Am I too fat and old to water ski?

[GR8WHITE]

Clinchers! Worked for me before my tricep tendinitis got so bad I had to give it up all together.

 

[Track Man]

I just turned 67 this year and I still water ski 3 to 4 days a week. I love teaching people how to Water Skier and get them up. I belong to a ski club for years and told a lot of people how to ski. This summer, everybody in our camp I may go skiing got out. A couple I had a hell of a time but I got them up. I’ll be in Havasu October and skiing the month of October and November. If anybody wants to go, let me know shoot me a PM. And yes, it’s all about the driver. You gotta be just right on that throttle.

 

[Mcob25rg]

66 yo, just skied Sunday, deep water behind a 25 Daytona with a huge prop, old school 67” HO Competition,6 miles carving the whole way. It’s not an age thing for sure. Full line, just a ski eye, no pole. Just sayin

 

[rivermobster]

Fuck off.

You realize @Wheeler is older than most trees, right?

 

[hallett21]

Without seeing you try to get up we’re all guessing at the reason.

Could be the ski, grip strength, form, driver, skier or boat in no particular order.

 

[hallett21]

Lol just had this pop up

John Horton on Instagram: "Reposted @markgambetta"

140 likes, 3 comments - ballofspray on September 7, 2023: "Reposted @markgambetta"

www.instagram.com

 

[H20 Toie]

i quit 20+ years ago after i dislocating my shoulder at work. tried a couple times after that by just holding on with my left arm and i did get up but was so exhausted by then that i had to let go, so just became the boat driver

 

[Wheeler]

i quit 20+ years ago after i dislocating my shoulder at work. tried a couple times after that by just holding on with my left arm and i did get up but was so exhausted by then that i had to let go, so just became the boat driver

One arm Dan! Damn! That's studley!

 

[Wheeler]

You realize @Wheeler is older than most trees, right?

Do you cook with cast iron Pots?

 

[coolchange]

I didn’t get it up last week

I think I need to work on my grip.

What can I do to make sure I get it up next time?

Just so embarrassing, It’s not the boat, It’s me.

Also, find someone with a flat bottom that knows how to drive it.

 

[GETBOATS]

An orthopedist once told me to be cautious, those of us with great grip strength put the rest of the body at risk, mainly the shoulder. so its the whole fitness picture for success. Haven't skied in decades, but the thought crosses my mind watching them go by early on a Sunday. I used to ski on a 67", now, I better try something longer than 70.

 

[rivermobster]

Do you cook with cast iron Pots?

Is Booger Ray actually Wheeler? Duh!

 

[PlumLoco]

About those hand grip squeeze things . . . I seem to remember a few MX coaches advise against them, supposedly because it seemed to increas problems with arm pump during a race. I don't know if that would translate to water-skiing or not.
Gloves will instantly increase your ability to hold on. You WILL get up.

 

[Wheeler]

Is Booger Ray actually Wheeler? Duh!

 

[MPHSystems]

You realize @Wheeler is older than most trees, right?

I hear he was around when dirt was still new.

 

[dryhoze1]

You can do it
The gloves posted will be the difference
Still skiing at 55. Mom skied on her 70th birthday so I’ve got a few good years yet hopefully

Recent shoulder surgery could be an issue

Lol

 

[Desert Whaler]

If you want a really good wrist / grip / hand strengthening exercise . . . buy a Dynabee . . . may be called a Dynaflex now . . . get the better one.
it's a gyroscope contained in a ball the size of a baseball.
You get the thing spinning (a little tricky to get it going at 1st . . . once you learn it's simple) . . . then you roll your wrist in circles.
it works out your ENTIRE hand as well as forearm.
Once you get the thing really spinning, it really gives a good workout.

 

[MPHSystems]

I just turned 67 this year and I still water ski 3 to 4 days a week. I love teaching people how to Water Skier and get them up. I belong to a ski club for years and told a lot of people how to ski. This summer, everybody in our camp I may go skiing got out. A couple I had a hell of a time but I got them up. I’ll be in Havasu October and skiing the month of October and November. If anybody wants to go, let me know shoot me a PM. And yes, it’s all about the driver. You gotta be just right on that throttle.

Do I need a boat?

Typically, October marks the start of sand sport season But I do want to get up again so I’m seriously considering it.

 

[Track Man]

No, I have a tournament ski boat. SkI Natique. We ski at the mouth of the river up by the refuge. during the week it’s great. You can actually catch a ski during the weekend, but here is traffic sometimes.

 

[MPHSystems]

If you want a really good wrist / grip / hand strengthening exercise . . . buy a Dynabee . . . may be called a Dynaflex now . . . get the better one.
it's a gyroscope contained in a ball the size of a baseball.
You get the thing spinning (a little tricky to get it going at 1st . . . once you learn it's simple) . . . then you roll your wrist in circles.
it works out your ENTIRE hand as well as forearm.
Once you get the thing really spinning, it really gives a good workout.

View attachment 1275416

What about a shake weight? I hear they go great with Bud Light.

 

[warpt71]

I just turned 67 this year and I still water ski 3 to 4 days a week. I love teaching people how to Water Skier and get them up. I belong to a ski club for years and told a lot of people how to ski. This summer, everybody in our camp I may go skiing got out. A couple I had a hell of a time but I got them up. I’ll be in Havasu October and skiing the month of October and November. If anybody wants to go, let me know shoot me a PM. And yes, it’s all about the driver. You gotta be just right on that throttle.

If this is a serious offer Id like to try and make it out! I have had a strong desire to get up on one ski for years but the group I boat with isnt into skiing. Im due for some time off from work in the next couple of months and would happily spend a day wrecking myself trying to get up lol

 

[obnoxious001]

Big Daddy ski and these to help hand strength (my grandpa used this type of grip all the time):

View attachment 1275319

Used to have one of those in the truck with me when I was ski racing. I was installing and servicing electric gates so had some long freeway drives. Still got pretty strong hands.

 

[DarkHorseRacing]

I still have dreams of learning to waterski.

Never really had the opportunity to put much effort into it. I spent a few seasons wake boarding but that's about it.
Now I'm entering into the same age bracket as many on here but still want to do it.

Also would need to find someone to actually teach me. I would love to learn along side my kid who is just getting old enough to learn.

If you are serious and can make it to Lake Arrowhead they have the waterski school up here. Pay for 30 minutes or an hour. They start you on doubles. Instructor is in the water with you , and will help pull you up as well. Ski around on doubles, get the feel, then they may switch you to a single ski, again with the instructor helping you get up if needed.

They have been teaching skiing on that lake almost as long as Arrowhead has been a lake.

 

[obnoxious001]

If this is a serious offer Id like to try and make it out! I have had a strong desire to get up on one ski for years but the group I boat with isnt into skiing. Im due for some time off from work in the next couple of months and would happily spend a day wrecking myself trying to get up lol

I live on the river in Parker, always willing to help. Last year I was skiing 4-5 days a week with Mike Mack.

 

[shan]

I used to love to ski. I'm old, but not fat. However, the last number of years I was piloting a desk and a computer. I know I don't have the leg or upper body strength to do it now. I'm going to work on that. I'll start on a cheap ski. I don't want to put handle bruises in my Mahas.

 

[warpt71]

I live on the river in Parker, always willing to help. Last year I was skiing 4-5 days a week with Mike Mack.

Mike got me up several years ago, I was gifted a ski lesson for my birthday. Amazingly awesome experience but I havent been able to get up on a ski on my own since.

Im looking to take 2 weeks off, probably next month. If the dates work Id come to Parker for a day, hell, maybe a week!

 

[brgrcru]

What kind of ski ? Get a big daddy extra wide ski . You will be skiing , and enjoying it.

 

[DarkHorseRacing]

My father is 83 and he skis regularly. Though he uses a big Maha and gets up wrapped up. But he skis from the springs up to the city.

I don’t ski hardly at all since I’m the only worthy boat driver, but last time I tried I needed the clinchers to get up. Once up I was ok though I was unable to wrap up. So I knew what to work on at the gym.

My brother is hardcore, he can ski for over an hour doing slalom and jumps. But he’s younger by 4 years.

 

[Waterjunky]

Sounds like I need to plan a trip down to the river one of these days. There were multiple offers to help.
Would be a fun time. Probably meet a few people I know on here but never met.

 

[HB2Havasu]

I didn’t get it up last week

I think I need to work on my grip.

What can I do to make sure I get it up next time?

Just so embarrassing, It’s not the boat, It’s me.

How Old and Fat are you? lol

 

[shan]

Do you cook with cast iron Pots?

You mean to say people don't? Who knew?

 

[shunter2005]

2025 Radar Vice Inside-Out Water Ski Gloves

Lock in and ski longer, the Vice’s unique dowel system transfers strain from the forearms to the wrists to reduce cramping. Features: External Grip Dowel Inside Out Stitching Double Gauge Thread Stealth Flex Backhand Amara Palm Pre-Curved Fingers

www.wakemakers.com

Damnnnnn!!!! Ski gloves have come a looooonnnngggg way since I last skied. Back then, the only thing that ski gloves would do was wear blisters on your hands. I wouldn't mind trying it again with a pair of those. The only issue I see would be the tow boat. I'd probably need something with a couple of 1350's in it to drag me out of the water. And when I was done I could leave them on and go work out on the parallel bar or the rings. Sweet!!!!

 

[chadzilla]

Connelly makes the big daddy and they used to make the big easy. Yes it's wide. Yes it doesn't carve quite as well as a Maherajaha. But having that big nose really helps get older, wider or weaker people up. It is a great ski.

I have one! Love it! Our hallett 335 takes forever to plane as the props ventilate alot but with that ski< I was up before the boat was fully planed out. hadn,t skied in 10 years and it felt so good

 

[Flying_Lavey]

I just picked up a nice used ski this summer with double wraps. I was REALLY hoping to use it, but it wasn't in the cards. I havent skied in a few years so it will be interesting. I have some OG clinchers somewhere that were my dad's. I need to find those.

Nobody has mentioned this yet.... a false grip (hands in opposite directions) will give much more holding power on the rope as well.

 

[Orange Juice]

I can get up on a 75” ski, but prefer using two skis for a deep water start, then dropping my right ski.

Also, shorten the rope up.

 

[obnoxious001]

My father is 83 and he skis regularly. Though he uses a big Maha and gets up wrapped up. But he skis from the springs up to the city.

I don’t ski hardly at all since I’m the only worthy boat driver, but last time I tried I needed the clinchers to get up. Once up I was ok though I was unable to wrap up. So I knew what to work on at the gym.

Not sure what you mean by "big" Maha? I ski a glass 360, about 69" long. Bob was selling those big "Giant Slalom" versions of the race skis as well.

I can explain a couple of things that make it easier to wrap after you get up, you have to do it in one motion, not many skiers are strong enough to just muscle them behind you. If you pull them down a bit towards the water it will put your weight up on the ski a bit, which causes the ski to glide a bit more and create less drag while you do it. The other way is go outside the wake, make an easy turn and wrap up when you get slack. A third way is if the boat makes a turn and you go to the inside of the wake you should easily be able to grab slack and wrap. Racing prior to all the skiers getting up wrapped, the driver with sort of blip the throttle after the skier was up to give them slack, another way to do it.

Far easiest deal is if you have skied wrapped a couple of times so you understand the difference in balance points, just learn to get up wrapped. Easier on the body. I've got hints and tricks for that to make it easier as well.

 

[DarkHorseRacing]

Not sure what you mean by "big" Maha? I ski a glass 360, about 69" long. Bob was selling those big "Giant Slalom" versions of the race skis as well.

I can explain a couple of things that make it easier to wrap after you get up, you have to do it in one motion, not many skiers are strong enough to just muscle them behind you. If you pull them down a bit towards the water it will put your weight up on the ski a bit, which causes the ski to glide a bit more and create less drag while you do it. The other way is go outside the wake, make an easy turn and wrap up when you get slack. A third way is if the boat makes a turn and you go to the inside of the wake you should easily be able to grab slack and wrap. Racing prior to all the skiers getting up wrapped, the driver with sort of blip the throttle after the skier was up to give them slack, another way to do it.

Far easiest deal is if you have skied wrapped a couple of times so you understand the difference in balance points, just learn to get up wrapped. Easier on the body. I've got hints and tricks for that to make it easier as well.

He will ski on a race ski with play bindings and come up wrapped up.

I got up on a race ski wrapped up a long time ago at the Mead 50/75 when I tried it. Definitely easier but my fears with getting up wrapped up is making sure your hands don’t slip up or down and turn you into a pretzel. Or worse lose an arm like Gary’s daughter.

 

[PlumLoco]

I never skied behind anything other than a jet boat for 25 yrs and then a friend bought a Mastercraft. What a freaking difference having the rope pulling you up a bit, and a prop biting into the water vs a jet !!!
Who knew?

 

[Sharp Shooter]

I popped up 1st try after a 15 year hiatus just last month. It’s like riding a bike. I had my 16 year old kid drive the boat after I simulated a take off for him.

I didn’t go very far and didn’t try any hard turns but I might step it up next time. I’m worried about throwing my back out and started some self pt in the gym.

 

[boatnam2]

I would love to ski but at 61, out of shape and haven't done it in many years one thing I know for sure would happen would be an injury for maybe 2-3 turns if I got up, not worth it, I will have to settle for a few turns on an old surfboard behind a ski boat, no matter how gay it is, at least I'm getting in the water. I got a fat boy ski for anyone looking to be young again.

 

[rmarion]

it feels SO GOOD to get up!!!

Keep doing it!!!

It will be worth it!!

 

[OC Mike]

My grandma who has skied for 50 years finally started losing her strength in her hands to get up. We got her a pair of these gloves and it made a big difference. Helped transfer the force from her fingers into the palm/wrist. Got her another couple seasons. View attachment 1275306

These, make a BIG difference...

 

[hman442]

If you get the wide "Big Daddy" ski, hand strength will not be near as important, as you'll be up on top of the water with about one third of the "pull" compared to an old school slalom ski.

 

[Lumpy]

I didn’t get it up last week

I think I need to work on my grip.

What can I do to make sure I get it up next time?

Just so embarrassing, It’s not the boat, It’s me.

It's not your dick

It's not your grip

It's the stick your gripping! Of maybe the Cap.

Don't be embarrassed...

The rope handles of today are not only cheap but have the diameter of a twig. Tried skiing a couple years ago and couldn't get out of the water...handle ripped out of my hands multiple times...WTF! I can shore start on demand. Then it dawned on me...when ever I ski not only do I use my ski but also my rope/handle.

Did some research after my limp dick debacle...turns out you can order not only gloves but a larger diameter handle.

Flame away all you want Inmates but my hands are bigger than yours

 

[CoolCruzin]

I use to ski .
I bought my last boat with off shore controls and now the girls are all confused on how to drive ( wife and daughters).
The youngest one now just started to drive my boat and understand very well .
I would trust her in the marina so that good .
Time to get my board out .

 

[PlumLoco]

I LOVE double handles. There, I said it. No shame in my game (well except for the fact I havent skied in years).

Flame away but I'm all about making things easy. That's why I own an HO Magnum. Baddest mo fo on a rope.

 

[4Waters]

That’s a great looking ski!

That ski is the way to go, I got one a couple years ago and I got back up on it, hell my buddy that has never gotten up on skis ever got up on the 2nd pull. You can find them on Craigslist

 

[Wheeler]

 

[Hammer]

That’s a great looking ski!

I’m 43 5’11 and about 240-245 and I can only get up on the big daddy. I used to ski regularly until I found the bar 20 years ago. I don’t have the grip strength either but the big daddy makes it easy.

I tried the MAHA 360 last weekend and couldn’t hang on after starting to plane. My kids are going to out ski me if they haven’t already. I want to be able to carve it up with them…

So back on the exercise program. I’m going to start doing farmer carries, assisted pull ups and core work. I just need to be in good enough shape to ski when I want, unfortunately I have to work out for that to happen. I sit at a desk all day.

Life’s short, I too wanna ski until I physically can’t anymore. A little excercise never hurt anyone.

 

[Hammer]

I live on the river in Parker, always willing to help. Last year I was skiing 4-5 days a week with Mike Mack.

Barry used to pull me every trip before I had my kids.