We love waterskiing… and we want our kids to love it too
Unfortunately, the introduction to our sport is not easy.
It can be intimidating, overwhelming, and if done wrong… it can turn them away forever.
Here are some tips based on my experience teaching 100+ kids (including my own):
Set the stage first
- Wait until the water is warm. Cold water = bad first memory.
- Make sure they’re comfortable in the boat, watching others ski (always with a life jacket).
- After each set, turn off the boat and jump in with them. Make water time normal and fun.
- Get them used to swimming around the boat and putting their head underwater.
👉 Before skiing, they should already feel: “I like being here.”
Start smart (this changes everything)
🚫 Do NOT start them on two skis.
It’s hard, frustrating, and hard to control.
👉 The goal is simple: early success + big smile
- Rope at 22 off (16m)
- Shorten the handle as much as possible
- Use a horseshoe/trainer
The first start
- Throw the horseshoe away from the boat
- You jump in first, invite them in (both with life jackets)
- Have an experienced driver tighten the rope slowly
Explain clearly:
👉 You’re right there with them
👉 You’re just a few feet away
And MOST IMPORTANT:
⚠️ If they fall, they MUST let go
This is huge.
Kids who are unsure in the water tend to hold on and panic.
Make it easy for them to win
- Help position their feet
- Hold the horseshoe from behind
- Sink the back slightly to help them plane
Let them yell:
👉 “Hit it!”
Boat should only idle.
Driver makes a small circle (~200 ft) so they finish close to you.
Stop. Let them swim back to you. Celebrate.
Progression (keep it fun)
Step 1 — Start alone
Confidence first.
Step 2 — Wave at you
This teaches balance and relaxes their grip.
Switch hands. Keep it playful.
Step 3 — Small S turns
Around 12 mph.
Step 4 — Cross the wakes (4 times)
They will fall — and that’s GOOD.
👉 This is where they learn:
“I’m going fast… and I’m safe.”
No other sport gives that feeling so early.
A few non-negotiables
- Not before 5 years old
- Not right next to the boat or close to the back of the boat
- If they won’t jump in the water on their own… they’re not ready
NOT
Final thought
You’re not teaching skiing.
You’re building their relationship with the water.
If they enjoy it, they’ll come back.
If they come back… everything else is easy.
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