Are these the same as the canvas rafts i used to ride in the 60’s?

Not exactly. While the overall design is similar to those older mats, these modern mats are made from a lightweight heat-sealable nylon fabric and ride very different from the old mats of the 60’s.

can i stand up on them? howsabout drop knee?

The modern mat is designed to be ridden at low inflation, resulting in a shapeshifting surfcraft with very little rigidity. You cannot stand up nor drop knee on these.

Can you duck dive them?

Absolutely. It takes practice, but once you get it down its just as easy as duck diving a surfboard.

i’ve never ridden a mat. which one should i get?

An easy first choice would be the FunBag model. It’s versatile, stabile, fast, and FUN!