back, elbow, shoulder and arse protection. I now looked more like the riot police then a kite boarder, but it meant I could concentrate on the tricks and not worry about the pain. The only thing I didn't like was carrying so much kit around with none of it quite gelling together. The shoulder and back pads never quite worked together and weren't a great fit and the elbow pads moved around allot. Plus you could never wash them and they were starting to honk.

Then I discovered the KNOX suit. It is very light weight and made of material that holds position but draws sweat away. The Padding is light, slim and amazingly shock absorbing (designed for motocross). Pads cover everything well give you great movability and seem to mould themselves to your body shape after a few wears. Best of all it's completely washable as all the pads remove from the jacket. I've washed mine about 6 times already and it's still like new (DO NOT WASH PROTECTORS). You can also wear any of your normal clothes over the top with makes it cool in summer and warm in winter.
 

For those that just need to know. Here's some technical stuff


It is a technical Protective Undergarment designed to be worn under cloths. This gives the rider the flexibility to choose their outer garment, depending on riding conditions, knowing they will be protected underneath. It is made from Tactel Aquator & Supplex Lycra that includes KNOX Advance armour, which is removable for easy washing of the outer. Tactel Aquator is a unique soft and breathable two sided fabric construction designed for highly efficient moisture management. It controls the body's microclimate to keep you dry and comfortable at all times. The two-sided fabric is constructed with an inner layer containing only soft, fine Tactel fibres, which move moisture away from the skin into the outer layer where it can disperse and evaporate. Knox has Advance armour in the shoulders, elbows, chest and a full length back protector. The design of the garment ensures the protectors are held in place.
 
I would highly recommend it for all levels of riding. It may seem a bit pricey at £89.95 but nothing comes close for quality and protection. If you added together Elbow pads and body armour, you would nearly pay this anyway.
I have landed on my back, elbows shoulder and face more that a few times now and although nothing can make you invincible I truly believe I have been able spend more time kitting and less time bruised. The Knox kit gives me the confidence to try new tricks and because the jacket is breathable and washable I don't get too hot and smelly too(but that's a matter of opinion).  
   
Reporter: Mark P (Sharky)
Armoured Shorts
£69.95
  
     
Armoured PKX Shirt
£89.95