How to Teach Children to Water Ski

Teaching a child the proper way to get up on water skis can be a fun experience for both the adult and child. Learn the proper technique and the success rate will be high. In fact, by getting in the water and offering assistance, an adult can shorten the learning curve dramatically. All it takes is a beginner's pair of combo skis, a tow vehicle, and a safe, calm body of water on which to practice.

Things You'll Need

  • child's combo skis towrope boat
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Instructions

    • 1

      Join the child in the water, helping him get into water deep enough so his skis will not scrape the bottom. Help him get into the starting position, with skis parallel, knees bent up toward the chest, and arms extended, holding the towrope in both hands.

    • 2

      Keep the child in the proper position by supporting him with your hands under his thighs, holding him in the ready position. Keep the child's skis parallel, with the tips above the water's surface.

    • 3

      Remind the child to let the boat pull him out of the water, rather than try to muscle his way atop the surface. When the child is ready, signal the driver to accelerate. Steady the child as he rises out of the water.

    • 4

      The driver should accelerate smoothly, settling in at a speed of 15-20 miles per hour. The driver should not punch the throttle; doing so will likely just pull the tow handle out of the child's hands.

    • 5

      Keep initial rides short, letting the child get used to the feeling of skiing but not causing anxiety by heading far away from shore. A quick lap is often enough. Make sure turns are gentle so the child does not get whipped outside the wake.

    • 6

      The helper should stay in the water ready to greet the child when he finishes his ride. Remind him to simply drop the handle, and coast to a stop.

    • 7

      Problems? If the child is getting pulled over the front of his skis, remind him to stay centered, letting the boat do the majority of the work. If the child falls backward, he's likely pulling in on the handle. Offer a reminder to keep the arms straight, with his weight centered over their skis.