If you never learned how to slalom water ski before you became a mother, donat worry: itas not too late. Thereas no rule that says you must be single, svelte (or even blonde) to take waterski lessons! The fact that you have given birth actually means youare probably better qualified for the sport, because anyone who has experienced the pain of labor will hardly notice slapping the water at 40 mph during a waterskiing wipeout!

If youare going to buy your own water skiing equipment, make sure you buy it from someone you can trust. You donat have to buy new equipment, but you want safe, lightly-used equipment. You need skis that fit well and were made for the kind of waters kiing youare planning on doing. The grip on the rope should feel good in your hands, and the rope should be kink and rip-free.

The most important thing to remember before you begin learning how to slalom water ski is something moms already know by heart: safety first. Make sure that you have the best and most appropriate waterski equipment, including skis that fit you, a sturdy rope, a comfortable grip, proper water skiing attire, and a boat with an experienced captain.

Staying safe should be your number one priority. Sure, youare always telling your kids that, but you should heed that advice this time. Either take some lessons or take the time to have an experienced water skier tell you how itas done, especially the hand signals. Once youare out behind the boat no one can hear you, and hand signals become essential.

Now that you know the hand signals, have the rights ski, a sturdy grip and rope, and a life jacket, you are ready to find a driver. You will want someone who has done this before. Towing a water skier requires knowing the hand signals and the ability to speed up in the right way. Once you are up, he will have to keep a steady speed and make only gradual turns.

This is complicated enough without having the driver and skier learning how to do this at the same time. Even with an experienced driver you arenat going to become an amazing skier in one try. Thatas okay. Your kids will be happy that you had the courage to try.

Practice is the only way to get better. You can even practice, in a way, as you wait your turn. You can watch others to see how they did it and get tips from others around you. You should practice your timing and your hand signals.

Before you know it youall have gone from Boring Shore Lady to Slalom Mom. When you go out with your family and have fun, youall have the kind of joy-filled memories you always hope for from vacations. And this is one less thing your kids will poke fun at you for!