Nearly anyone can learn how to water ski. This is a fun and exhilarating activity that can be performed anywhere there is enough water and a boat to be pulled behind. Many times, people learn how to ski “off the boom” first which is basically a pole that sticks off the side of a boat. The skier will hold on to this pole and start the adventure standing as opposed to being pulled to a standing position when pulled behind the boat.

Skiing in Atlanta

One of the things to do in Atlanta is water skiing believe it or not. In fact, there is actually a ski club called Water-Ski Atlanta that actually has events such as slalom, trick and jump skiing. This club is located on Princeton Lake and is absolutely one of the fantastically fun things to do in Atlanta. Now, that said, this is a private club but if you know someone who is a member you will be able to get in without a membership.

Skiing in Philadelphia

If you are considering water skiing as one of the things to do in Philadelphia, you will not be disappointed. They have what they call water ski meet-ups where groups of people get together and go skiing. It is kind of like in places where they have casinos and groups of people get together and get on a bus for the casino but in this instance it is to go water skiing.

There are a few places/organizations that have these meet-ups and you can register with them or just check out their web sites to see when they are going to be. This is not only one of the interesting things to do in Philadelphia, you can meet some amazing people this way!

Skiing Tips to Remember

No, it is not hard to water ski but you need to know the safety rules involved. Because the skier is often too far behind the boat to be heard over the motor, there are seven basic hand signals that you need to know before you even think about get in the water.

1)Speed up is indicated by the thumbs up signal

2)Slow down is indicated by a thumb down signal

3)The “ok” signal is used when the speed is right or the path is clear

4)To indicate a turn, make a circle motion over your head with one arm and a finger pointing skyward then point in the direction of the turn

5)When you want to go back to the dock, pat your head

6)When you make a slashing motion across the neck, this is indicating the driver to stop the boat immediately

To signal that you are alright after a fall, clasp both hands over your head

Those are the basic motions, but you should always be sure to wear a proper life jacket. The jacket should fit you properly and cover the back, chest and abdomen.

While there are many safety practices that you should follow, this is just to give you a few basics. Before you hit the water, make sure that you know all of the rest of them too.