How to guide for Towables - Tubes, Kneeboards, Wake boards, and Skis

There’s no need for a high-powered speedboat to enjoy watersports, today’s pontoons and tritoons are more than capable of delivering an unforgettable day on the water. If you’re new to towing activities, this beginner’s guide will walk you through how to actually do each one, from your first pull to riding with confidence, whether you’re behind a 60–115hp pontoon or a 150–300hp tritoon on Douglas Lake.

Start with the Right Expectations

Pontoon and tritoon boats are ideal for beginners thanks to their stability and space. A 60–115hp pontoon is great for tubing and lighter riders, while a 150–300hp tritoon provides the torque needed for skiing and wakeboarding.

Keep in mind: weight matters. The more people and gear you have onboard, the harder your engine has to work. Smaller motors will accelerate slower and may struggle to pull riders up, especially for skiing and wakeboarding. If you’ve got a full crew, adjust expectations or consider more horsepower.

🟡 Tubing: The Easiest Way to Start

If you’re new to towing sports, tubing is the easiest and most approachable place to start. Riders simply hold on while the boat pulls them across the water, no standing or balancing required.

Behind a 60–115hp pontoon, tubing is a blast at moderate speeds with wide, gentle turns. A 150–300hp tritoon can add a bit more excitement with quicker acceleration and tighter turns for those who want a thrill. Start slow, communicate with the rider, and build up speed gradually. It’s all about fun and comfort.

Best for: All ages, beginners
Boat power: Any (for deciding the best boat for your day please check out our blog post “The best boat for me”)

How to do it:

1. Rider lies flat on the tube (or sits/kneels depending on style), holding handles firmly.
2. Keep arms slightly bent and body centered.
3. Boat starts slowly, no jerking the throttle.
4. Gradually increase speed until the rider is comfortably gliding.
5. For more fun, the driver can make wide, smooth turns to swing the tube outward.

Tips:

• Beginners should start at slower speeds.
• Communication is key - thumbs up = faster, thumbs down = slower.
• Smaller motors do great here, even with a heavier boat.

🔵 Kneeboarding: Learning Control

Kneeboarding is a great next step because it introduces balance and control without requiring you to stand up. Riders begin in a kneeling position and use a strap to stay secure on the board.

A mid-range pontoon can handle kneeboarding well, especially with a lighter rider and a moderate load on the boat. The deeper power of a tritoon makes getting up easier and allows for smoother rides. Focus on steady throttle and straight paths while the rider learns to balance and carve gently across the wake.

Best for: Beginners ready for more balance
Boat power: 75hp+ ideal, easier with more hp

How to do it:

1. Rider starts in the water with the board floating flat.
2. Kneel on the board and secure the strap over thighs.
3. Hold the rope handle and lean slightly back.
4. As the boat accelerates, let the board pull you up, don’t fight it.
5. Once up, keep your back straight and weight centered.

Tips:

• Keep arms relaxed—don’t pull yourself up.
• Start in a straight line before attempting turns.
• Heavier boats + smaller motors = slower pull-up, so be patient.

🟣 Wakeboarding: Standing Up

Wakeboarding adds more challenge, requiring riders to stand and balance while riding the wake. This is where horsepower and weight really start to matter.

A 150–300hp tritoon is your best bet for wakeboarding, offering the torque needed for a clean pull out of the water, even with several passengers on board. Beginners should start with slower speeds and practice getting up before attempting turns or small jumps. While a 60–115hp pontoon can occasionally manage a beginner rider with a light load, it’s not ideal for consistent wakeboarding performance.

Best for: Intermediate beginners
Boat power: 150hp+ recommended

How to do it:

1. Start sitting in the water with knees bent and board perpendicular to the boat.
2. Hold the handle with both hands, arms straight.
3. As the boat accelerates, let it pull you up, don’t stand too early.
4. Once the board planes on top of the water, slowly stand up.
5. Keep knees bent and weight balanced over the board.

Tips:

• Let the boat do the work—this is the #1 mistake beginners make.
• Stay low and stable at first.
• A fully loaded pontoon with a small motor may struggle here, lighter load or more horsepower helps significantly.

🔴 Water Skiing: The Classic Challenge

Water skiing is a timeless favorite, but it’s also one of the more demanding activities for both the rider and the boat. Deep-water starts require solid power and smooth acceleration.

For this reason, skiing is best suited to higher-horsepower tritoons in the 150–300hp range, especially when carrying multiple passengers. Beginners may find it easier to start with combo skis for added stability. Keep the pull steady, avoid jerky acceleration, and give the skier time to find their balance before increasing speed.

Best for: Determined beginners
Boat power: 150–300hp strongly recommended

How to do it:

1. Start in deep water with skis on, knees tucked to your chest.
2. Keep ski tips above water and pointed up.
3. Hold the rope with arms straight.
4. As the boat accelerates, let it pull you forward, do not try to stand immediately.
5. Once moving, slowly rise into a standing position.

Tips:

• Think “let the boat pull me up,” not “I need to stand.”
• Use combo skis for better stability.
• Extra passengers and weight make this much harder with smaller motors.

Safety Basics (Don’t Skip These)

• Always wear a life jacket
• Use a spotter (not just the driver)
• Start slow and build speed gradually
• Use clear hand signals - thumbs up = faster, thumbs down = slower
• Stay in open water away from other boats

Plan Your Day for Success

With 550 miles of shoreline, Douglas Lake has plenty of space to learn. Mornings offer calmer water, perfect for skiing and wakeboarding, while tubing can happen all day long.

Final Thoughts

You don’t need elite skills or massive horsepower to have an incredible time, you just need the right approach. Start with tubing, build confidence with kneeboarding, and work your way up to wakeboarding or skiing as your comfort grows.

Be mindful of your boat’s power, your passenger load, and your pace. Take your time, enjoy the process, and don’t be surprised if the biggest laughs come from the wipeouts.

That’s all part of the fun.