Water ski from shallow water

[nightvision]

Hi all,<br />We will be teaching some young family members how to ski and kneeboard. Deep water have been a problem the last time out. This time we plan to have and adult in about three or four feet of water to balance the skier or Kneeboarder for an easy start. I would imagine this will work. Any recommendation or suggestion that would aid us? Also, I have a 75 feet tow rope. Should I go add to that rope lenght and go longer. Just concern that the prop might hit something. Thanks.

 

[robpoe]

Re: Water ski from shallow water

My friend showed my son how to ski (not that I could have) by steadying him in the water by holding on to his PFD. When my son was ready, he just let go.

 

[Dunaruna]

Re: Water ski from shallow water

I try them dry start first. Failing that, adult in the water giving physical & moral support. You can do that in 3 ft of water - no problems with the prop.<br /><br />Go easy on the throttle, once they get scared, it's near impossible to convince them to keep trying.<br /><br />Aldo

 

[Boatin Bob]

Re: Water ski from shallow water

Not sure how young or small you are talking but years ago we had bought our sons a pair of O'Brien beginner skiis and the tow rope that came with it was only about 50 ft. We actually started them off behind a 10ft inflatable with a 15hp on it in about 3 ft of water. One was up after the 2nd attempt and never looked back, the other one took about 10 tries and then same story...good luck!

 

[bayman]

Re: Water ski from shallow water

With water skiing, I find that it helps to tell people to sit in the water with the right "stance" and just let the boat pull them up. If people try and stand up it usually doesn't work.<br /><br />It also amazes me that some people need to be told that they need to "let go" if they start to fall. Some people keep hanging on in an apparent attempt to drown themselves. Very importantly, it is also quite dangerous to hold on in shallow water after falling.<br /><br />Wakeboarding in shallow water can be dangerous - especially if any stunts are performed. Once in awhile people land on their head on the bottom and...that just isn't good.<br /><br />Good luck and have fun!

 

[whytes]

Re: Water ski from shallow water

A shorter rope is better but not too short or, depending on your boat, there could be a lot of turbulence right at the skier. For younger kids, a 40 -50 foot rope is right. You have less stretch, it is lighter, it won't bounce around as much, and the kids are closer to the boat which makes them more comfortable and gives your spotter a better view of what pointers to provide. Kids under 40 lbs need very little speed but it is important to still 'pop' them out of the water. I also have had sucess not holding thier lifejacket but holding the backs of their skis, in the right position, and slightly toe'd in at the front. More often then not, if the skis don't stay together, they do the splits so prepositioning them before hand to go the opposite way has worked for me. Have fun, be patient and don't seem rushed. The kids will get it in no time!!!!!

 

[KCSteve]

Re: Water ski from shallow water

For the very young we used trainer skis that have a rope attached to the skis and handles on both ends. Got 8 yr old up first time everytime and she was able to stay up for 6 min on her 6th attempt. Her father stayed in the water with her to help her steady the skis. We had SIL holding onto handle in the boat so he could let go when she fell. I would guess rope was about 30ft long. Pulled her up gradually no need to hammer the throttle. This was done in deep water. Have also gotten several adults up for first time using skis with cross bar I agree with Bayman, It seems most new skier just can't remember to let go when they fall. Shallow water could be dangerous<br />Good Luck

 

[Moody Blue]

Re: Water ski from shallow water

I've taken the same approach as Dunaruna. Get them in the skis on land and give them the ski rope handle. Show them the proper positioning and stance then while standing on the skis, pull them up using the rope. Practice this several times until they get the feel for it. Most important points are, keep knees together and arms straight. Don't try and stand up too soon. Both my boys got up on the first try. If they are very young have someone in the boat hold onto the rope so they can let go if the skier forgets to. I have found for deep water starts you have to get them out of the water fast. Even the young ones. The longer you drag them through the water the harder and more uncomfortable it is.

 

[rogerwa]

Re: Water ski from shallow water

We did the folling with my three kids aged 10, 9, and 7.<br /><br />In a few feet of water (deep enough for them to float off the bottom and have the right position ot simulate a deep water start) have the kids put the ski tips up, one on each side of the rope. put the knees close to the chest, arms straight. The person in the water will help them keep this postion. positon the boat in the water so that the pull will be straight and not a curve. Tighten the rope gently and then apply enough power to steadily pull them up. We tell the them to stand up straight once the boat gets moving.<br /><br />All three of them were up on at least the second try.. Once they understood the start position, they were able to do deep water starts as well. We did this with adult skis as we didn't have anything else, and they were able to handle them. It would be much easier with Jr skis..