Young kids

noga88 · Newbie Joined: 08 Jul 2010 Posts: 6

So we tried to get our kiddo who is 5 to get up yesterday.
She got up for a few seconds but would let go of the rope. It seams like there is too much pull for her.
We did shorten the rope and I was in the water with her just to help her get in the right position etc.
She actually has a very good starting position but just doesnt' seam to be able to hold onto the rope.
Is this just the case of her not being strong enough or something that she needs to get used to and will as we try it a few more times?
She really wants to wakeboard and didn't want to stop trying Very Happy

Any suggestions are welcome.

Thanks.

GnarShredd · Posted: Jul 26, 2010 12:26 pm Post subject:

noga88, It's hard to tell sometimes. I used to be an instructor for kids as young as 5 all the way to adults but anyone under about 6 or 7 years old always seemed to have trouble (udually they'd pop out of the water, get scared and let go and then say they "can't do it!"). You said she seems to really be in to it, maybe she's just getting scared of the speed once she's up?

Once she pops out of the water, the hard part should be over as there's a lot less pressure she's fighting against once she's up on the surface.

Have you gotten her out on a kneeboard yet? Kids seemed to like to start on those (you can start at a MUCH slower speed) and once they see that they can hold on by themselves, stepping up to skis/a wakeboard will be easier as they already have the confidence. Just slowly ramp-up the speed until you're at about wakeboarding speed and they're comfortable with it, then have em strap in and give it another try!

noga88 · Newbie Joined: 08 Jul 2010 Posts: 6

GnarShredd - we haven't tried kneeboard, but we did get that ski trainer thing. I think one thing that is holding her back is that she broke her arm this summer and her right arm is a bit weaker still. I think as she gets stronger she might not let go so easily.
But yes, she really is into it. She wanted to keep trying and trying to get up and i had to make her get out Laughing

We will try again this weekend and see how she does.

Has anybody tried getting them up right from the swim platform?

jmlloyd · Criminal Joined: 20 May 2010 Posts: 61

We got my 6 yr old up and riding this summer. His instructor told me to sit on the stern and hold the rope in my hands. This will allow you to give a little when she needs a little extra help or rope. He is now on the tower at about 40'. Next, pull very slow. My little boy is up and going now pretty good and we still haven't hit 10 mph. Finally, make sure she is staying down in a crouch long enough. That was my boys biggest problem. Whenever, he tried to quickly he fell forward and the rope was pulled out of his hands. Now...... with all of that being said, I tried the same technique with my 9 yr old daughter and she is struggling alot, so all kids are gonna be a little different. Good Luck, JL