On May 17, 2000, about 1930 eastern daylight time, a homebuilt amphibian 1DK, N8096A, registered to a private individual, nosed over after touchdown on Lake James, near Morganton, North Carolina. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and no flight plan was filed for the 14 CFR Part 91 personal flight. The airplane was substantially damaged and the private rated-pilot sustained minor injuries. The flight originated about 1830 from a private airstrip named Clyde Valley, located near Morganton, North Carolina. The pilot stated that after takeoff he performed airwork then flew towards Lake James and landed on the water that had 2-3 inch ripples. After touchdown he climbed about 1 foot above the water then elected to land on the water where he planned a full stop landing. After the second landing, he reduced the throttle control and noted that the airplane immediately nosed over. He further stated that this was his first time landing on the water after building the airplane. Postaccident examination of the airplane by the pilot revealed that the main and tail wheel were retracted. He also stated that the throttle was stiff and when he retarded the throttle, he may have pushed on the yoke.