We did a couple of runs with 3 skiers. We were able to get everyone up, but the logistics are a hassle. Pulling double skiers is almost trouble free in comparison. 

To do this again next year we need more practice. 

Here we are pulling a single skier. There are 6 people in the boat as well. The sp

Same crowd, but now pulling a boarder. With a wakeboard we run at 1800-2200 rpm. With a kneeboard 1500-2200 rpm depending on size

This has turned out to be the favorite activity. The quick learning curve allows everyone to have fun quickly. The kids love to do 180 and 360 degree turns as well as jumping

Kneeboarding movie (900k). This is an early shot of David on a beginner board (no tricks yet).

We have been running with the rope set at 20' off (~55ft). This gives a better wake for jumping. Placing 2 adults in the read seat makes the wake significantly bigger and more fun to jump

Later in the summer we got a Hydroslide with retractable fins. It was a big improvement in handling. I can now clear the wake when jumping!

The quick instructions for getting up:

Loosen strap and fix the Velcro at last 6" or so. Fold strap forward and tuck under one elbow as you grip the handle and front of the board. If it cannot be tucked under the elbow, it stands a good chance of sliding down and getting caught under one of the knees.

As soon as the boat is moving pull knees up under you and get your butt down. The driver will run at 1500-1800 rpm. Getting the center of gravity low is a key point in successfully getting up. As soon as a kneeling position is achieved, lift the strap over the knees, but do not tighten. Just keep from kneeling on the strap. At this point the driver should speed up slightly (~200 rpm) to reduce the pull on the boarders arms.

While kneeling, hold the handle centered over the board. When one handed (tightening strap), it helps to hold it in the center of the handle. Scoot your knees forward until you are at the front of the pad. Now fasten the strap firmly across the thighs.

If the boarder is headed off to the wake when trying to get up, stop and start over. This is common for the beginner and very difficult to recover from. It is better to conserve strength and re-start than to keep them struggling in an off balance situation.

Also, wear a short swim suit. A longer pair of shorts, while fashionable, will often catch on the knee preventing the boarder from pulling their knee forward as they get up. This is very comical for those in the boat as the boarder is stuck halfway up and now pulling their shorts down, but the humor seems to be lost on the boarder. 

Finally lean back to stabilize. If the board is squirming, the weight is too far forward. It is very hard to fall backwards. Lean back even more when crossing the wake. Most of the falls seem to be come from catching a leading edge or planting the tip when crossing the wake.

Knee boarding is a low speed activity and you don't fall far. This minimizes risk and helps get the fearful ones out of the boat.

By the way, the Hydroslide video is nearly useless for instruction for tricks and has no beginner information at all.

Next year we will add more photos and movies of this. It was not easy to learn without instruction (it took me 10 times to finally get up). With simple instruction and watching a couple of people start, it is then actually very easy to learn. 

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