A BURY kneeboarder is celebrating after he helped create a high watermark in a little-known sport.

David Webster was a member of the successful UK kneeboarding team which beat the Americans on their own soil at the inaugural International Kneeboard Rider Club competition.

A total of 27 athletes from both sides of the Atlantic competed in the event held at Lake Placid, Florida. And the meeting also provided a significant springboard for the sport in terms of boosting its popularity.

David (29), of Dawson Street, Bury, was jubilant at the British success.

"We did not expect to beat the Americans, and neither did they," he says. "It's going to be great next year when they have to come to England to sample our cold water temperatures."

He has been involved in kneeboarding for more than five years and has competed for the past two years.

David explained: "I was a conventional water skier before changing to kneeboarding. I changed to this type of skiing after buying a kneeboard video. And when I saw the amazing tricks these Americans were doing, it blew me away.

"For a beginner taking up water-skiing or having a go behind a friend's boat, kneeboarding is one of the quickest ways of getting on the water without too much hassle.

"But, all too often, it is used as a stepping stone to conventional skis or wakeboarding and the skill of kneeboarding is taken no further."

David admits that the sport is still in its infancy as the far as Britain is concerned.

"Kneeboarding is not as big over here as it is in the US. But it is growing fast and people are starting to realise that a lot more can be done than just following behind the boat.

"It is not much of a strain on your knees as most kneeboards have very well designed kneepads on the top of the board."

David, who is self-employed and involved in setting up, fixing and networking computers, was part of the national team organised by the British Kneeboard Committee, itself part of the BWSF (British Water Sports Federation).

He continued: "Both BWSF and the AKA (American Kneeboard Association) organised the very first international kneeboard event."

Team selection was based on the top, consistent scores notched up by UK kneeboarders based on this year's national championship results.

Of his American trip, he said: "All of the competitors made a holiday out of the event, most staying two weeks and some three. The competition was spread over three days, the first day being a practice.

"Three of us were lucky enough to stay at the home of the Rohner family who had their own lake in the back yard. And when we turned the corner of the street we were confronted by a huge banner which said 'Welcome British Kneeboarders' with both our and their flags draped over it. We had a very warm welcome."

Commenting on the triumph, David said: "What we gained from this event was far more than a trophy and a bunch of medals. It was to meet our American kneeboard counterparts and build a long, lasting relationship with them. We had only seen some of their riders in videos and in magazines.

"I am looking forward to next year when the US team will come over to Britain to try to return the Rider Cup back to US soil: and to freeze in the water!"