Keeping it Fun
Skiing is a fun sport, plain and simple. The number of hours spent on the lake is countless and the number of bouys we turn is astronomically high. What other sport do you get to hang out on a lake and enjoy the sun and fresh air like we do? We're all blessed to enjoy such an amazing time on the water. However, it is extremely easy to take this for granted. It is easy to get caught up on a rope length and get frustrated and just as easy to spend hours upset after a poor set on the lake. What we often forget to remember is that skiing is a good time to be shared with friends. As the year winds down and weekend competitions come to an end, keep the fire burning by enjoying your lake sessions with friends. Let's take a look at three unique ways to spice up your rides.
Skiing Doubles
Traditionally you go skiing all by yourself, but it is definitely something that can be fun to do with someone else. Riding doubles is a perfect way to do this. Hook up two ropes and the lake can change tremendously. Now that you are out with your friend you can spray each other, jump the wakes and have a good time. For the daring, you can cut back and forth simultaneously or even shorten up one rope and go over/under. It can get tricky out there, so always be safe when riding doubles.
Fun Contest
We all like to ski in contests and see how short we can go up the rope. However, maybe not everyone in your crew is on the same competitive level. A fun way to mix it up is to break out that old wooden Dick Pope and see who can do the best. Riding on something different tends to level up the playing field a bit and change the dynamics. Drop the speed down and see who can manipulate the course on something a little different. If you don't have an old wooden ski, a trick ski works well or you can even try riding opposite foot forward. Just do whatever it takes to have some fun out there.
Build Something
If you have ever checked out thewilsonbros.com you will see a plethora of waterski contraptions we have built and tried to ride. These include a couch on skis, a bike, even snow skis. Now that the season is over you may have some extra time to play around and not focus on running the course every time. Take a break and come up with something unique to ride on the water. A disc is fairly simple to build and offers a ton of towing options. Come up with something creative and enjoy your fall sessions on the lake.
Whatever you do, remember that you started skiing because it was fun. Recall those first skiing memories, which more than likely took place off the course. Get back to your free skiing roots and always enjoy every minute you are on the lake!