Mike, never practiced out of the water... and he was always a bit hesitant to get it.. at first I was always in the water with him when we first started, I would help him up and away he went.. although never for more than about 15-20 seconds..because he would just let go of the handle. I think the assistance in helping him up might have helped with muscle memory of the tug up... he just recently(I think 2 times ago) said he wanted to do it by himself.. and sure enough he got up the first time and now can get up every time on his own... I just remember you have to have alot of patience and encouragement.. taking pics of them up is great even if its only for a little bit so they can see themselves doing it. Showing Moose (my son) the video of him riding got him pumped with a big smile... "Ill go longer next time" "next time ill catch big air"
We actually feel like he is in the riders rotation now.. Wed he was up at 19mph.. came out of the middle of the boat into the flats..edged out a little and then came back over to the middle of the board... He can also ride switch and did it again wed to prove it wasnt a fluke!