Suggestions for Teaching Someone New to Wakeboard or Ski

For a lot of us summer days spent on the lake are some of our greatest childhood memories. At Buxton Marine, located in Lewisville, Texas, we love sharing that experience with families! If you have children in your family, or friends, that are just getting started in watersports, here are some suggestions on how to teach them to fall in love with it like you did:

Get Comfortable

It can be really intimidating to just jump right into wakeboard or ski lessons. Start with letting them play a little. Try letting them jump off the side of the boat, freely enjoying the water and getting comfortable with the movements of the lake. Then, introduce tubing! Tubing is a fun activity for all ages and lets them get a feel for how the boat pulls via a rope. Teach them how to signal to go faster or slower.

Observation

It would be really challenging to learn how to wakeboard or ski without ever seeing it done. While watching you, or another friend or family member, ski or wakeboard, have someone point out things the skier is doing well that the child should emulate. You can also use observation to teach the child different signals. Have the child watch the skier and help to interpret the signals to the driver to make adjustments.

Get In

When it is finally time to get started and teach them, get in the water to help teach and show them proper form. It is always best to learn when you can see someone else modeling what to do. Help the child get into the proper position before the boat takes off. 

Slower Days

It is incredibly stressful to try and teach someone how to wakeboard or ski while other boats are zooming by. Additionally, the wakes that cause waves can make getting set and out of the water especially challenging for a beginner. Instead, choose a day when the lake is calm and less boats are out to start teaching. Try looking for a quiet cove or hangout to get out of the way while teaching. You could even pull out your wetsuits and get started early in the season before boaters really get going and crowd the lake.

Encouragement

It takes time to learn how to ski and wakeboard, and it can be stressful. Don’t let it ruin your day on the lake. Make it fun! Stay positive! Offer constructive criticism! If they don’t get it immediately, that’s okay. End on a positive note, give it a break, and pick it back up another day!  

Ready to get started? At Buxton Marine we are here for all your boating needs, whether that’s a new Nautique, or other boat, or boating accessories such as ropes, skis, or wakeboards. Our showroom and pro shop are stocked with everything you need to make this summer one that is unforgettable.