Best Ski Day of My Life

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   This past weekend, I think I had my best waterski day ever - despite the fact that I really didn�t ski a lot nor did I ski my best.

My two children, who simply love the boat, are now 3 and 5 and have been out on the water many times when I slalom ski. However, due to the necessary conditions for barefooting (no wind and no waves), and the fact I�ve only been barefooting since July of last season, they have never seen me foot from the boat. At 6:00 am, even if the kids are awake, they�re still too young to be in the mood to get in the boat without breakfast at that hour.

Well, yesterday we had the unusual circumstance were the lake was still like glass at 9:30 am and there wasn�t another boat in sight. So after cooking up a batch of Mickey Mouse shaped chocolate-chip pancakes, we all headed out for a rare late morning barefoot run. The sun was out, temps were in the low 70�s and water conditions were perfect. 

The look on my kids faces when I stood up on the water and looked over from the short-line, only a few feet away on the boom, was priceless. Their faces just lit up as I completed a few tumbles and a one foot. They couldn�t stop waving to me and smiling during each pass.

When we finally had to call it quits and I was making my way towards the back of the boat, my daughter leaned over the gunnel from the observer's seat, look down at me in the water and said, �One more time Daddy.�

Like I said, best waterski day of my life.

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Keith Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Visit Members Homepage Add to Buddy List Admin Group Owner / Operator of CorrectCraftFan.com Joined: October-20-2003 Location: Pepperell, MA Status: Offline Points: 1917	Post Options Post Reply Quote Keith Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Topic: Best Ski Day of My Life Posted: June-24-2008 at 1:23am
	This past weekend, I think I had my best waterski day ever - despite the fact that I really didn�t ski a lot nor did I ski my best. My two children, who simply love the boat, are now 3 and 5 and have been out on the water many times when I slalom ski. However, due to the necessary conditions for barefooting (no wind and no waves), and the fact I�ve only been barefooting since July of last season, they have never seen me foot from the boat. At 6:00 am, even if the kids are awake, they�re still too young to be in the mood to get in the boat without breakfast at that hour. Well, yesterday we had the unusual circumstance were the lake was still like glass at 9:30 am and there wasn�t another boat in sight. So after cooking up a batch of Mickey Mouse shaped chocolate-chip pancakes, we all headed out for a rare late morning barefoot run. The sun was out, temps were in the low 70�s and water conditions were perfect. The look on my kids faces when I stood up on the water and looked over from the short-line, only a few feet away on the boom, was priceless. Their faces just lit up as I completed a few tumbles and a one foot. They couldn�t stop waving to me and smiling during each pass. When we finally had to call it quits and I was making my way towards the back of the boat, my daughter leaned over the gunnel from the observer's seat, look down at me in the water and said, �One more time Daddy.� Like I said, best waterski day of my life.
	Former: 97 Sport Nautique 1994 Ski Nautique 86 Silver Nautique 79 Mustang

bkhallpass Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Grand Poobah Joined: March-29-2005 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 4723	Post Options Post Reply Quote bkhallpass Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: June-24-2008 at 1:28am
	Very nice. When will they be skiing/footing? BKH
	Livin' the Dream

jbear Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Grand Poobah Joined: January-21-2005 Location: Lake Wales FL. Status: Offline Points: 8193	Post Options Post Reply Quote jbear Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: June-24-2008 at 1:55am
	awesome Keith! john
	"Loud pipes save lives" AdamT sez "I'm Canadian and a beaver lover myself"...

Keith Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Visit Members Homepage Add to Buddy List Admin Group Owner / Operator of CorrectCraftFan.com Joined: October-20-2003 Location: Pepperell, MA Status: Offline Points: 1917	Post Options Post Reply Quote Keith Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: June-24-2008 at 1:09pm
	Hey Brian, My daughter Evelyn(5) should be skiing by the end of the summer. She needs to get a little better at swimming first. We'll be going straight to skis off the boom with her. She's been snow skiing since she was 2 so I'm sure she'll pick up water skiing very quickly. My son Noah(3) will probably water ski next summer. He too needs to work on his swimming, holding his breath underwater, etc. However, he'd probably go barefooting right now if I let him. Nothing better than teaching your children and getting outdoors with them. We'll be taking them on their first camping trip this weekend. Should be a great time. -Keith
	Former: 97 Sport Nautique 1994 Ski Nautique 86 Silver Nautique 79 Mustang

66Skylark Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Senior Member Joined: September-01-2004 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 195	Post Options Post Reply Quote 66Skylark Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: June-24-2008 at 1:21pm
	That's great Keith! Glad to hear you got some time in before the storm rolled in Sunday afternoon. Kyle
	1966 Skylark 1998 176 MA/

shawnmc Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Senior Member Joined: March-17-2007 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 282	Post Options Post Reply Quote shawnmc Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: June-24-2008 at 1:56pm
	keith, that is awesome!!! We tried to get my 3 year old up on the moon shaped trainer. She is still getting used to falling. Scared her the first time, but daddy was in the water with her. My 4 year old nephew got up for 15 seconds but fell looking back at his dad who was in the water with him. Question...is it really beneficial to have a boom for the kids to learn on? We never had one growing up but think it can see how it would be easier for them. Shawn

Hollywood Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Moderator Group Joined: February-04-2004 Location: Twin Lakes, WI Status: Offline Points: 13510	Post Options Post Reply Quote Hollywood Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: June-24-2008 at 2:40pm
	Yes, a boom is worth it. You can also run down the shore if they are small enough.

Riley Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Grand Poobah Joined: January-19-2004 Location: Portland, ME Status: Offline Points: 7946	Post Options Post Reply Quote Riley Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: June-24-2008 at 4:45pm
	Keith, It will only keep getting better. I've taught my kids and at least a dozen other kids to ski on a pair of old Northland Speedsters. I was given mine back in 1966, but repainted them and put some HO bindings on them. They are way better than any of the kids skis you can buy today. Vintage Wooden Northland Waterskis

75 Tique Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Visit Members Homepage Add to Buddy List Grand Poobah Joined: August-12-2004 Location: Seven Lakes, NC Status: Offline Points: 6097	Post Options Post Reply Quote 75 Tique Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: June-24-2008 at 7:34pm
	Great fun Keith and like others have said, it gets even better when they start to participate and learn. I would relink my favorite video of all time that chronicles my kid's progress from first learning to becoming proficient 1-skiers or boarders, but since I already have a couple times, I won't again. The biggest rewards will be their learning, but I gotta say, their having pride in us isnt bad either. My son (15) has the "Northeast Amateurs" video on his IPod. I think thats pretty cool for a teenager. Well you know what, In response to Shawn's comment, what the heck. I'm sure there are other new comers too that may enjoy/not have seen it. 75's kids (Note: That's Kristi Overton making the pass and then signing the back of my daughter's shirt)
	_____________ “So, how was your weekend?” “Well, let me see…sun burn, stiff neck, screwed up back, assorted aches and pains….yup, my weekend was great, thanks for asking.”

shawnmc Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Senior Member Joined: March-17-2007 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 282	Post Options Post Reply Quote shawnmc Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: June-24-2008 at 7:53pm
	larry, really great video. I have a almost 4 year old girl and an almost 1 year old boy......probably close to the age difference of yours. I have a lot of fun things to look forward to !!!!! Great job. shawn

Riley Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Grand Poobah Joined: January-19-2004 Location: Portland, ME Status: Offline Points: 7946	Post Options Post Reply Quote Riley Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: June-25-2008 at 12:05pm
	Great video, Larry. Glad you reposted it. I hadn't seen it. I see you like old wooden trainers, too. My kids are 14, 17 & 20. I'm really glad to say that skiing with Dad is still one of their favorite things to do. I had to be in Portland at 8AM this morning and they were bummed I couldn't be out ther with them.

backfoot100 Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Platinum Member Joined: January-03-2007 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 1897	Post Options Post Reply Quote backfoot100 Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: June-25-2008 at 12:33pm
	Keith, That's awesome!!! What a great story. Your time in the boat with your kids will only get better. My daughter still thinks that some of the best times she's ever had is when we were together in the boat. Learning to ski, drive or just hang out with others is a life long rewarding experience for them. . . . and you!!!
	When people run down to the lake to see what's making that noise, you've succeeded. Eddie

backfoot100 Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Platinum Member Joined: January-03-2007 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 1897	Post Options Post Reply Quote backfoot100 Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: June-25-2008 at 12:36pm
	Oh yeah, one other thing. You are now officially the coolest dad of any dad in the whole world now in their eyes. Enjoy the responsibility.
	When people run down to the lake to see what's making that noise, you've succeeded. Eddie

Riley Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Grand Poobah Joined: January-19-2004 Location: Portland, ME Status: Offline Points: 7946	Post Options Post Reply Quote Riley Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: June-25-2008 at 1:12pm
	Keith, you're welcome to borrow my trainers. Or to check out the big lake, too. I've never seen anyone footing out there, and it's usually like glass in the morning.

Best Ski Day of My Life

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