WTB: Training ski

[azeus17]

I am looking for one of those U shaped skis for very young kids. My 3 year old said she wants to ski this year, but I am not sure if she will be able to use anything else. Trying to avoid buying new if possible.

Thanks,
Adam

[HS]

something similar in case you don't find a used one; have a great season.
http://www.adrenalinewatersports.com...&SubID=55&pg=0

[s_kelley2000]

something similar in case you don't find a used one; have a great season.
http://www.adrenalinewatersports.com...&SubID=55&pg=0

A couple of my friends' kids used this last summer and they loved it. It's inflatable so they don't have to worry about actually getting up. If they stand it gives them a lot of the same feelings as skiing. If they aren't too into it they can sit down and still enjoy a ride behind the boat. The one the OP is talking about is certainly better for learning how to actually get up on skis but if that isn't working this is the next best thing and even better if you have a timid learner.

[azeus17]

Yeah, that would be a good alternative. I would be worried that my daughter would just sit the whole time on it. I am curious at what age peoples kids have started using regualr skis, and even transitioned to slalom. I want to get her started young.

[s_kelley2000]

You are right to worry about the child just sitting on the inflatable one....that is exactly what one of our friends' kids did. But most others ended up standing up for the majority of the time.

My parents had me up on tied together skis at 2 years 10 months, I think I was slaloming by 8 and wake boarding at 11 when they finally got around to inventing it... My dad kept running down the beach pulling me around in shallow water on the skis and then eventually hooked me up to the boat.

I think the biggest thing is if your kid is comfortable in the water with the equipment on. It helps to have an adult in the water with them to help them get lined up and get in the right position. If you have access to a boom it makes things sooo much easier!

[NautiqueOasis]

+1 on the boom; it is an outstanding tool for teaching kids and adults. Works no matter what you are using whether it be double skiis, slalom, wakeboard or learning to foot. We just used kids' skis tied together front and rear; both kids were on the boom by 2 1/2 - 3yrs and advanced quickly. Started on two, then used a 5ft rope/handle with boom, then back to the back of the boat. Ditto then with the slalom ski. Both kids were on a slalom ski behind the boat by 3-4yrs old. s_kelly hit the nail on the head when he stated to make sure your kid is comfortable in the water with the equipment on before trying. Even before they put the equipment on, we would swim with them around the boom letting them hang on it to get them used to this tool. The boom is not cheap but you can just do so much more with it and can be used for all ages.

[HS]

Well if this is becoming a teaching thread, then +1 for using a boom (we used a tower boom).

Google Lane Bowers to see videos of his teaching methods using a boom. Totally worked for us!

[DanielC]

Another vote for getting a boom. I have been to many church youth camps, boom is by far the most useful tool.

With very young children, give them a blow molded knee board, to play with on the beach. Then you can drag them along shore, witha short rope. Then a boat.

DO NOT USE THE STRAP ON THE KNEE KNEE BOARD WITH YOUNG CHILDREN! The knee board has more buoyancy than a childs life jacket. A strapped in child can float head down on a knee board, even witha life jacket on.

[HS]

Here is a link to the intro video from Lane Bowers -- he has a 4 part video that breaks down the steps for the rider (and the driver -- very important!!). Send him an email, he will send you a link, maybe you can find it yourself on youtube. When I called Mike Seipel at Barefoot International he told me to get Lane's info. We watched it together with the kids in the winter, then in summer we went to the lake, and just like Lane says, both kids learned (without falling -- I was amazed). Best way to build confidence and success. My boom is now in Florida with another PN family.

Thinking back to when I was a kid trying to learn, what a huge difference!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0bjXtz2-bHM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0bjXtz2-bHM

Here is his web site:

http://www.1hourslalom.com

[azeus17]

Thanks for all the great advice guys!

[bsb4fsu]

I am looking for one of those U shaped skis for very young kids. My 3 year old said she wants to ski this year, but I am not sure if she will be able to use anything else. Trying to avoid buying new if possible.

Thanks,
Adam

I have these trainer ski's.

[azeus17]

Any idea how small the boots go? My daughter wears about a kids 7 or 8. If they are even close to that, I might be interested.

[bsb4fsu]

I am not sure but I will try to find out.

[azeus17]

Based on your guys feedback, I have a tower boom on the way! Can't wait to try it out...if it ever warms up!

[HS]

Wow, this was almost 4 years ago!!

http://www.planetnautique.com/vb3/sh...ighlight=money