Water skiing is an exhilarating sport — for some people, their love of water skiing could be a primary reason to buy a boat! But if it’s your first time on water skis, going into the water can be a little intimidating. While mastering water skis will take some practice, it is well worth the effort. Here are a few tips to keep in mind to help you have an enjoyable first trip.

Top 4 Tips For First-Time Water-skiers

1. Wear a Comfortable Bathing Suit & Proper Vest

You will likely fall during your first water skiing trip — and that’s okay. To help maintain your safety, wear a snug-fitting life vest over a well-fitted swim suit... one that won’t fall off when you take a tumble.  The vest should have closed sides (not a universal sized vest with only straps on the sides), so when you fall, the water can’t twist the vest around.

2. Go on a Calm Weather Day

The best day for water skiing is free of wind and rain. This not only makes it easier to maintain your balance on the water skis, it also improves safety conditions for you and the rest of your group. Avoid serious mishaps by staying off the water on stormy days, or when the water isn’t calm.

3. Learn Proper Hand Signals

Hand signals are how you can communicate with the driver of your boat. For example, giving a thumbs-up means you’re in position and ready, and if you’re already up, you want to increase speed, while a thumbs down means you want to slow down. Patting your head means you want to go back to the dock. Learning these and other signals will help keep you and your driver on the same page.

4. Practice Proper Positioning

The proper position for starting water skiing is often called the “cannonball.” Sit back on the skis, keeping your knees close together. Let the boat pull you upright into a chair position. Keep your knees bent and arms straight, gradually bringing your hips under shoulders.  Use your knees as shock absorbers.  If you fall, keep trying!  And if you’re a snow skier, water skiing is the opposite for body weight… you want to lean back, not forward.

If you’re interested in water skis, wake boards, knee boards, towable inflatables, and other boating equipment, make Harbortown Marine in Vermilion, OH, your first stop. For over 26 years, this locally owned business has helped customers find everything they need for water recreation, all backed by high-quality service. To learn more about their available products, visit them online or call (440) 967-8072.