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WATERSKI MagazineAnyone who has had a few head-on collisions along the barefoot learning curve will probably balk at the idea of leading the next generation down the same road. Kids are small and vulnerable and they bruise easily, or they will if you use the same trial and error teaching method through which most of us once suffered.
But there's an absolutely safe way for kids to learn. This method guarantees no falls and is so much fun that the kids will give forearm bashes when you tell them it's time to go footing.
B Wrap a 12-inch toe strap around the boom so tightly that it won't turn or spin at all. Don't use a slalom handle (it slips around too easily).
B Raise the boom higher than normal. Have the youngster
sit in the handle. When he straightens his legs, no part
of the body should touch the water.
B Let the boat idle and tell your kid to touch her feet on the water. This will be the foundation for proper gliding position.
B The knees can now be bent and feet pulled back into a planing position. Kids will practically learn on their own that bent legs are better than straight legs.
B If there's too much spray, correct the form: knees together, feet nearly flat and toes up.
B Eventually, you'll see the handle go slack as they stand on their own.
Next step:
B With the boom and handle in the same position, have your kid hold the handle and tumble up while you slowly raise the boat speed (13-18 mph). It's an ugly tumble-up, but it's safe.
B In this position and at this speed, it's safe for the young footer to hang onto the handle if she catches a toe. She can just drag on the knees.
B You can unwrap the short rope one loop at a time until the handle is eventually all the way out.
B Don't try this until the boom swing method is mastered and your kid can hold the boom during a fall.
