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"A Family Tradition for 130 Years" PORT PERRY STAR - Tuesday, May 28, 1996 - 19 Are you ready As you bob in the wake, your life jacket snugly keeping you afloat, the rope tightens and you brace yourself. You go over a mental checklist-- knees bent, skis together, eyes on the boat-- and your excitement builds as you get ready for the ride of a lifetime. You're about to embark on an exhilarating ride that's been evolving for more than 70 years. Combining sun, water and fun with friends, water skiing is a sport that epitomizes the essence of summer. For a beginner, water- skiing brings a racing heartbeat, anticipation and maybe even a little fear. For experienced ski- ers, the anticipation is there, but it's not about getting up, it's about cut- ting a harder edge or try- ing out trick skis for the first time. It's about chal- lenging yourself to ski a little better, cut a little harder, turn a little tight- er. The thrill of the ride is worth the effort, and cut- ting across a wake and spraying a rainbow is a feeling like no other. Minnesota, the land of 10,000 lakes, saw the beginning of water skiing in 1922 at Lake City, Minn. Ralph Samuelson experimented with snow skis, barrel staves and finally succeeded when he fashioned his own pair made of pine boards eight feet long and nine inches wide. Two leather straps held the skis to his feet and as townspeople watched and wondered, he eventually skied behind a 24-foot motor launch. The water skiing industry took Samuelson's pine board design and applied today's technology to it. Most water skis are now made of fiberglass formed around aluminum honey- comb or plastic foam cores. These materials make skis lighter, faster and longer lasting. Wood skis are still available and are a less expensive alternative for recreation- al skiers. In addition to skis, oth- er equipment is necessary to keep your skis in the water. Tow ropes are also imperative to have before you try your luck. The standard tow rope 1s 75 feet long and has a single 12-inch handle. You should also wear a Coast Guard-approved ski vest when water skiing. Make sure the vest you buy can be cinched so it's a snug fit. If the vest rides up to your armpits when you're in the water, it's too big for you. As important as a good boat, safety takes pre- cedence in any situation. Water skiing is no excep- tion. Even though you should be wearing a life jacket, know how to swim before you strap on those skis. Other safety tips include: e Ski only in waters that you and the driver are familiar with. Avoid areas that are too small, too crowded or too shallow. * Use equipment in good repair. Inspect equipment before use and ensure it's in good condition and fits snugly. * Stay clear of shore, docks, piling, boats, and other solid objects. : * Don't ski at night. * Don't ski while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Getting Up On Two Skis The key to getting up on water skis is being prepared. Most beginners start their skiing careers with just a vague idea of what is going to happen. Trial and error will work for you in the long run, but if you want to avoid drinking too much lake water, heed the following advice: * Putting On Skis-- Getting the skis on can be more difficult than it looks. First make sure your bindings fit your feet properly. When in the water, force your foot into the toe piece as far as it will go. Then, using both hands, grip the top of the heel piece and push your foot the rest of the way in. * Getting Started--Once you're in the water and your skis are on, orient yourself so you're facing the boat. With tow rope in hand, have the driver idle slowly forward until the rope is taut. Draw your knees to your chest and hunch your shoulders forward against them. The skis should be about four inches out of the water and should be held parallel and close together. Arms should be stretched out on either side of the knees. * Once you're in position and ready, yell to the driver to "hit it." As the boat accelerates, hold the handle low and look ahead at the boat or the horizon. Stay crouched until you're comfortable on top of the water. As you stand up, keep your back and head erect, your arms straight, knees bent and skis close together. * After you're up and ski- ing, it's up to you if you want to stay behind the boat or cut over the wake and go side-to-side. * When you're ready to call it quits, signal the driver that you want to stop by making a slashing motion across your throat with your hand. As the boat makes a pass, let go of the tow rope, lean back for the ski thrill? He a little and let the skis bring you to a gentle stop. As you embark upon your water skiing adven- ture, remémber one thing.. .Rome was not built in a day. Don't get discouraged if you don't get up the first time. 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