Wakeboard and wakeskate rider wearing an Össur CTi3 knee brace

ÖSSUR CTi®3 FOR BOARD SPORTS

Surfing & Wakeboarding Knee Braces

Explore the Össur CTi®3 for surfing, wakeboarding and wakeskating — a lightweight, rigid ligament knee brace designed for demanding movement, rotation, deep flexion and hard landings.

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BOARD-SPORT KNEE SUPPORT

CTi®3 Knee Braces for Surfing, Wakeboarding & Wakeskating

Surfing and wake sports place unique demands on the knees. Riders repeatedly move through deep flexion while controlling the board, absorbing landings and reacting quickly to changing forces.

Wakeboarding and wakeskating can also expose the knee to sudden rotational loads during jumps, falls and board catches. Surfing involves repeated compression, rotation and rapid movement between crouched and extended positions.

The Össur CTi®3 combines a rigid carbon composite frame with anatomically designed hinges and a secure adjustable strap system designed to provide functional support for knee conditions involving the ACL, PCL, MCL and LCL.

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CHOOSE YOUR CTi®3

Surfing & Wakeboarding Knee Brace Options

Choose the Athlete Edition Bundle for support on both knees, or select a single CTi®3 for one specific knee.

Össur CTi3 Athlete Edition knee brace bundle
LEFT + RIGHT

CTi®3 Athlete Edition Bundle

Get bilateral CTi®3 support with one left brace and one right brace, plus undersleeves and oversleeves for a complete active-use setup.

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Single Össur CTi3 knee brace
LEFT OR RIGHT

Single Össur CTi®3 Knee Brace

Choose a single left or right CTi®3 when you need functional ligament support for one specific knee.

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Athlete preparing an Össur CTi knee brace for board sports

CONTROL THROUGH MOVEMENT

Support Through Rotation, Flexion & Landings

Surfing and wake sports require the knee to move rapidly through flexion and extension while controlling rotation and responding to changing forces from the board and water.

SPORT-SPECIFIC DEMANDS

Why Board-Sport Athletes Use Knee Braces

Surfing, wakeboarding and wakeskating all require athletes to maintain balance while force moves through the legs. Deep crouching positions, rapid transitions and changes in board direction can place substantial loads around the knee.

Falls and awkward landings may introduce sudden twisting, valgus, extension or rotational forces. For athletes who need functional ligament support, a rigid knee brace can provide more structural control than a soft sleeve.

Common Board-Sport Knee Demands

  • Deep knee flexion
  • Rotational board movement
  • Jump and landing forces
  • Rapid weight transfer
  • Board catches during falls
  • Potential hyperextension

DIFFERENT SPORTS, SIMILAR KNEE DEMANDS

Surfing vs. Wakeboarding Knee Stress

Both sports require knee stability and control, but their movement patterns and loading characteristics differ.

01

Surfing

Surfing requires repeated transitions between standing and deep crouched positions while controlling rotation through the hips, knees and ankles.

  • Deep crouching positions
  • Rapid directional changes
  • Board rotation
  • Continuous balance adjustments
02

Wakeboarding & Wakeskating

Wake sports add higher-speed jumps, landings and the possibility of sudden rotational forces when the board catches the water.

  • Higher-impact landings
  • Jump compression
  • Sudden board catches
  • Rotational forces during falls

CTi®3 TECHNOLOGY

Why CTi®3 Works for Board Sports

01

Carbon Composite Frame

Provides rigid structural support while maintaining a relatively lightweight and streamlined design.

02

Accutrac® Hinges

Anatomically designed hinges help follow natural knee movement through flexion and extension.

03

Low-Profile Fit

A streamlined frame helps reduce unnecessary bulk around the knee during deep crouching and board movement.

04

Ligament Support

Designed to provide functional support for conditions involving the ACL, PCL, MCL and LCL.

05

Extension Control

Compatible extension stops can be used to control the permitted extension range when appropriate.

06

Replaceable Components

Straps, liners, pads and other compatible CTi®3 components can be replaced as they wear.

MOVEMENT CHECK

Test the Brace Through Your Riding Position

Before entering the water, test the CTi®3 through the movements you expect to use during your session.

Move into a deep crouch, rotate through the hips and knees, simulate your riding stance and repeatedly bend and extend the knee. The brace should remain aligned without excessive movement, pinching or pressure.

Pre-Ride Fit Check

  • Hinges remain aligned with the knee
  • Brace does not slide during deep flexion
  • Straps remain secure
  • No excessive pressure or numbness
  • Full riding stance remains comfortable
  • Brace stays positioned during rotation

FIT MATTERS

Get the Right CTi®3 Size

Proper sizing is critical for keeping the brace aligned through repeated flexion, extension and rotation.

Knee width is the primary CTi®3 sizing measurement. Thigh circumference can provide additional confirmation when your measurements fall near the boundary between sizes.

View CTi®3 Sizing & Fit Guide
01 Knee Width Primary CTi®3 sizing measurement
02 Thigh Circumference Secondary fit reference
03 Movement Check Confirm positioning through deep flexion

MAINTAIN YOUR BRACE

CTi®3 Replacement Parts & Accessories

Inspect wearable components regularly and replace straps, liners, pads and compatible range-of-motion components when they no longer provide the intended fit.

Replacement Straps Replacement Liners Condyle Pads Extension Stops Flexion Stops Brace Accessories

QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

Surfing & Wakeboarding Knee Brace FAQs

Detailed answers about CTi®3 fit, ligament support, sizing, water-sport use and brace care.

Can you wear a knee brace while surfing? +
Some surfers use rigid functional knee braces when additional ligament support is needed. Surfing requires repeated flexion, rotation and weight transfer, so the brace should remain aligned as you move between standing and deeply crouched positions. Test the brace through your complete surfing stance before entering the water. If you are using a brace because of an injury or surgery, follow the recommendations of your healthcare professional.
Can you wear a CTi®3 while wakeboarding? +
The CTi®3 is designed for demanding active use and provides rigid functional support around the knee. Wakeboarding involves jumping, landing, rotation and sudden board movement, making secure fit and correct alignment especially important. Test the brace through deep flexion and your normal riding stance before beginning a full session.
Is CTi®3 suitable for wakeskating? +
CTi®3 may be appropriate for wakeskating when rigid ligament support is desired. Wakeskating requires rapid changes in body position and may expose the knee to rotational forces during falls or board catches. Correct sizing and strap placement help keep the brace aligned during this type of movement.
Does CTi®3 support the ACL? +
Yes. CTi®3 is designed to provide functional support for knee conditions involving the ACL. Its rigid carbon composite frame and anatomical hinge system are intended to provide structural support around the knee. A brace does not determine when an injured athlete is ready to return to surfing or wakeboarding, so return-to-sport decisions should be made with a qualified healthcare professional.
Does CTi®3 support the PCL, MCL and LCL? +
CTi®3 is designed to provide functional support for knee conditions involving the ACL, PCL, MCL and LCL. Its rigid frame provides structural support while the hinge system allows controlled flexion and extension.
Can a rigid knee brace help with rotational forces? +
A rigid functional knee brace provides more structural control around the knee than a soft sleeve. This may be useful in sports involving rotational movement, including surfing and wake sports. However, no knee brace can eliminate all twisting forces or prevent every injury during a high-energy fall.
Can CTi®3 help control knee hyperextension? +
CTi®3 can be used with compatible extension stops to restrict the permitted extension range of the knee. If a healthcare professional has prescribed a particular range of motion following an injury or surgery, use the extension setting they recommend.
Can I bend deeply while wearing CTi®3? +
The CTi®3 hinge system is designed to allow controlled knee flexion and extension. Because surfing, wakeboarding and wakeskating often require deep knee flexion, test the brace in your full crouched riding position before use. The brace should remain aligned without excessive pinching or pressure.
Will CTi®3 move or slide during surfing or wakeboarding? +
A properly sized and fitted brace should remain securely positioned, but movement can occur when the brace is incorrectly sized, positioned or strapped. Repeated bending and high-intensity movement make proper fit especially important. If the brace repeatedly migrates, recheck sizing and strap positioning rather than simply tightening the straps further.
Can I wear CTi®3 after ACL reconstruction? +
CTi®3 may be used as a functional ligament brace after ACL injury or reconstruction when appropriate. Returning to surfing, wakeboarding or wakeskating after surgery should be based on clearance from your surgeon, physician or rehabilitation professional. A knee brace does not replace rehabilitation or return-to-sport testing.
Should I wear one CTi®3 or braces on both knees? +
Riders addressing one specific knee may choose a single left or right CTi®3. Athletes who want bilateral support can choose the CTi®3 Athlete Edition Bundle, which includes one left brace and one right brace.

View the CTi®3 Athlete Edition Bundle →
What comes with the CTi®3 Athlete Edition Bundle? +
The Athlete Edition Bundle includes one left CTi®3 Knee Brace and one right CTi®3 Knee Brace for bilateral support. It also includes two Össur Coolmax undersleeves and two Össur neoprene oversleeves for a complete active-use setup.

Shop the CTi®3 Athlete Edition Bundle →
Can I buy just one CTi®3 knee brace? +
Yes. If you only need support for one knee, you can purchase a single CTi®3 and select the appropriate left or right side.

Shop the Single CTi®3 Knee Brace →
Is CTi®3 left- and right-side specific? +
Yes. CTi®3 braces are anatomically designed for either the left or right knee. Select the correct side when purchasing a single brace. The Athlete Edition Bundle includes both one left brace and one right brace.
How tight should my CTi®3 be? +
The brace should feel secure enough that the hinges remain aligned and the frame does not noticeably rotate or slide during movement. The straps should not cause numbness, excessive pressure or uncomfortable pinching. If you need to overtighten the straps to keep the brace in position, recheck the size and fitting technique.
How do I choose the correct CTi®3 size? +
Knee width at the joint line is the primary CTi®3 sizing measurement. Thigh circumference can be used as an additional fit reference, especially when your primary measurement falls near the boundary between two sizes.

View the Complete CTi®3 Sizing & Fit Guide →
What should I do if I am between CTi®3 sizes? +
Recheck your measurements before ordering. A brace that is too large may migrate during movement, while one that is too small may create excessive pressure. Use knee width as the primary measurement and use the additional measurements in the sizing guide to help confirm your fit. Contact The CTI Shop if you remain uncertain.
Does water affect the CTi®3? +
Water exposure makes post-session care especially important. After use around salt water, lakes or other water environments, remove salt, sand and debris and allow the brace and soft components to dry completely. Pay particular attention to hinges, straps, pads and liners.
How should I clean CTi®3 after surfing or wakeboarding? +
Remove sand, salt, dirt and other debris after your session. Follow the manufacturer's care instructions for removable straps, pads and liners and allow the components to air-dry completely. Avoid storing the brace while wet and avoid excessive heat when drying soft components.
Are replacement straps, liners and pads available? +
Yes. Compatible CTi®3 replacement straps, liners, condyle pads, flexion stops, extension stops and other accessories are available. Inspect wearable parts regularly and replace components when they no longer maintain the intended fit or comfort.

Shop CTi®3 Replacement Parts & Accessories →
What should I check before getting in the water? +
Confirm that the hinges are aligned with your knee, all straps are secure and the brace does not noticeably slide. Move through deep knee flexion, extension and controlled rotation while wearing the brace. Simulate your normal riding or surfing position and make sure the brace remains comfortable and correctly positioned.
Can CTi®3 be used for sports other than surfing and wakeboarding? +
CTi®3 is designed for demanding active use and may also be appropriate for sports such as motocross, BMX, mountain biking, skiing, pickleball and other activities where rigid functional ligament support is needed. Always verify proper fit for the movement demands of the specific sport.

ÖSSUR CTi®3

Built for Movement.
Designed for Knee Support.

Choose the CTi®3 setup that fits your needs and keep your brace properly positioned through every session.

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