Teach Water Skiing Lessons

Many people have a bad taste in their mouth when it comes to water sports, but if they had someone to teach water skiing lessons properly, they probably would be showing their own children how to water ski to this day. Fear of the water, intimidation, engine noise and the feeling of being so far away from the boat can be a deal breaker even to an adult water skier. Here are a few easy ways to teach water skiing lessons and make their first time on water skis a day to remember.

What you will need:

  • Boat
  • Rope w/ski handle
  • Boom (optional)
  • Life jacket
  • Patience
  1. Know when it’s time. There is no exact science when you teach water skiing lessons, except for one very important one: Good judgment. Never attempt to teach someone to water ski if he is not a strong swimmer. Yes, they will have a life jacket on, but what if it comes off? Having confidence in the water is essential for both of you when you teach water skiing lessons.
  2. Show water ski hand signals and check the life jacket. Basic water skiing communication is universally known throughout the world. The most common among them are “stop” and “wait.” Tell them to put one hand out (palm out, facing the boat) as if they were a crossing guard. This also works when they are ready to stop water skiing. To go faster is one thumb up, and one thumb pointed down means the skier needs the boat to slow down. Pointing right or left tells the driver he wants to cross over the wake. Another handy one is the “cut throat.” Tell them this indicates he is releasing the rope and to then just sink. However, when you teach water skiing lessons, remind your pupil to check behind them for boat traffic before drawing their pointing finger across their throat. Next, inspect the life vest and make sure it fits properly. Nothing can undermine their confidence when you teach water skiing lessons if your pupil feels as if he is slipping beneath it or struggling to see over it.
  3. Take baby steps. Anyone to whom you teach water skiing lessons will appreciate you being with them in the water the first time they try to “get up.” This allows you to demonstrate proper positioning. If they do not feel confident enough to try it straight from the water, start in about eight inches of water or even on the shore, the grass or a deck.
  4. Directions on getting up. Instruct them to keep their arms outwardly folded over bent knees. Most importantly, make sure you include advice about keeping their back straight and head forward when you teach water skiing lessons. Since you are in the water with them, show them how to put on and adjust their water skis and how to hold them steady. Remind them not to struggle, to keep their rope between their skis and to let the boat do most of the work. Talk to them about letting the rope go if they become unstable. Water can feel like concrete and sometimes has a strange way of getting into uncomfortable places. Just as you would help someone who is learning to ride a bike for the first time, help your skier when the boat starts to move forward. Ease their apprehension and encourage them, while holding the tails of the water skis down as the boat begins to pull. Check that they are inside the wake. Assure them that it is rare for someone to get up on their first attempt. Moreover, you are there if they are unsuccessful the first few times.
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