kids skis set up

[lorax]

I just gave my daughter (6yrs) a pair of Obrian Scout skis for Xmas. They came with a bar that goes between the skis in front of the bindings.

I've seen photos that look like the child is holding onto a rope that goes down towards the cross bar. There are no instructions with the skis. How is the tow rope set up? Is the child pulling against the boat or is the tow line attached to the cross bar?

I also noticed that there is no restraining rope on the aft end of the skis behind the bindings. Should there be one? It looks like other kids skis have a rope between the skis in back as well as a rigid cross bar in front.

Any tips?
thanks

 

[a70eliminator]

Re: kids skis set up

The rope does attach to the crossbar in the front of the skis, then you hold onto the end at the boat, NEVER attach the tow rope to the boat in this configuration, you must be able to release the tow point (you) instantly.

I personally didn't like the set up, I got rid of the crossbar and lashed both front and rear of the skis with 2 short pieces of rope, about 8 inches of slack separation, I also just let the child have complete controll. My daughters were 8 and 11, the youngest one picked it up after the first couple tries, the older one now 15 still hasn't learned, it seems to come down to how bad they want to ski.

 

[lorax]

Re: kids skis set up

Thanks for the tips.

You're saying that you had your kids pulling against the boat just like an adult skier?

I'm trying to understand the best way to approach this because I know that if my daughter isn't successful quickly or if she takes a bad spill, that will be it for watersking

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: kids skis set up

if you haven't read this. http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=226285

 

[mthieme]

Re: kids skis set up

Excellent thread.
I hope I can find it again in spring when it's time to teach my grandson.

 

[a70eliminator]

Re: kids skis set up

Thanks for the tips.

You're saying that you had your kids pulling against the boat just like an adult skier?

I'm trying to understand the best way to approach this because I know that if my daughter isn't successful quickly or if she takes a bad spill, that will be it for watersking

Yep, after Emily yelled at me ("dad you keep letting go the rope!")
I then decide to just let her do it.

 

[skibrain]

Re: kids skis set up

I have never taught skiers with the rope tied to the cross-bar method. It you do, as stated above you need to have a quick release or an adult holding the boat end of the line ready to let go if the skier takes a spill.

Length of tope between the bar and the ski handle needs to be adjusted for the height of the skier - some dry land tests would be in order to get things set up correctly.

Wether the tow rope is tied to the cross bar or not, the bar keeps the skis from separating when starting. Should work with just the front cross bar. You could still hand hold the boat end instead of tying it to the boat - could save the girl from a face full if she forgets to let go.

Having started at age 7 myself, and taught lots of kids to ski in the last 40 yrs. including my own (now ages 16,18,22) I tried to start mine too young. about 5 or 6. They were around skiing a lot, where all comfortable in the water etc. etc. Dad (me) was a bit too anxious to see it happen. After some failed attempts and too much pressure from me, i backed off and they did it when they were ready. ages 7-9 I guess.

 

[lorax]

Re: kids skis set up

I tried to start mine too young. about 5 or 6. They were around skiing a lot, where all comfortable in the water etc. etc. Dad (me) was a bit too anxious to see it happen.

I was afraid somebody was going to say that. I think that might be exactly where I'm at. The thing is - having given her the skis as a xmas present there is no turning back. She is expecting to try them out this year. I think that I was over anxious to see her learn to ride a bike. She took a few bad spills and now she doesn't want to look at the bike.

 

[skibrain]

Re: kids skis set up

I offer that only because I have been there too many times.

She's a girl. Girls are social. I recommend getting a tube as a back up - one that she and one of her friends/cousins, etc. can ride on TOGETHER and have guaranteed success. If they are side by side they can laugh and talk. Easily 2x the fun. Pull them slow. If anything leave them wishing for a bit more action than spook them with rough stuff.

I've found the learning environment better when there were other kids around the same age skiing, or trying to. Let her try for a few times then take a break and let them tube, etc. We have even taught kids when there is a more experienced skier skiing at the same time (slightly older friend/family or even an adult). the side by side coaching, encouragement, and immediate drop to be with the young skier if they fall or don't get up right away can be handy.

Some kids just get this stuff right away or are fighters and really want to keep at it. Some get cold, frustrated and want to give up quickly. Make it OK to take a break for a while, a couple weeks or a year even.

I don't intend to be a wet blanket. I'm ALL FOR giving kids these kinds of opportunities.