Like many other hobbies and pastimes, water skiing ebbs and flows in popularity. Today, it seems like more people than ever are jumping in the water with skinny pieces of fiberglass or wood strapped to their feet, and then being dragged along behind a boat. Water skiing can be an exciting and interesting sport, even if it does increase your boat insurance premiums in some states.

If you’re new to water skiing, there are some specific things you need to keep in mind as you get going:

• It isn’t quite as hard as it looks. Once you know the procedure and have a feel for when to hold on or when to let go, the rest is easy-peasy.
• You need properly fitted skis. Your water skis shouldn’t be loose on your feet at all. You need to undo your skis to get them off. You don’t want them to slip off while you’re skiing. But you also don’t want them so tight that they cause you pain.
• Assume the position. Once you have your skis on and adjusted, you need to grab the tow rope and get into position. You’ll lean back a little bit. You want to keep your head forward and you want to keep your knees bent. You will keep your legs under your body. The very tops of your skis should stick out from the water.
• Get ready. When the boat starts to move, you’re going to wait for the slack from the two rope to disappear. You want to then start working your way up into a standing position. You are going to keep your arms rigid and straight. You’ll use your legs to resist the pull of the boat. This will let you press up into the water, and use the resistance to stand up.
• Everyone has trouble standing at first. Standing up on your skis is the hardest thing about learning to water ski. It takes practice. You’re going to fall a bunch at first, too. Even when you’ve done it many times, you’ll still take an occasional tumble.
• Learn to fall correctly. When you feel like you’re losing your balance, you need to let go of the tow rope. You’re better off taking a fall into the water than being dragged behind a boat. When you fall, tuck in your head and bring your knees forward, curling yourself up into the fetal position. If at all possible, fall backwards.

Photo via flyfshrmn98