Full of confidence, this long time water skier jumped into the chilly waters of a northern Saskatchewan lake. Growing up on the Canadian prairies, I spent many teenage days gliding on water skis behind my parent’s boat. I even managed to ski most summers with family and friends for the next couple of decades. The fact that it had been 15 years since my last water skiing didn’t concern me. I was definitely not too old to water ski!
Accompanying my plunge into the lake were two shiny, well behaved water skis. At least the pair seemed cooperative on dry land. Once touching the water, each of the skis developed diverse opinions on behavior.
As I bobbed about with my life jacket, I struggled to slip a foot into the slippery rubber of the ski boot. Appearing as though I was attempting to drown myself, after an extended session of splashing and flailing, one ski miraculously attached itself to my foot.
Meanwhile the partner ski did a Houdini disappearing act toward the dock. Huffing, puffing and gasping I wrestled with the water skis as if they were eel like lake monsters.
I didn’t recall this part of the process from my earlier years of water skiing. In fact I remembered just slipping into the ski as easy as putting on my shoes. Doubting thoughts of being too old to water ski began fluttering about like hungry prairie mosquitoes at dusk.
“Oh shut up already!” My inner voice shouted to my mental jitters. The skis seemed startled by my determination and remained briefly cooperative sitting ram rod straight in front of me.
I have water skied hundreds of times. My specialty is getting out of the water on one ski. Having given the once mischievous skis a firm talking to, they perched obediently on my feet.
“She pops like a cork!” Observers would often say. I knew getting out of the water on two skis would be no problem no matter what my age!
As my Uncle’s boat pulled forward at the first attempt someone apparently tied 50 bricks to my butt. The only popping were my eyeballs in disbelief as I fell on my brick butt load.
The second attempt I fell forward. The third my water skis filed for divorce and headed east and west simultaneously.
The fourth I catapulted sideways and the fifth, well maybe I just was too old to water ski.
Deciding to take a break, I watched my older brother get up on his second try. Observing him make water skiing look easy I mumbled under my breath, “Self let’s not say we are too old just yet.”
Sibling rivalry never dies.
Back in the water my brother reminded me, “Remember to keep your arms straight.”
The light bulb went off in my head like fireworks. The number one tip I had given dozens of kids when teaching them to ski decades ago.
Here is what happened on the sixth attempt….
Tips for water skiing or ‘How to prevent I’m too old to water ski syndrome.’
Keep your arms straight and let the boat pull you forward.
Keep the tips of the water skis above the water when you start.
Pull your knees up to your chest with the insides of your arms pressing against the outside of your legs. Hold the tow rope straight in front of you. Stay in that ball position until the boat pulls you up then stand up.
Bend your knees at all times. Once out of the water stand up but still keep a slight bend in your knees.
Breathe and try to relax. Oh yes and don’t be too over confident. Good grief.
So when are you too old to water ski? Many people ski well into their sunset years. I suggest doing so more than every 15 years makes the experience easier. Practice really does make perfect.
Many thanks to my Uncle and Aunt for their hospitality and letting this ‘ I-think-I’m-still-a-teenager’ have her water ski come back. Thanks to my videographer sister in law who captured the shenanigans on my iPhone.
Would you try water skiing?
I’m glad for you. My mind and most of my body are raring to go. But my knees, already candidates for repair/replacement, won’t cooperate. But as long as you won’t hurt yourself, go for it.
Yes my mind was all over the concept! It seemed my body lost some of the messaging along the way. 🙂
Sorry to hear about your knees. No fair when our body parts start letting us down. I always used to tease my Grandma when she was in her 90’s that I was going to order her some new parts from the catalogue. If it were only that easy.
I have never tried water skiing, but I would be willing to try, before I am too old. 🙂 It would have to be in warm water under a hot sun, though… I love your spirit and inner self conflicts, Sue.
Liesbet that’s the spirit! The lake wasn’t nearly as cold as our mountain lakes so I really shouldn’t complain. I was thankful for the warm sunshine that’s for sure. If you get the opportunity to try definitely go for it and the tips at the bottom are gold. Can’t believe I had forgotten the straight arms one!
I so appreciate your kind encouragement Liesbet. Many thanks. xo
Your tenacity and your humor made me enjoy your post thoroughly……
BRAVO!
So sweet of you to say! Well best to laugh rather than cry right? 🙂 Thank you!
🙂 you keep challenging yourself, and I enjoy looking at it :D. I think I’ll stick to watching 😉
Yes I love a good challenge or perhaps it’s just that I don’t want to miss anything in life Paula.
Wow. That second video says it all: you absolutely can still water ski!
So kind of you to focus on the second video! apparently the technique was buried very deep in the memory banks. 🙂
“Don’t pull back on the rope!!” I shouted in my head while watching your first video. Brings back lots of memories (some best left forgotten) of learning to water ski behind my dad’s boat. It took me such a long time to master it on two skis that I never got around to trying it on one. But my brother (ahem – those brothers do bring out the best in sibling rivalry, don’t they?) could salalom and even learned to barefoot. I can taste the lake water and feel the seaweed on my legs just watching your videos- lol.
So glad to see you finally remembered your skills and are not, in fact, too old to water ski!
Well Sue now where were you when I needed you?! yes looking at the video it’s so obvious isn’t it? Good grief. At one point i wondered if it would be easier to try on one since that’s what I was most used to. Luckily some clearer thinking prevailed. yes those brothers. Why must they always be better at things? 🙂
Haha to the seaweed. The amount of times as a teen that I came out of the water looking like some sea creature I can’t even count. I had forgotten that too till you mentioned it.
Hope you are having a great summer and enjoying your break. I’m always so happy to have you visit. Still smiling. 🙂
You made me laugh… I do still think I’m a teenager but the old bod tells me otherwise…. but we have to keep trucking anyway!
I’m always relieved when someone e3lse is laughing here besides me! Glad you had a good chuckle. Yes I say we just keep moving, even if we aren’t as fast, as strong or as good at water skiing. 🙂
Well heck, Sue. The cold water would kill me right away! Kudos to you to keep trying til you got up!
Carol what fun to see you here! How are things going? I hope you are feeling settled across the pond. Has it been a year since the move? Maybe longer?
I’m a pretty stubborn old bird and well once my brother did it then I really had some extra motivation. 🙂
Hi Sue, it’s been two! years. Can you believe it? Now happily settled in own home and own garden. Loving it. I shall have my adventures vicariously through you now. (Though himself is thinking of trading our ‘caravan’ for a motorhome so there could be a few misadventures to come.) 🙂
Two years?! I can hardly believe where the time has gone. So glad to hear you are settled and loving it! I miss your wonderful sense of humor so should you ever start adventuring and writing again do let me know. xo
You never showed us getting out of the water with two skis. Or one. I’m glad you were able to still ski but doubt I would ever give it a try. I hate baths so why would I get into a lake? It’s just a much bigger bathtub. With fish!
Emilio go back to look at the second video. I’m on two skis there. The photo shows me with one ski. who knows at that point where the second one might be. Under water, under the dock, gone on vacation.
You crack me up about the giant bath tub. Who needs a rubber duckie when you have fish? 🙂
I have no idea who said it, but to paraphrase, I will never go into a lake “…because of the disgusting things that fish do in it.”
Haha all right no lakes for you Emilio. There definitely were fish, well at least minnows that I saw.
Wonderful, great job!!
Thanks John! It took some stick-with-it-ness. 🙂
Hahaha. The first video made me feel better about my first and only attempt at water skiing, about forty years ago. I certainly was neither relaxed nor over-confident. 😕 (I wish I’d had someone giving me the right instructions at the time.) Hubby watched the video and said, “Yup, that was me when I tried it again a few years ago.” Well done on your 6th attempt, Sue. Awesome!! I admire your tenacity. 🙂
Sylvia I am feeling better knowing your Hubby had a similar graceful experience a few years ago! I think part of my tenacity (and thank you for that) was that I just couldn’t believe I couldn’t do it. I mean it had been so easy for so much of my life! Good for you to try it. The sensation is an odd one and obviously as I demonstrated not necessarily easy to get on to!
As I don’t swim, it was quite petrifying for me. Occasionally I step out of my comfort zone. 😀
If you don’t swim and you tried water skiing you are one seriously good sport Sylvia! Yes I have seen quite a bit of stepping out of the box in your stories my friend. Good for you!
I also tried jet skiing, and almost lost my way getting back. ?
Oh dear that’s not so good. Dave did that once windsurfing when he wore glasses but took them off. No fun!
Ouch, that divorce looked painful!
Oh Sue, I am giggling myself silly reading your post, as I imagine I my body would be in the same situation. I have so many wonderful memories of water skiing & have a taught a number of people over the years how to get up on waterskis. Many times I would end up halfway across the lake as i drifted out further each time they fell, gathering their lost skis, helping them maintain their balance & encouraging them to try again! It was often a very long swim back to shore!
Good on you girl for not giving in girlfriend! I am sure peer pressure & the desire to not give in to my aging body, would have had me right alongside you giving it a go!
Lynn it sounds like we had very similar lives in so many ways. Oh yes the wanderings of the water ski instructor! Was there any more satisfactory feeling than having someone achieve success on skis while you coached? I loved that. Almost drowned myself on several occasions but loved it. 🙂
I appreciate your solidarity in willingness to get in that water with me. I hope you get the chance. I was so grateful to be able to visit my Uncle and Aunt and have the opportunity.
I too spent many a day on water skiis in my youth … although I never mastered the single ski 🙂
The last time I was on water skiis was probably about a dozen years ago. We were at Mont Tremblant on vacation with just our youngest son and I had the great idea to introduce him to water skiing.
It came back to me right away and I got up without issue … but oh my! My arms afterwards felt like they weighed 100 lbs each. I could barely lift them!! … and rubber legs!! I think I probably walked funny for a few hours.
Would I try it again all these years later? In a heart beat!! … but as my dad used to say, there’s no fool like an old fool 😀
I am chuckling at your Dad’s line. A fine line between brave and crazy I always say.
Glad to hear you popped out of the water Joanne. The following days my muscles were definitely having a word with me about not using them in this manner for a decade and a half and then calling them into action!
ha! Who knew that hanging on for dear life was such a full body workout? 😉
I know! Apparently I called in every available muscle from my forehead to my tip toes. 🙂
great job Sue! I admire your tenacity! 🙂
Thanks Lola. some might call it stubbornness but I like the way you framed it. 🙂
Somehow, I don’t think you’ll ever be too old to do whatever you put your mind to 🙂 Love the 1st video with the compilation of early attempts. Still feel so happy when I see the second one. I knew you’d get up once you had the right conditions. I’ll be your iPhone videographer anytime, Sue!
I will take you up on that Wendy. Don’t you think we should travel the world. You can take the photos/video and I will find adventures for us! Thanks also for saving my iPhone from it’s swimming lesson. Good catch!
The first video triggered memories of “learning to water ski” as taught by new fiancé’s brothers. Both boys had spent a decade at the lake water skiing, they were long on experience but teaching skills were less developed. During 2 hours of near drowning experiences each boat occupant provided me with instructions in unison accompanied with appropriate gestures, I think? All instructions started with “don’t do….”. Finally I was given the most important guidance of the day, when you fall let go of the rope! This became self evident on my last attempt, as the rope had become a matted ball between my legs, the boat zips forward, said tangled rope transforms into a bullwhip. Victory, I was upright but immediate conundrum was whether I could hold onto the rope handle with one hand while using the other hand to verify if any parts were missing. The bruising from crotch to ankles evidently healed.
Oh my goodness Allan that is one of the worst water skiing experiences I have ever heard! Yes the person teaching a new skier holds a lot of responsibility that’s for sure. Now my question would be is if you ever tried it again?
Returning to water skiing after a long absence is one thing but I have never tried it. Perhaps there is a point in our autumn years when we should just be content to watch the younger generation have the fun. I am pretty sure I have reached that point when it comes to the idea of water skiing. Snow skiing, on the other hand, now that’s an entirely different matter!
Lyn it is hard to know where to draw the line isn’t it? I hate to miss out on things in this lifetime but I am more cautious around the potential for injury. This is the girl who is signed up for the mud race. 🙂
Ha ha – great videos – well done for your perseverance! I’ve never tried water skiing – my water sports preference is scuba diving or snorkelling in WARM seas! 🙂
Susan at
Travel, Fiction and Photos
Glad you enjoyed the antics Susan. Yes warm seas do sound quite lovely. In my teen years Canadian Lakes was all I had ever been exposed to. Bering mid summer the water wasn’t too bad. Definitely far warmer than our mountain lakes!
I love to water ski, although haven’t done so for a few years now. Once I learned on one ski, I had more difficulty getting up on two. I may have to take the sport up again. Looks like you were having great fun. 🙂
LuAnn I had a blast. Even when I wasn’t having success it was fun. It’s interesting to hear you say that you had more challenges getting up on two after you skied on one. I definitely considered just trying one to see if my brain might remember how to do it.
If you get the chance to try skiing again I definitely recommend it. So much fun.
I will probably get the opportunity next year if we get back to the midwest to visit my family.
Oh that sounds like fun. I will look forward to the story very much!
Nothing to say other than ‘big giggles’ and ‘good on you Sue!’.
Always happy to provide a chuckle Annie. One hates to turn down an opportunity right? 🙂
I’m cheering like a loon! 🙂 🙂 Just the mention of cold water had me backing off, Sue.
Happy weekend to you and lots of nice warm cuddles. They’re good at any age. 🙂
Cheering like a loon? Well I love the sound of that Jo. By Canadian lake water standards the temperature was quite good. My Uncle and Aunt provided a lovely hot drink with a wee splash of rum. all for medicinal purposes of course. 🙂
Thanks for those warm cuddles. Yes I shall have those any time!
That was pretty good going once you got warmed up. I was disappointed, though, that the second video finished before you got to the part with the backward somersault, the jump through a blazing hoop, and the pyramid you performed with 17 other skiers.
Well Bun I would hate to be a show off you know. The video ended with more splashing than I might have liked. When I had enough I did let go but my backward somersault did not gain full completion. 🙂
It’s good to know that even without the backward somersault, one way or another you made a splash.
Oh yes heavy on the splashing antics Bun. As you can see there is no need to exaggerate the videos say it all. 🙂
Oh well, I can’t laugh. I’ve never been on a pair of water skies in my life. 🙂
Keep an eye out for that opportunity Bun. Imagine the story. 🙂
Oh Sue, as always you have me in stitches. One day, a long way from now, you might be too old to ski but you’ll always have that incredible sense of humour and never say never attitude.
I love your sense of fun and adventure and your ability to laugh at yourself. Great post.
Shannyn I appreciate your kind and lovely comment. As I’ve mentioned before I’m always somewhat relieved to hear that others are laughing besides me. I do think a positive attitude and willingness to try keeps me young at heart. I was a bit concerned that this was going to be the first big ” I’m too old moment”. There are lots of things that I used to do that now I do slower but this would have been the first closing of the gate. Glad we put that off or now. 🙂
That’s it Sue, I think we can keep doing most things, just a little slower perhaps but there’s no need to give up entirely. Yay for staying young at heart.
I will raise my glass to staying young at heart until the final day on this earth. We may need to adjust and accommodate our physical changes but the key is to keep moving and trying.
Good for you, and here I always thought water skiing was only good for enemas…not that I’ve ever had that experience of be dragged around a lake on my butt because I couldn’t stand up….no…never…
Well the sport does take some practice Kirt. As to the enemas I can attest that some falls can produce quite a sensation!
So well put:)
🙂
admittedly, I don’t even swim… I love to watch water ski though. 🙂
Amy I would say this sport is definitely easier for those who are comfortable in the water. I have no doubt you would be an enthusiastic spectator!
Haha!! If at first you don’t succeed…all over again! Funny watching you fall. Why is it that whenever someone falls down, we laugh? Maybe glad it isn’t us? But I hear you about getting too old. I used to be a runner, I’d run everywhere, all the time. Now, I can barely run across the street.
Badfish I totally hear you about the laughing at the falling. Did you see our post earlier this summer on the Water Balls? The video of Dave falling about went crazy on our Facebook page. the most views by many thousand of anything we have ever done. Proves your point that’s for sure.
I also get you on the running. To think that a few years ago I ran a marathon and now I think I’m near cardiac arrest at 4km? yup soon it will be across the street for me too. 🙂
Your second attempt, where you got everything right, appears to be a masterly performance, Sue, given that it is only an occasional feat happening once in a blue moon. Would I water ski? Well, if the opportunity comes by, I will give it a shot, as you have just inspired me. Take care charming champion, and be well…
Raj I am smiling ear to ear at your lovely comment. ‘Charming champion’. I think I would like to have that on a t-shirt! Such sweet words. I am delighted that the vieos brought some inspiration to you. one never knows when an opportunity may present. Very best wishes to you!
It’s not being too old, it’s just lack of practice as you so admirably proved. I doubt you’d ever be too old for anything you set your mind to. Believe it or not, water skiing has never been on my bucket list. But I do have a question. How do you have your arms out straight and wrap them around your knees simultaneously? Or am I misunderstanding the instructions? (Highly likely.)
Heather thanks for catching that in the instructions. I have gone back and edited it to say press the insides of your arms against the outside of your legs. The idea is that it provides support for your legs so they don’t go wandering about.
It does seem like practice is likely necessary for most skills. I’ll go with that rather than the age issue.
As to what lands on a bucket list well sometimes it’s just what floats our boats. Everyone has different wants and that is one of the beautiful things about diversity. Hope you are doing well my friend. As I type I seem to be getting a throat lump thinking of our wonderful wine tour day. I very much wish we lived about 12,000 kms closer. 🙂
Ah, that makes more sense. Thank you. I’ll bear it in mind if the situation ever presents itself. 🙂
I am reminded often of that day and wish we could do it all again. But I’ll keep working on the “Coming to Canada” dream in the meantime. <3
Oh yes do keep working on the dream my friend! We so hope to see you and your family at our doorstep one day! xo
Look at you go in the video, Sue! You finally got it. Or rather, youth caught up with you again 😉 I wonder which hurt the most or was most annoying: falling on you butt, face forwards, or being pulled apart to the sides? Hmmm.
I love that you included don’t be overconfident in your tips on water skiing. You can never be too humble at anything. We all can learn all the time.
For me, not too sure if I’ll attempt water skiing since I am not a fan of water. But I’m always happy to be on the boat to take photos and videos 🙂
Definitely the legs going in opposite directions was the worst one. I actually let go as that began to happen as I could feel the potential for injury. A generous sprinkling of humility is good for me and likely for most folks. I would be happy to have you taking a ride in the boat and capturing images that’s for sure Mabel.
I am too old to water ski now but used to like it a lot. I took a friend once who found it difficult and couldn’t get fully upright. After 10 minutes squatting and water shooting up his bum he had to rush to the loo and he explained later that it was just like an enema experience!
Good to hear that we share that history of water skiing Andrew. I used to love skiing in the early morning when the water was still like glass. The memory of the sound of the skis sizzling against the mirror like water still makes me smile.
Your friend sounds like he had 100 bricks tied to his butt. What a nasty feeling that must have been!
My water skiing was in an old quarry filled with water and it was FREEZING cold!
Andrew my guess is that Canadian lakes are of similar temperature. As a teen I had a short wetsuit to keep my lips from turning blue. Oh the good old days. 🙂
Oh how I loved this post, Sue. You rock!! If we listen less to that doubtful voice, and concentrate more on the helpful voice of advice for improving our mechanics, look what can be accomplished! I was so happy when that second video came on, with the happy music and the successful ski run. Thanks for the inspiration today, and of course the giggles. I laughed a lot at this one: “someone apparently tied 50 bricks to my butt.”
Jet your comments warm my heart and certainly encourage me to keep adventuring and to keep writing. I’m so happy that the post gave you some laughs and drew you in. I too was very happy with the second video. It was Dave’s idea not to add music to the first which I think is quite effective. I hope you are having a great weekend.
LOL! All the jolly laughs at your description about getting your feet into the skies, I have never hit the water with 2 great sleds attached to my feet and have often wondered how one goes about getting into them without as you say, drowning. Glad you stuck with it and kicked those negative thoughts to the bin where they belong. 🙂
Anna the thought of you laughing while reading puts a huge grin on my face. I swear when I was a teen getting those skis on was no problem at all! The whole thing looked a bit like slapstick comedy. Likely should have had the GoPro on for that!
Bravo!! I guess it’s like riding a bike, you never really forget. Mind you, I fell off my bike too!! Congrats on winning my book. Hope you like it. Something to read to the grandbaby one day. (maybe you can practice your Spanish!) XO
Darlene it arrived in the mail today! Yes looking forward to reading it to whomever might like to listen. Always good to shine up those Spanish phrases in case of future travel. 🙂
I agree with you, you’re not too old for this sport Sue, enjoy it 🙂
Thanks so much Della Anna. I appreciate that!
You rock Sue! As usual you never cease to amaze me! Quinn is equally impressed as well and is now humming your success video ‘theme song’. 🙂
You are so sweet April. Just call me stubborn as a mule. I’m smiling away thinking of Quinn humming the tune. Dave does all the video work so all credit or blame to him. 🙂
Who knew it was all about the arms?!? I’ve never water-skied but I’ve always thought it looks like a blast, and now that I know the secret is in the arms, I’m raring to go! And obviously you’re not too old – you were riding that wake like a pro. 🙂 Waterskiing is definitely on my list of ‘things to do’, along with stand-up paddleboarding (which I’ve also never done but would love to try).
Oh Diane guess what I did right after water skiing? Yes paddle boarding! We have done it a few times on assorted vacations. It’s very peaceful, well once you get the balance thing down and stop falling in the water. 🙂
I will say the arms are a big part of water skiing but keeping those legs steady under neath you is vital. Having you skis get into a spat and veer off in opposite directions can be a bit of a wishbone experience!
Ouch!
Trust me I let go of the rope when that began to happen!
that is great 🙂
Thank you Joshi!
Good for you, Sue! I am definitely ‘too old’. I never had the opportunities as a kid, then when I was 20ish, I couldn’t even get up on them! That ship has sailed now. But I’m okay with not sustaining further injuries to this battered body. And I can always live vicariously through you (which I already do!)
Happy to take you along for the ride Terri. Water skiing isn’t everyone’s thing that’s for sure. Admittedly easier to learn as a kid. 🙂
Well, no. I can’t swim, therefore no water skiing.
Fair enough Jean. Being comfortable in the water makes the experience vastly different. Even though skiers wear life jackets I can appreciate that.
Ha – so funny (and fun)! I wonder if I could get up now. Like you, I waterskied constantly behind my parents’ boat as a kid and prided myself on popping up just like that, even on one ski. My guess is I’d be doing a little (a lot!) more poorly these days!
Sounds like we spent our days in similar ways those years back! You might surprise yourself after all my brother fared much better than I. 🙂
It would be very hard to cancel a trip to such an amazing country. Like you I’m glad not to be faced with that decision.
Fantastic effort Sue! I haven’t waterskied for many years (well more than 15!) so I’m not sure I’d give it a go these days! You persevered and got up in the end – well done!
Thanks for that cheering Deb. I likely would have called it quits until my brother got up quite easily. I had actually been better at getting out of the water than he when we were young so I decided I must be able to do it. 🙂
Sibling rivalry never takes age into account. I know that only too well ? you did it and that’s all that counts.
True enough Deb! Glad you can relate. 🙂
Very nice and funny description ! You are very talented and you always manage to captive your audience 🙂 I’ve never really considered that question… would I like to try ? I’m not sure. I’m a bit scared to hit the water and be red everywhere 😀 But I suppose I will probably do it at one point of my life, just to have a good laugh.
Thank you for your very kind feedback. I do like ot have a good laugh and always happy when someone else thinks I’m funny too. If the opportunity presents why not give it a try I say. 🙂
Keep entertaining us 🙂
That’s definitely the plan! Thanks ever so much. I truly appreciate your encouragement. 🙂
Sixth time is a charm. Thank goodness for sibling rivalry to motivate you. I am glad (and not at all surprised) that you are still not too old. I have never water skiied and am certain I would replicate your look of ‘trying to drown myself’ if I tried ? Love your humor Sue!
Lisa I am smiling away at your comment. This being stubborn, some might say determined, can be a good quality. Sometimes not so good but in this case good to stick with it. You never know you might just pop right out of the water! Thanks for the lovely feedback Lisa. I’m always delighted when someone has a chuckle with me.
Never too old , proud of you at fifteen and proud of you still !
Spoken like a loving Mom. I appreciate the kind words and support.
I shattered my hip on Christmas eve. I plan on getting back on my ski Memorial weekend. At 59 I say never too old.
So sorry to hear about your accident but it sounds like you are well on the way to an excellent recovery! Love your attitude and best wishes for skiing soon!