The rush of the wind as you glide across the water is an experience to be savoured and water-skiing is one of the most thrilling sports on water. One tends to associate water-skiing with warm climates. However, you can do it worldwide on lakes and the sea all year round. By Philippa Roberts, MBE, competition water-skier, British champion and European title holder. Getting started Water-skiing is easy to learn.
Instruction starts on dry land but very quickly moves to the water.
Learning to ski has been made easier by the use of a fixed bar which attaches to the side of the boat. With the bar, the student has more control and can also hear the instructor giving advice and encouragement. Having mastered the technique on the bar, you then try behind the boat. This is when the fantastic feeling of skiing across the water with the wind in your face and the sound of the water rushing under your feet is experienced. Generally, it takes a day's course to be proficient on two skis.