Water skiing is an exhilarating sport and a fun activity to do on a beach holiday.
Many holidaymakers, particularly those with limited time, take their first water ski lessons using a training bar or boom. This allows the beginner to get a feel for “standing” on the water, holding onto a bar alongside the speed boat without being affected by the boat’s wake. It is especially useful for young children and even adults who are scared of being pulled along in open water.
Those without access to a boom, however, need to start straight in the water. It’s best to only attempt a first water ski in calm flat water; early in the morning is usually the best time.
Safety Equipment for Water Skiing
First, ensure that the waterskis fit properly. All skis have adjustable bindings to allow for different foot sizes and they should be adjusted so that the water skis fit snugly. Petite adults with small feet may need to wear kids water skis which are also shorter in length. Second, make sure that the lifejacket is firmly fastened.
Learning to Water Ski
- Get into the water and take hold of the rope handle, placing it between the two skis.
- Bend the knees towards the chest and point the skis towards the boat.
- If the water is a little rough due to the wake of another boat going past, wait a moment and get comfortable.
- Give a signal to the boat driver and shout “hit it” or something similar when ready.
- Keep the knees bent with the skis parallel, the arms dead straight and stay seated as the boat moves forward.
- Remain in this sitting position with straight arms and do not try to stand up until the skis start to flatten on the water.
- Once upright, keep the knees bent a little and push the hips forward for better balance.
- Keep the skis parallel and get a feel for moving along on top of the water between the wakes.
- Keep eyes focused straight ahead on the boat rather than looking down at the skis.
- Don’t try to move from side to side for the first few runs, just relax and enjoy the ride.
Common Mistakes When Learning to Water Ski
It is rare for a complete beginner to get up out of the water straightaway. People either bend their arms as the boat starts to pull, they try to stand up too soon to avoid getting water in their eyes or they forget to keep the skis parallel; this all results in a loss of balance and a face full of water!
These early failures are all part of the learning curve and help to teach the beginner what it feels like to land face down in the water. Those who persevere soon get the hang of water skiing and quickly progress once they have mastered a deep water start.
Tips for Beginners on Water Skis
- Practice on dry land first by getting into a sitting position and pulling the knees tightly into the chest.
- Learn the mantra “knees up, arms straight, look ahead” when coming out of the water.
- If the water is too rough, try lengthening the rope for a more stable ride further behind the boat’s wake.
Master a Deep Water Start on Water Skis
With correctly fitted skis, beginners can confidently learn to water ski in open water. Just remember to keep the knees pulled into the chest, the arms straight and not to stand up until the skis are flat on the water.
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