How To Get Kids into Water Skiing and Wake Sports
The seasons are changing, and if you are like us, you are getting excited for summer! And why wouldn't you be? Summer means boating and more family time out on the water! But your kids don't seem as stoked as you do. Being in a life jacket all day, getting sunscreen slathered on their face, and struggling to get out of the water is a recipe for frustration and tears. Without the proper gear and attitude, a day on the water can be dreadful. After 40 years in business, we've dialed in the water sport must-haves to ensure a safe, fun, and successful summer for you and your kiddos! If you haven't checked out our previous blog, Boating With Your Kids, be sure to check that out! It covers all the ins and outs of having kiddos on the boat all day. In this Buyer's Guide, we'll cover the next steps - how to get your kids in the water!
| WATER SPORT | TOP PICKS |
| Tubing is a great way to introduce your kid to the sensation of being towed. We recommend starting at slow speeds and having an adult get back there with them! 15-18mph will be all the thrills your kid needs. |
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| ZUP Boards are the perfect starter board that will build a solid foundation for any board sport they decide to take on next. ZUPs are awesome for the variety of ways they can ride. We recommend laying down to start and slowly work up to standing. As your grom feels more confident on the ZUP, encourage them to detach the rope from the board and hold it to really experience that feeling of being towed. |
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| Wakeboarding This is perfect for any grom that already has some sort of board sport experience or is a natural thrill seeker. Kids should always be wearing a helmet and start somewhere between 12-15mph. We also recommend starting with a rope length of 70-80ft, the further back the smaller the wake will be. This can be one of the more challenging sports when first getting up, so stay positive and patient! |
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| Wakesurfing Wakesurfing can be less intimidating due to its low speeds and close proximity to the boat. Having a board with straps makes it really easy for the groms to get out of the water. As they progress, the straps can be removed, so they can play around with their stance and foot placement. |
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| Waterskiing Where would all these other sports be without waterskiiing? Skiing is a great way for kiddos to grasp the fundamentals of many other towed water sports and offers lots of ways for them to progress. The easiest way to start is with trainer/double skis and work towards a slalom ski as confidence grows. |
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| Life Jackets It's Oregon state law, all children under 13 years old must wear a U.S. Coast Guard(USCG) approved life jacket unless they are below decks or in an enclosed cabin. Your kiddos will be in these jackets all day, so it is important they fit properly to ensure safety and prevent discomfort. All kids' life jackets have weight ratings, that is the best place to start. Once you've found their size, be sure to have them try it on. To check the fit, have them raise their hands up over their head and gently pull up on the shoulder material. If there is excess room above the openings, the jacket is too loose. Life jackets should fit snug without riding up around the chin area. |
TODDLER (0-30 LBS)
CHILD (30-50 LBS) YOUTH (50-90 LBS)
TEEN (75-125 LBS)
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Keep it FUN!
Many studies state that 70% of kids drop out of organized sports by the age of 13. At this age, team sports become too competitive and an emphasis shifts from having fun to achieving success. If you want your kids to pick up water sports, you have to stay encouraging and keep it fun.
