Water Skiing and Wakeboarding
Water-skiing is enjoyed by adults and young people alike, and provides an exciting family sport, particularly on those hot summer days at the coast where skiers use the specially designated high speed areas and the whole family is in the boat.
However, the best and certainly the safest way to make a start is by joining one of the many waterski clubs and by learning the basic skills with a British Water Ski Federation (BWSF) Coach. From that start there is a world of racing and tournaments to enjoy using one ski or two, a wakeboard (which is a bit like a snowboard), a kneeboard or even bare foot as skills improve.
Young people may start water ski-ing very early, sometimes as young as five or six. Obviously they will need to be water confident at this stage and will wear buoyancy jackets or lifejackets in which they will happily bob about in the event of a spill. They may take part in the Kids Coaching Club Competition up to the age of sixteen and enjoy the excitements of tournament skiing.
Most waterski clubs are family oriented and may have their own ski boats which are available for tows. Many clubs will have members who are approved BWSF Coaches and they will help beginners in the early stages. Youngsters join the Kids Coaching Club Scheme and are awarded badges and certificates as their skills progress.
Alternatively you might attend a club which provides instruction commercially, or take a course at a BWSF approved Ski School. Clubs and Ski schools are both easily found through the web site at www.britishwaterski.org.uk Contact the local secretary or arrange a visit one weekend. You are sure to be made welcome. Club fees vary widely, say between £100 and £600 a year. At those clubs which own their own ski tow boats you will simple pay the club membership fees and a fee for every tow which might be between £5 and £16 each time.
Another option is to find your local cable-ski, a great way to get started; instead of being towed by a boat you get pulled by a cable. You can try this from £10 per hour, and all the equipment is included. A great way to test whether you like it or not!
Follow the links for detailed information on special interest clubs for adults and children.
You will need a buoyancy aid (or a lifejacket), a wet suit and suitable shoes. In due course you will probably decide to buy skis or a wakeboard, but because there are several different ways of enjoying the sport it is probably sensible to hire the equipment in the early stages. Many clubs will have equipment available, certainly all the commercial clubs and schools.
Many clubs run “Try It” days at which you will be made welcome, and have the chance to try out this exciting sport free of charge. These days are usually advertised in the local papers, or you might try contacting the British Waterski Federation on 01932 570 885.
To find out more about the sport contact The British Waterski Federation through their web site at www.britishwaterski.org.uk or telephone 01932 570 885.
