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A proper personal flotation device should be a jacket or vest that covers the chest, stomach and back. The life vest must be properly fitted so that it does not slip up on the body when falling. It should fit snugly but not be uncomfortable. Be sure to check the manufacturer's label for weight limits and sizing information. You will want a pair of combination skis, which are suitable for beginners and have two skis with one ski having a half-foot binding behind the other foot. Skis for beginners will usually be wider and thus more stable on the water. They will be made for different weight ranges so it is important to pick a water ski that suits your size. Check the manufacturer recommendations for the recommended weight ranges for the particular skis you are looking at. Kids skis are different in that they are smaller and easier for small children to control. They will usually come with a "trainer" option, or when you tie the skies together to prevent the skier from losing their balance and performing the splits. The bindings will usually be adjustable for a range of sizes to fit a variety of people. Trainer skis for kids can often be tied together, preventing the child from doing the "splits". Kids usually have a hard time keeping control over their skis and keeping them together so this can be incredibly helpful when beginning. A water skiing rope will have a little stretch only and be 75 feet (22.86 meters) long from the handle to the opposite end. Do not use a wakeboarding rope, which will have no stretch, or a rope that is too stretchy. The rope should be labelled and marketed specifically for water skiing. There are seven different hand signals that a skier should learn. These are important for signalling the boat driver while water skiing. A thumbs-up means go faster while a thumbs-down means slow down. It is important to remember this while skiing so that you do not accidentally ask for more speed. Bring thumb and forefinger together to signal OK. This tells the driver that the speed and path are good. Point your finger in the air and move it in a circular motion and then point to the direction when you want to turn a certain way. This can be used by the water skier to signal that they want to go a particular way or by the boat driver to warn the skier of a turn. Pat your head to signal that you would like to return to the dock. You can do this if you are tired and want to finish. A slashing motion at the neck means to stop the boat immediately. This can be done by the skier, driver or observer in case of emergencies. Clasp your hands over your head after a fall to signal that you are OK. This should be done after every fall. Many states require boats to have ski flags. These are usually bright coloured flags that signal to other boats that there is a skier in the water. Every time the skier is in the water and not skiing, the flag must be held up for other boats to see. This is an important safety measure and most boats will need an observer who is in charge of watching the skier and holding the flag. The proper stance for starting to water ski is called the "cannonball" position. While on dry land, put the skis on your feet. Hold the handle and bend your knees so that you are sitting on the skis in the same form you would use to complete a cannonball. Have someone pull gently on the other end of the rope to help pull you up into into a chair position. You will look like you are sitting in a chair, even though there is not one. Make sure your knees stay together at all times and that you keep your arms straight to allow the rope to pull you up.
Wear a life vest. Obtain water skis. Consider tying the skis together. Use a proper water skiing rope. Learn to use the proper signals. Get a ski flag for safety. Learn the proper stance on dry land first.