Basic Kid Skiing questions
Printed From: CorrectCraftFan.com
Category: General Correct Craft Discussion
Forum Name: Ski, Ride and Foot Talk
Forum Discription: Share photos, techniques, discuss equipment, etc.
URL: http://www.CorrectCraftFan.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=39026
Printed Date: September-27-2024 at 11:17am
Topic: Basic Kid Skiing questions
Posted By: Dreaming
Subject: Basic Kid Skiing questions
Date Posted: June-17-2016 at 2:55pm
|
Confession time... I have only ever skied behind someone else's boat; therefore, Since I am hoping to get my boat on the water this year (first time since I have owned it), I was thinking about skiing gear and what I need to purchase. I have 2 wakeboards, an *Gasp* inflatable towed device, and life jackets, but not much else. So, looks like I need a couple of ropes and eventually a ski or two.. My kids are 9,7, and 2, so I am not expecting them to do much besides stand up, if they can even do that this summer. We are going to be super budget conscious with all of this stuff, so used gear is a good possibility, especially for ski's. - What kind of trainer skis do I need to look for? - How do I go about selecting a ski/wake rope? - How do I make the rope float? I've seen floaters and sinkers, and want to make sure the kids can find the rope on the water when we do have them attempting to ski or wakeboard. - anything else I need to look for? |
Replies:
Posted By: lcgordon
Date Posted: June-17-2016 at 3:13pm
| Ok so I will state first off that I dont have kids and I have never taught young kids but this is what I would maybe recommend (not for the 2 yo tho). I dont know how budget conscious you are? If you mean you have 50 bucks to spend or 500? But What I would do is go buy some kid trainers or a bit smaller combo skis. Something that is nice and wide. The bindings should be kinda loose so they come out of them easy on falls. You should be able to look at craigslist and get a pair for under 50 bucks and defiantly under 100. Next if you want to make it really easy on them look at craigslist for a barefoot boom. You can find them on craigslist for 200 but if you are in a rush-ish it should be sorta easy to find them for 300. Ppl say the boom is way easier to teach and gives a beginner confidence to then go long line. I will say I learned when I was about 10 years old and had no problem long line from the beginning. I was on just normal combo skis. As for a rope I think cheap handles float I may be wrong tho. The actual rope floats. But if a handle does not it will drag the rope down. None of our handles float and it is no issue. As a boat driver you can easily get the rope to the skier and they should never have to swim. Once the rope is in their hands there is no problem finding it. With the boat in motion circling the skier the handle will be dragged by the boat keeping it on top of the water. I would not worry about a floating handle. |
Posted By: quinner
Date Posted: June-17-2016 at 3:14pm
|
for 9 & 7 a pair of junior ski's, ideally a parabolic or wider set is ideal for getting them started and work best for teaching. A decent 75' line with take-off loops is all you need and can be used for boarding or skiing, wherever you purchase just make sure to ask if the handle is a floater, that is important. Are you an experienced driver? ------------- http://www.correctcraftfan.com/diaries/details.asp?ID=1143" rel="nofollow - Mi Bowt |
Posted By: TRBenj
Date Posted: June-17-2016 at 3:17pm
| Boom. |
Posted By: Dreaming
Date Posted: June-17-2016 at 3:24pm
|
My driving skills consist of several bayliner I/O runs in college with my older friends, and a couple of trips in the '82 before I pulled the stringers out. I haven't driven the 94 yet, and don't have any experience with younger kids. it'll be a learning experience all the way around. Budget wise - I just spent $800 of our boating budget for the year on getting rid of the protec ignition, and replacing the 22 yr old exhaust/cooling hoses so we don't get a close up view of the bottom of the lake  . Were going to be more in the $50 - $150 range for gear for this summer, so it may take some time to get all set up...
|
Posted By: rebel skier
Date Posted: June-17-2016 at 3:37pm
|
Watch craigslist for a used kneeboard with a molded in or retractable handle hook. You should be able to find one for 50 or so. Nice way of getting a 9 or 7 yer old on the water where they can control the board. Issue I have found with some of the newer wider skis for a 9 or 7 year old is how darn buoyant they are. It can be hard for the kids to hold them in position and underwater to get in starting form. Thus, I am also a fan of a nice pair of older wooden skis. |
Posted By: AAM196
Date Posted: June-17-2016 at 3:59pm
|
Hey Kris, I bet you are glad you got all that off your chest... LOL. Probably wanna find some jr trainers but your older ones (if bigger kids) should be fine with adult skis. Hard to say as my 9 yr old uses little one but there are kids on his baseball team that weight 125 lbs and wear size 11 shoes! try these! https://seattle.craigslist.org/oly/spo/5629352923.html" rel="nofollow - budget skis! |
Posted By: AAM196
Date Posted: June-17-2016 at 4:05pm
|
I mean in less than a minute I see kids skis, jackets, ropes etc Personally, I would buy a nice ski line as that will be with you for a while and can run close to $100 but yeah... but chances are, once you guys get decent... you will not even use the combos etc. so don't spend a fortune! |
Posted By: Dreaming
Date Posted: June-17-2016 at 5:03pm
whew, I do feel better  I follow craigslist often, so I had seen those free ski's, With my kids being on the littler side, I wasn't sure what to even look for on the skis. I'll continue to watch craigslist for a boom and kneeboard and kid trainers. There was a set on consignment just south of me that looked kid friendly, I'll try and check those out this weekend. Both kids are near the 60# range and are still in the size 2 range for shoes.
|
Posted By: AAM196
Date Posted: June-17-2016 at 5:37pm
|
Kris, Something like this for kids 5 and under... with the line attached to the skis and an adult holding other end sitting on the motor doghouse... it is almost 90% chance for success (I've found)... and the person in boat can drop handle at anytime. Also, you can use a regular ski line once they get the hang of it... then take the bar and strap off that hold them together. And can probably use till around 70lbs. kids http://www.overtons.com/modperl/product/details.cgi?pdesc=HO-Skis-Hot-Shot-Trainer-Water-Skis-With-Rope&i=947404" rel="nofollow - trailer skis The next size up are good for 125 lbs but only have the bar... and really you can jump to a better set of skis. I will also say, with the trainers, they range from $99 to $150. The graphics are the only thing I have ever noticed being even remotely different between brands. |
Posted By: rebel skier
Date Posted: June-17-2016 at 5:39pm
These are from when my daughter was 8. We pulled them two at a time and let the more experienced one tell the other what to do. 
|
Posted By: bkhallpass
Date Posted: June-17-2016 at 7:25pm
|
If there is a water community nearby, Hit up the garage sales in that neighborhood, and post want ads on their community bulletin board. I've paid $1-5 for good kids vests. I've bought a half dozen pairs of kids skis for under 10$. I never pay more than $5 for a knee board, and I've bought about 10 of them. I will say that the modern kids trainers, with a plastic bar to attach the two skis are nice. But I've also taught kids with the two skis tied together, and without an ties at all. Wakeboard may be harder to find on that budget. I have bought several for $35 to $50. BKH ------------- Livin' the Dream |
Posted By: bkhallpass
Date Posted: June-17-2016 at 7:46pm
|
My daughter used a set exactly like these until she was about 70 lbs. Nice setup. http://portland.craigslist.org/clc/spo/5630679899.html BKH ------------- Livin' the Dream |
Posted By: bkhallpass
Date Posted: June-17-2016 at 7:52pm
|
When my daughter outgrew the small trainers, I bought a pair of O'Brien Jr. Amigos. http://nmi.craigslist.org/spo/5607474559.html. Still have these skis and teach kids 7 to 12 how to ski on them. The Amigo Jr. is very popular for teaching kids to ski the course. I was at a ski camp this week, and there were probably 10 kids sing on Amigo Jr. or the follow on ski, Vortex Jr. Mount them up with competition type bindings, and the kids are running slalom up to 30 mph on these things. I saw a set on craigslist in Tennessee for $25, but did not see anything in the Seattle Area. BKH ------------- Livin' the Dream |
Posted By: Orlando76
Date Posted: June-17-2016 at 7:55pm
|
garbage days in lake communities have produced 8 or so skis for me, perfect for beginners. Last week I pulled a clean cheap pair of HO's out of the garbage a few doors down. If you pay for the shipping I'll give them to you.... But the shipping may be more than you could find a local pair for. ------------- Please support The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation 1976 Ski Nautique 351 Escort 1993 Ski Nautique purple and black 351 HO PCM |
Posted By: Dreaming
Date Posted: June-17-2016 at 8:16pm
|
Great info guys! please keep it coming, I am absorbing it and will narrow my search. BKH- the Oregon ski's look tempting, I may have to find some family to grab them for next time they come to Seattle O76, Thank you for the offer, I'll PM you Rebel, I hope that's me in a summer :) awesome! |
Posted By: a0128
Date Posted: June-18-2016 at 1:22pm
Before you even put the kids in the water I would spend at least 5 to 10 hours piloting your boat understanding how it handles, its turning characteristics, how to approach a fallen skiier, etc, etc. Several Bayliner runs in college does not qualify. Understand that boats don't have brakes. DD inboards also have certain handling characteristics much different than I/Os do. When you pull back to an idle in a DD you will lose a considerable amount of directional control direction as water is no longer being pushed past the rudder. Unless you understand how to approach a fallen skiier, circle around and stop the boat you are headed into dangerous waters and might likely injure one of them. I would practice using a fender. Run up to a speed you intend to pull your skier, throw the fender overboard, then go retrieve it. I am willing to bet the first couple of times you attempt this you will run over the fender. Better the fender than a kid. Oh and by the way , , , leave the beer on the dock for the time being. ------------- If money can't buy happiness, explain beer and boats. |
Dreaming wrote:Posted By: GlassSeeker
Date Posted: June-18-2016 at 2:24pm
|
About that floating rope and handle...a barefoot wake slalom handle has floats and is 15" wide which adds stability so try and find an old barefoot international slalom handle ...get a good quality $ poly e ski rope with take offs. Used with the boom you can teach em to barefoot sitting in the slalom handle ...bonus! ------------- This is the life |
Posted By: Dreaming
Date Posted: June-18-2016 at 4:37pm
Thank you, the last thing I want to do is hurt someone... We will be taking the boat out for a shakedown cruise prior to actually having kids on board even. I will plan for a day of Buoy retrival as you suggest. My wife and I did take the trailer and previous boat out for a shakedown in much the same way, practiced docking, trailer backing etc... We'll do the same here too. There won't be any beer for our outings, water safety is far too important for us to add the extra element of distraction. |
Posted By: tnplicky
Date Posted: June-18-2016 at 10:54pm
It may not be in your budget, but give a boom some thought (approx $250 used, $500 new). I used one to teach my kids when they where 5 and 7 respectively. First weekend they got up with O'Brian All Star trainers off the boom, next weekend they got up with handle attached to the boom, third weekend they were skiing long line behind the boat. Repeated the process when we took the stabilizer bar off the trainers. We eventually moved them to O'brien Jr Celebrity Combos. We used the boom again when they learned to slalom (getting up on one, not dropping which we never taught them) and wakeboard. We have used the boom countless times to teach friends as well. It is easier on the person learning and in most cases, it greatly accelerates the rate of learning, making the day better for the boat driver and the others in the boat as well!  A couple of other things.... I always keep the downed skier on the right hand / drivers side of the boat when circling around them to pick them up or to bring the rope back to them. The reason is that the driver never looses sight of the skier that way for safety. If the downed skier is on the left side of the boat as you circle around them, the driver can lose sight of them if in close proximity. Keep the boat turned off as people get in/out of the boat & platform Even though the prop is under the boat, make sure the person in the water and the rope is well away from the rear of the boat before starting. Also, kids don't need much throttle to get up, or much speed to stay up. Of course this depends on the weight of the child and type of skis, but easy does it. Ease into 10-12 mph, gradually getting to 15 mph or so (again, it depends on the child and equipment). Adjust speed from there as necessary. |
Posted By: tnplicky
Date Posted: June-18-2016 at 11:11pm
This can be a problem for younger skiers. It is tough for them to remain in the correct position due to the buoyancy issue. I always thought about attaching 5 lbs weights of some kind to the tails of the trainers to help the stability issue in the water, but never did. I personally have not been a fan of the tow rope attached to the stabilizer bar on the trainers for several reasons, but everyone has their own preferences. It wasn't necessary with the boom option we used, but I realize that may not be in the cards for you. If you do use the rope to stabilizer bar method, as was mentioned earlier DO NOT attach the rope to the boat. Someone in the boat must hold the handle so they can release the rope if the child falls. If the rope is attached to the boat, you can end up dragging them under water if they don't come out of the bindings. |
Posted By: AAM196
Date Posted: June-19-2016 at 12:59am
|
Oh wow... that is a good point about making sure you are very comfortable operating boat before pulling skiers.. esp young skiers. It takes very little throttle to get a child up. Also, be mindful of your wake. I got in habit of only picking up skiers in gear (no wake) it keeps the situation calm, under control and safe. For really young kids that have trouble wrestling with keeping skis under control, we like to have adult in water (wearing a life jacket) behind child holding the tail end of skis until the boat starts. Also, if mom is in water with child, talking to them and comforting their nerves, the success rate goes way up! The only failed attempt I have ever been a part of was a child just flat out refusing to try! If done well... the success rate is almost 98% lol. We really only use the rope attached to skis/bar for the first few times to build confidence. The boom is a great tool and highly recommend getting one esp if barefooting is something you are interested in but is expensive. But I like to get them behind the boat ASAP and not even use them boom unless they are having trouble which almost never happens. Another tool for teaching slalom are those V style easy up handles that keep ski stable and centered. I guess it also goes without saying, I only like teaching kids (and adults) how to ski that can swim and are comfortable in the water. Have fun! |
Posted By: Hollywood
Date Posted: June-19-2016 at 2:32am
|
You do not want a typical slalom line with the colored sections. This rope is poly Propelyene and is made to have a certain amount of stretch to it. The reason booms are so great is there is zero stretch. It's a solid pull. Think of learning to ski holding on to a bungee chord. As GlassSeeker said get ploy Ethelyne or spectra/dyneema. These are wakeboard/barefoot lines. For you wakeboard will be better as you don't need the added length of a barefoot line. And, wake and barefoot handles float. A high pole will also really help. It's crucial you don't use a stretchy slalom rope up on a high pole. Get a boom as soon as you can. |
Posted By: IAughtNaut
Date Posted: June-19-2016 at 12:07pm
|
no such thing as to slow with kids also, if you're wondering how to hold the end of the rope in the boat, buy a cheap handle and make your rope double ended. make sure at least one of the handles floats though. or, attach a big foam bobber (think giant fishing lure) or colorful section of a pool noodle to the rope. it will float and not be in the way while skiing and your kids will see it coming in the water. I think somebody at one time said they filled old cans with something heavy and glued them to the top of the tail of the skis to make them sink in the water. you don't want them going to the bottom under the weight, and they will probably float vertically in the water when they come off which makes them harder to find and pick up, so paint the tips a bright color all the way around. or install LEDs. I make every first timer start on the boom, no matter what age. some adults get a little pissy, but it's funny how succeeding quickly cures that. ------------- bring the ruckus http://www.correctcraftfan.com/diaries/details.asp?ID=5347" rel="nofollow - 2000 Pro Air |
Posted By: AAM196
Date Posted: June-19-2016 at 12:45pm
|
My only issue with the boom is it only gets you 15% of the way toward your ultimate goal; there is still a lot of work ahead to have success behind boat! This holds true with skiing, slalom, barefooting, etc. |
Posted By: IAughtNaut
Date Posted: June-19-2016 at 1:16pm
|
I have to disagree. the difference between 15% and say, 75% is the teacher. let's take the example of a child, since that was the original topic. maybe a kid gets up on two skis, hanging on to the bar, arms pulled all the way under their chin, knees locked out, but they're up because of the stability of the boom. a good teacher, with them right beside the boat can coach them into position....straighten your arms, bend you're knees, stand up straight. now remember that position and let go, we're gonna do it again. that kid doesn't get up on the long line. but if they do it a few times on the boom, get the feel, learn the body positioning so they're not relying on only strength, they're most of the way to being able to do it behind the boat. still work to be done of course, but that up close instruction is near impossible at 75ft. or 60, or 50, or whatever. ------------- bring the ruckus http://www.correctcraftfan.com/diaries/details.asp?ID=5347" rel="nofollow - 2000 Pro Air |
Posted By: AAM196
Date Posted: June-19-2016 at 1:51pm
|
I see your point about having the skier right beside you... I am just saying a 40lb child can almost stand on the skis without moving while holding onto a bar... kind gives them the false sense of accomplishment. I couldn't agree more with you on the teacher... probably makes ALL the difference. If parents coddle their kids or worste yet, yell at them... I just leave them on the dock and take kids with me... I had to do this with my brother who is too hard... I just want the situation to be fun but give them the impression we aren't going back till you ski, slalom, barefoot or what ever is at stake. I also like to get the rivalry between siblings, cousins etc working in my favor. I remember a few years back teaching all the kids to slalom... my 7 yr old was dumbfounded when she could slalom on boom and was no where close behind boat. also have to be very careful child doesn't do pullup on boom and bang chin... seen it. I also think we are over thinking this whole thing and a $600 boom is way overkill for teach a kid to ski... In my experience over the past 30 yrs of skiing and taking tons of newbs out... the usually just get up in a few tries :) Kinda on the same level... I see kids at the ice rink use these things that look like old people walkers to hold onto while they skate... my friends kid used one 2 yrs ago... he did last year... and again this year... he still can't balance well... my kids weren't happy when I didn't rent them for them at the time... they have no problem skating, stopping, backward, forward, crossing etc... At some point, you just have to let them do it! In short... if you are on a budget, and never plan on barefooting and learning tricks... save you money... but if you come across one for cheap... pick it up or three of them LOL they are easy to sell. |
Posted By: bkhallpass
Date Posted: June-19-2016 at 2:35pm
|
You don't need 5 lbs of weight to hold the tails down. HO sells plates that screw on to the ski with the existing fin bolts. 1 plate for little kids skis, 2 plates, for the medium size, and three plates for adult combos. I don't think they weigh two pounds with all six plates mounted. BKH ------------- Livin' the Dream |
Posted By: dwouncmd
Date Posted: June-19-2016 at 11:57pm
|
Having taught lots of really young skiers to ski and having watched the best teach really young skiers, as Quinner says, a pair of parabolic kids skis that can be connected to prevent a the skier from doing a split, along with weight on the tails so the tails sink keeping the ski tips up (I made homemade weights). Finally a boom makes a huge difference. I found a beat up boom for $100. The boom is more stable, pulls the skier up instead of forward, keeps the skier close to the teacher, and allows an easy transition for the the boom to a short rope (handle only). For tiny skiers (less than 3 or 4 years old) a one piece skimmer (solid or inflatable) with the handle attached to the board is a good way to start; these can be pulled by hand or very slowly (5 mph) with a hand on rope from the boat staring from shore. Having said all that, the most important thing I learned watching April Coble teach (who knows how many thousands she has helped get out of the water for the first time at her ski school) is familiarization on land before getting into the water. She does not use a boom, and gets skiers up long line behind the boat. Getting up on two skies that are connected to prevent the skis from splitting apart, initially, she emphasizes arms straight, knees bent , and looking up at the horizon holding that position until the skis are planing (she has the kids delay standing up by performing a count off of about 5 - 7 seconds). She practices the position and count on land with a rope/handle before putting the kids behind the boat. And, all of her drivers have driven inboards for many hours before pulling beginning skiers. ------------- http://www.correctcraftfan.com/diaries/details.asp?ID=6535&sort=&pagenum=2" rel="nofollow - 89 SN <a href="http://www.correctcraftfan.com/diaries/details.asp?ID=6567&sort=&pagenum=1" rel="nofollow">7 |
Posted By: Dreaming
Date Posted: June-20-2016 at 1:37pm
| I started looking for booms and ski's on craigslist this weekend, I found a boom in Medford, Oregon, it's out of the question for me if shipping is unavailable, but I'll be checking that this afternoon. As far as booms go, what parts are involved? I am assuming that means a clamp for the pylon, couple of poles and some cable to attach to the front eye. Are there other parts I need to specifically ask about? Will a straight boom work on my 94 or do I need to get a contoured one? A couple of pairs of Kid trainers came up as well, but both are an hour's drive away. I'll keep watching for both items if neither of these works out. |
Posted By: Hollywood
Date Posted: June-20-2016 at 1:46pm
|
straight is fine. they are all pretty basic and universal. $600 boom? pretty sure it was clear he wasn't going out and buying all this gear at retail price. You should be able to find plenty at $200. 3-eventers always seem to shy away from the boom, i find it odd |
Posted By: GottaSki
Date Posted: June-20-2016 at 1:50pm
|
I concur on the tail weights! These wide poly skids have a lot of displacement, and getting oriented is more challenging for a youngster. It can make all the difference Had made my own by melting lead in tuna cans, then removing and painting. Nice to see them available from HO! Boom driving is another challenge for techniques and safety you can overcome, just recognizing the hazards, we'll get you through all that. ------------- "There is nothing, absolutely nothing, half so much worthwhile as messing around with boats...simply messing." River Rat to Mole |
Posted By: AAM196
Date Posted: June-21-2016 at 11:55am
|
I'm not saying boom is a bad tool... guess I am just saying if barefooting is not in your future, don't waste anymore time and money.. just throw some skis on the kids and pull them out of the water LOL. I find that more times than not... they just ski! |
Posted By: dwouncmd
Date Posted: June-21-2016 at 12:39pm
I done it both ways, and both ways work fine. As has been said before, connected skis with weighted tails make a huge difference (I used a heavy set of galvanized hinges I had laying around, srcewed them to the tail and wrapped them in closed cell foam). I think doing dry-land prep helps a lot. I have them sit, assume a knees bent arms straight position sitting on the dock without skis, then show with a handle in their hands them what tension on the rope feels like, then hold the knees bent arms straight for few seconds, then slowly stand with tension on the rope. I do this a few times until they seem to be comfortable, then go to the boom if I have it, or long line if I don't. If doing long line and you have someone else who can drive, jump in the water with the little ones so they feel less scared and help them with their position in the water until the pull starts. You are right, the kids will frequently just pop right out of the water...many are so surprised they are up that they immediately fall down. Since you can't stop on a dime, drivers/spotters have to be attentive so you don't drag them, and it is good to teach to let go when they fall so they don't submarine (the nickname my daughter earned from her brothers because she would not let go when she fell). I make it a point to stay positive and compliment them on each accomplishment, even if it is just getting in the water or getting up for a second, before I try to coach them. I try to give just one or two thoughts to focus on at a time (arms straight, knees bent, don't try to stand up/push with you legs too soon, keep your head and eyes up, look down fall down, etc). ------------- http://www.correctcraftfan.com/diaries/details.asp?ID=6535&sort=&pagenum=2" rel="nofollow - 89 SN <a href="http://www.correctcraftfan.com/diaries/details.asp?ID=6567&sort=&pagenum=1" rel="nofollow">7 |
Posted By: relake
Date Posted: June-21-2016 at 12:48pm
|
As a new boat owner, both wife and I did many practice dry runs on hole shots and pick up dry runs. Just this past weekend on fathers day, I helped both my 9 y/o and 11 y/o daughters get up on skis. They were on junior skis with a binding to keep them together. I gave them both instructions and stayed in the water right beside them.....ski tips up, arms out, knees bent, rope between your skis, stay squatting down when you pop out of the water, let the boat pull you and don't fight your skis. Really the biggest problem was keeping their skis orientated while waiting to get pulled up, kind of tough with them bound together for any length of time....... Both girls were up on their first try, talk about a proud dad on fathers day. It was so much fun skiing, albeit a short distance, next to them and see their smiles........My point is, kids are really tough and learn quickly, just let them experience it on their own, keep it simple for them |
Posted By: bkhallpass
Date Posted: June-21-2016 at 1:08pm
Been my theory for over thirty years as well. Always worked out fine. But, have seen some great, and rapid results on boom as well. BKH ------------- Livin' the Dream |
Posted By: bkhallpass
Date Posted: June-23-2016 at 10:52pm
|
http://seattle.craigslist.org/kit/spo/5644016721.html I'm sure they would take less with cash in hand. You'll be able to sell for whatever you paid. BKH ------------- Livin' the Dream |
Posted By: bkhallpass
Date Posted: June-23-2016 at 11:11pm
|
Amigo Jr.s in Portland (along some other equipment). Really good kids ski/combo. BKH http://portland.craigslist.org/mlt/for/5646383503.html ------------- Livin' the Dream |
Posted By: bkhallpass
Date Posted: June-23-2016 at 11:15pm
|
And $30 for a connelly set with the stabilizer bar. http://kpr.craigslist.org/spo/5590525202.html BKH ------------- Livin' the Dream |
Posted By: Dreaming
Date Posted: June-24-2016 at 4:32pm
|
Normal craigslist people[:0] I have emailed on several this week and gotten no response. I did pickup a pair of Jobe virutue 67's to add to the collection, but haven't been able to connect on a kids set yet. There is a radar set near me with the connection bar and a rope for $75... more than I wanted to spend, but I may look into those too. The barefoot bar from Oregon was a no go, no response from the seller, so I'll have to continue to keep an eye out for that too. boat parts from NP should arrive today, and I am waiting for my distributor to ship from summit, so I still have a little bit of time. Thanks for the Heads up's BKH! |
Posted By: AAM196
Date Posted: June-24-2016 at 5:23pm
| Offer the guy $50... get the skis and take the kids skiing... trying to deal with sellers on Craigslist will drive you crazy for sure! |
Posted By: bkhallpass
Date Posted: June-26-2016 at 3:26am
|
http://seattle.craigslist.org/est/bpo/5651721499.html BKH ------------- Livin' the Dream |
Posted By: Dreaming
Date Posted: June-27-2016 at 2:10pm
|
Thanks Brian, I emailed on those and also on the HO trainers from last week. I got a response on the HO's and am working to connect with him. I am guessing early this week I'll have a set of trainers 
|
Posted By: harddock
Date Posted: June-27-2016 at 2:52pm
|
Equipment: Basic skis and ropes can be bought at yard sales, Craigslist, Sport stores. Specialty skis slalom, trick etc can be found both as new, leftovers and used @ ski-it-again.com Booms are nice for learning but not necessary. Patience and keeping it fun are most beneficial. When they are done, they are done. Try again tomorrow! Floaty key chain floats (foam) in bright colors zip tied near yoke can make the handle end of things easy to find. We have one on pylon end for use with trick release. Makes finding line in water a snap! ------------- http://www.correctcraftfan.com/diaries/details.asp?ID=4487" rel="nofollow - 1998 Ski Nautique |
Posted By: 8122pbrainard
Date Posted: June-28-2016 at 10:16am
|
I didn't see it mentioned so I'll throw this in. IF a small fishing boat with a small outboard is available, they're great for training the kids. I feel they aren't as intimidating as a large ski boat nor as loud with the rumble coming from some of our boats. I learned on the fishing boat, my kids learned on it and plenty of my friends did as well. ------------- /diaries/details.asp?ID=1622" rel="nofollow - 54 Atom /diaries/details.asp?ID=2179" rel="nofollow - 77 Tique 64 X55 Dunphy Keep it original, Pete < |
Posted By: rebel skier
Date Posted: June-28-2016 at 2:16pm
| I am now shopping for a helmet or two to add to our collection of gear after needing to take the daughter to the ER for stitches Sunday when the wakeboard somehow hit her in the head during a crash. As the skids start getting to where they are trying to catch air you might consider adding a helmet too. |
Posted By: Dreaming
Date Posted: June-29-2016 at 4:57pm
|
Good Idea on the fishing boat, I don't have access to one, or I might try that. My kids are super excited about the SN though, the middle and youngest helped me replace the blower last night and get the hoses off of the Invertaflow. I think they might be disappointed if we went to the lake without our boat - Rebel, I like the idea of helmets, I think we'll wait a year or two though and see how well they progress Meeting up with the trainers guy tonight... sometime's CL is just more work than others. |
Posted By: baitkiller
Date Posted: June-29-2016 at 5:58pm
Yep, Its called the scorpion effect. Kids aver very flexible and usually are riding larger boards, 'cause that's whats available. When they eat it, the board comes from behind and catches them in the back of the head. Staples time..:( When you see my boat you'll see four helmets hanging on the tower, pick one that fits and wear it. If you are <18 years old you either wear a helmet or you don't ride. Funny how all the kids are trained to want one now. They'll see their buddy case it and all say: "that's why we wear helmets!". I like the liquid force helmets. You can get them on Amazon pretty cheap. My local cable park has them on the rack for the same price as Amazon though. They are actually triple 8 skater buckets with water friendly liners. They have the shape that kids are used to from skating and are pretty comfy and light. I personally have a more expensive Protech because I want ear flaps. Took an ear drum pop once on a failed Railey and don't want another one. ------------- Jesus was a bare-footer............. |
Posted By: rebel skier
Date Posted: June-29-2016 at 6:11pm
|
Picked up 2 liquid force icon's yesterday from Sun and Ski, on sale. I think I need a couple of smaller ones too, but can't put it on my daughters head right now. That is exactly what happened and I have since learned that term "scorpion effect". She was riding her board at the time, which I believe is the right size for her. She seems determined to get back on the board, which is good. Although I really want to get her up on a slalom ski. Dreamer, don't let this talk scare you. 10 year of boating with the kids and 1 ER visit. That is more than worth the memories. |
Posted By: baitkiller
Date Posted: June-29-2016 at 6:41pm
|
True that Dreamer...Get them up and ride. ------------- Jesus was a bare-footer............. |
Posted By: baitkiller
Date Posted: June-29-2016 at 7:39pm
|
Thread jack alert: Hey Rebel... Don't give up on the ski dream. My oldest is 15. He started on a wakeboard at 6 and never learned slalom. He is pretty damn good on the board. At 13 years old he comes walking in the driveway with a beat down old Jobe slalom somebody had set on the curb (that he decided to drag home) and says "Dad I think its time I learned to ski". First pull and he was skiing. Fast forward one year and he spent his birthday with JBear and Eddie learning to barefoot. All things come my friend... The Universe finds its own balance. ------------- Jesus was a bare-footer............. |
Posted By: AAM196
Date Posted: June-30-2016 at 12:04am
| wakeskate! Very fun but everytime you bite it... know where the board goes! LOL |
Posted By: 8122pbrainard
Date Posted: June-30-2016 at 7:33am
Another plus a small fishing boat has for training the kids is maneuverability. With the many go arounds you will get with the process, the time is drastically cut so the kids patience will hold longer reducing the frustration they may have. The other technique that's great is to have the kids in shallow water just deep enough to have the back of the trainers touch the bottom and a second older person standing next to them holding their position and instructing. Yes, with the kids in the shallow water will break the 100' slow no wake rule from shore that many states have but I can't imagine any warden anywhere that will hassle you. ------------- /diaries/details.asp?ID=1622" rel="nofollow - 54 Atom /diaries/details.asp?ID=2179" rel="nofollow - 77 Tique 64 X55 Dunphy Keep it original, Pete < |
Posted By: AAM196
Date Posted: June-30-2016 at 12:28pm
|
LOL... add small fishing boat to your list of things to purchase! A few days ago taught another 8 and 10 yr old (kids friends)... both holding on to traditional ski line with just the bar attached to keep skis together. took three tries for 10 yr old and the 8 year old boy got up first try. No weights, no boom... I am telling you, strap skis on the kids feet and apply just the slightest bit of throttle with a little positive encouragement. No need to overthink this. |
Posted By: quinner
Date Posted: June-30-2016 at 12:49pm
|
PWC works much better then a fishing boat for teaching the little ones IMO, particularly if you are using a two handled line. Not necessary but great if you have access to one. Helmut is great for the back/side of the noggin but do also teach the kids to cross their arms in front of their head/face on falls until everything stops moving, we had a trip to urgent care a few summers ago from a board to the nose. ------------- http://www.correctcraftfan.com/diaries/details.asp?ID=1143" rel="nofollow - Mi Bowt |
Posted By: skutsch
Date Posted: June-30-2016 at 1:08pm
|
So another technique (the process I am currently using). Put the ski's (assuming you find a pair that are connected, I like the O'brien set up with the hard bar) on and tow them around on the grass (you have to have a sold connecting so you can attach a rope to pull the skis). Once the child is comfortable, take two adults (or older children) and walk out from the beech 25 or 50 feet. Practice getting in the start position (arms straight, knees to chest, tips up, rope between the ski's). Have the assistance hold the learning child, when the child is comfortable, have them yell "Hit it" and then someone runs up the yard (away from the lake) pulling the rope, and the child then "Skis to the beach." I like this because there is no noise, no big boats, nothing scary - just fun. YOu as the driver also realize how little is required to get a little person skiing. This does require setting up the ski rope combination so their is equal tension on the rope and the handle. Once you have done this a couple of times, it is time to go behind the boat. Attach a handle at the 25 to 30 foot mark, and repeat the above, with assistants, but now have the childs parent hold the other end of the handle in the back of the boat. Typically I have them kneel on the back seat, they also must keep their arms straight. When the kid yells hit, you pull them up with VERY little power. You probably won't even get the boat on plane. Couple key points on why you have the parent hold the rope. If the child falls and panics (and doesn't let go), the parent can let go of the rope - preventing the drag through the water. At the end of the run, you can shut down the boat and the parent can typically hand over hand pulling the rope, ski them right to the platform. Always seems to give the kids more confidence, if they are physically connected at all time (via the rope) Now they have "skiied the grass," had 3 or 4 attempts "Skiing the beach" and after 3 or 4 times behind the boat are probably ready to ditch the tied skies and can have the rope tied to the boat. This is often the point I transition to the boom if they stuggle with the skis. Remember their are only 3 Rules when water skiing: 1.) ARMS STRAIGHT 2) If you fall LET GO OF THE ROPE 3) Skier must always HAVE A SMILE on their face If any of these rules are missing we stop, discuss and wait until it is corrected before we proceed. The most important thing is to have all the patience in the world and HAVE FUN! ------------- Our http://www.correctcraftfan.com/diaries/details.asp?ID=4669" rel="nofollow - 98 Sport Nautique My Dad's 63 Ski N |
Posted By: Hollywood
Date Posted: June-30-2016 at 1:13pm
|
Take the fins off for the grass skiing... |
Posted By: GottaSki
Date Posted: June-30-2016 at 1:29pm
|
regarding sand or grass skiing, Just be careful to not stop pulling suddenly, the abrupt stop of the skis causes their forward momentum to fall forward, my girl hit her knee quare on the wingnut for the tie bar, ------------- "There is nothing, absolutely nothing, half so much worthwhile as messing around with boats...simply messing." River Rat to Mole |
Posted By: Chevy350
Date Posted: June-30-2016 at 1:46pm
I'm with you on this. My dad told me what to do and said good luck. Got up first try and skied around the lake twice, then bit it pretty hard. ------------- 1972 Mustang |
Posted By: Dreaming
Date Posted: June-30-2016 at 2:31pm
|
We have ski's with a connecting bar and a two-handle rope! (HO Hotshots) Thanks BKH for keeping an eye out so now we need to get the boat in the water. I pulled the ski's out to show the kids last night and they both were giddy with excitement, although nervous about the falling part. The two year old started putting his face in the water at swimming lessons yesterday, so he is well on his way, and will be wanting to follow the big kids on their skiing journey. We'll probably try the grass skiing method to help them get the hang of the balancing, both kids can roller-skate, so I assume that the balance is going to be similar. HW - good point on the fins, I'll have to have a peek at the bottom and taking them off. Skutch - good rules, especially the smile one... if they are not having fun, we've missed the point. |
Posted By: 74SkiNautique
Date Posted: July-14-2016 at 11:58pm
|
Obrien Jr. Amigos are great for about 6-9 years old. Around 10 they can switch to a pair of Obrien world team comps for skiing and then use the world team to learn slalom. Knee boards are easy and fun for little kids. ------------- 74SkiNautique |