My 5 year olds first wakeboard of the year

[Aric'sX15]

That's the coolest thing I've ever seen. Hope when I have kids they will start young!

[GoneBoatN]

Originally Posted by 501s

Thanks a lot guys. Slooooooow is the trick. With the little guys, it barely has to be above idle to get them up. We started using shorter ropes and once he is confortable I will put him on a longer line to get him back behind the wave.

I am really looking forward to riding some doubles with him this year too. My daughter who is 7 will be the next one up. She isn't quite as brave but after seeing her little brother, she is determined to do it too.

Slow is certainly key. The other reason slow is good, when they take a fall it will be soft even if they face plant. If you go to fast and they take a hard fall, the will not want to try it again any time soon.

[GoneBoatN]

Originally Posted by 501s

Thanks so much for all the comments. As a dad, I have been looking forward to this for a long time. But to see him actually get up and ride for the first time was a true highlight for me. I don't know who was more proud, him or me.

My son was on a boat from the time he was a week old and has been wanting to do it on his own for a while but to seeing him do it all on his own and do it with a smile was just the best.

I am thankful every day that I purchased an old boat 7 years ago and got addicted to the lake lifestyle. i feel blessed that I get to share these times with my family and I know my kids will remember them for the rest of their lives.

Congrats! Sharing life's experiences with the kids is always a great time and I'm sure you have much more coming.

[onejdgreen]

That is awesome!!!

[Lumbergh]

Awesome!

[WVX14]

Originally Posted by 501s

I recently got certified as a wakeboard water ski instructor. There are a few key pints to getting little ones up:

First and most important is lots of dry land training. This helps more than anything. Once you have done enough of this do it some more. It build confidence and gets them used to the feeling.

There are three rules to follow that you can't tell them enough: knees bent, arms straight, head up. They should have these points memorized before going on the water. The first time, have someone holding them in the water so they aren't scared and help them get up so they know the feeling. It takes some time but is so worth it. Try to make the whole experience and fun and light hearted as possible.

For the person that asked above we had The speed set to 10mph.

Great advice, thank you. I was working on my little ones this weekend...we're close. Need more land time.

[O2BESOHUGE]

Man That Is Awesome!! I Could Watch Him Ride All Day!!

Jay

[Seano]

Awesome Levi, he looks super pumped.

[501s]

Thanks again for all the comments. I had my little guy out a couple more times and he is already improving. Here is his third ride this year. He always insists on wearing his shorts over his wetsuit like dad (touchy subject for some, I know lol). It looks much better in the HD resolutions.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JY470...5BGzuZbfsRlFmA