Q: Large hardware stores and home-supply stores (such as Lowe's or Home Depot) will stock a large variety of cement types. For example, if you're setting gate posts, purchase an anchoring cement. If you're laying a patio or a driveway, opt for a fiber reinforced cement. If you are using the cement for a variety of projects or are not familiar with using cement, purchase either a regular (multi-purpose) or fast-setting mix (like Quikrete). Consult the sales staff at the hardware store for additional help selecting a type of cement or concrete. If you are laying a single layer of concrete that will be thicker than 34 inch (1.9cm)such as a building foundation or drivewaypurchase cement with aggregate mixed in. Aggregate is stones and gravel added to the cement mixture to make it stronger and less likely to crack. If you prefer not to buy cement with aggregate already included, you can also purchase gravel at a hardware store and add this into the aggregate-free cement later. Cement is messy, and it will likely get all over your hands. If cement contacts your skin directly, brush it off immediately. To protect your hands, first put on a pair of latex gloves. Then, over these, put on a pair of sturdy work gloves. To protect your eyes, you should also always wear a pair of safety goggles when working with cement. Since cement will harm your lungs, think about wearing a surgeon's mask or bandana over your mouth when pouring dry cement. Use the blade of your shovel to stab an opening in the bag near one end. Then grab the cement bag firmly by the other end, and upend it so the powder spills out into the wheelbarrow. If you prefer to use a machine mixer rather than mixing by hand, you'll pour the opened bag of cement into the machine basin. Avoid shaking the bag as your pour out the cement powder. It's very dusty, and shaking the bag will fill the air with cement powder. Using a garden hose, add a reasonable amount of water to the center of the dry cement powder. Start by adding about 1 gallon (3.8L) of water. It's best to start out with a smaller amount of water and add more as neededit's inconvenient to add a second bag of cement if you add to much water to the first batch. If you're mixing multiple bags of cement, you'll quickly get the hang of how much water is necessary. Use your shovel to stir the water into the dry powder. Pull the dry cement mix from the outer edge of the wheelbarrow into the wet center, and stir until there is no dry powder left in the wheelbarrow. Ideally, the cement should be a little runny at this point, about the consistency of thin putty. Stir slowly, so that the water doesn't slosh over the sides of the wheelbarrow. If you're using the mixing machine, simply flip the "On" switch and let the machine stir for you. Most fast-setting bags of concrete mix will already contain sand, so you won't need to add any. If you purchased cement without sand already mixed in, add 3 or 4 shovels-full of sand to the soupy concrete mixture, then stir until the sand has been worked in. The technically correct ratio of mixing cement with sand is 1 part cement, 3 parts sand, and 3 parts water. However, you can customize this ratio as you see fit. For most projects, you won't need 3 times as much sand as cement. Start with a 1:1 ratio instead. If you're planning to add aggregate to your concrete mixture, add the aggregate now as well. Add sand and aggregate separately to ensure that each gets fully mixed into the wet concrete.
A: Select the right type of cement. Purchase cement with aggregate if you're laying thicker concrete. Put on two layers of hand protection. Cut open the bag of cement and empty the contents in a wheelbarrow. Add water to the cement powder. Mix the water into the cement powder. Add a shovel-full of sand if required.

Q: Even if you're a seasoned swimmer, it's essential that you wear a life vest while wakeboarding. Put one on and secure the straps before getting in the water. Familiarize yourself with the hand signals you'll use to communicate with the driver of the boat before you get in the water. For instance, thumbs up means speed up, while thumbs down means slow down. A slash across the neck means stop the boat/cut the motor. Set the bindings on the wakeboard so they feel comfortable and secure. If they're too loose, you won't be able to maintain your balance. If they're too tight, your feet will hurt, taking the fun out of the sport. Keep 1 hand on the handle of the tow rope as you scoot off the boat into the water. Take a few moments to get comfortable as the boat begins to move away from you. Once the rope is taut, you can use it to maintain your balance while floating in the water. It's important to maintain a good grip on the tow rope handle so it doesn't fly out of your hands. That being said, keep your arms relaxed and your knees bent while floating in the water. Never hook or loop the handle around or over any part of your body, as that will make it more difficult to let go of. Starting out, the wakeboard should be positioned on it's edge so that the bottom of the board is perpendicular to the surface of the water. Make sure the edge of the board is slightly above the water. If you try to keep the board flat underneath you, you won't be able to balance when the boat accelerates. Before you go wakeboarding, figure out which foot to put forward by having someone gently push you from behind. The foot you step forward with will be the one you put in front on the wakeboard. Once you're in the water with the wakeboard, place 1 arm on each side of your front knee. Keep your arms bent and the handle close to your chest.
A:
Put on a life vest. Adjust the bindings on the wakeboard. Get in the water. Hold the handle securely. Keep the board on it's edge in the water. Position 1 arm on either side of your front knee.