There are a couple of things you can try to get the kid up on thier own. First it might be a good idea to try off a beach in the shallows. That way someone can be in the water with them while they try to get up, and you wont have to leave someone in the middle of the water if they do get up and go for a long time.
Second, talk with the kid, make sure they know that when they fall they need to let go of the handle (laugh if you want but I have seen many kids, my sister included back in the day, who continued to hang on to the rope thinking that it will get them out of the water). Let them know you will come back for them, not to panic, etc.
Next, make sure they are comfortable with the board in the water. Mostly that they can flip themselves over if they need to do so. This again can help you from having a kid panic attack in the water.
Ok, now for the juciy stuff. Kids are great to teach because they will not try to muscle anything. This is great for boarding. First, determine which foot will be in back. You do this by having them stand in front of you and you slightly push them. Push them straight just enough so they have to take a step back. Whatever foot they put back to balance themselves is the foot that will be in back. Do this 3 times to ensure that you give them the correct foot. Next, have them sit on the ground and show them how to get up on land. This might seem really dumb and truthfully you are really just making sure they are going to naturally do it right (most kids will naturally get up correctly). Just have them sit on the ground legs in front of them, like you would be in the water, then have them wrap their arms around thier legs, like they are hugging them. Have them grab the handle, then pull them with the handle. You want their butts to touch their ankles then stand up. Just like you would with anyone else. This position is a very strong position and will help the kid get up easily. After they are above the water have them stand on what would be thier back foot, and stand up straight. Make sure you emphasize standing up straight. I like to make the analogy of standing like superman; straight, with chest puffed out.
For the driver, driving kids is a great challange. They are light, VERY light, and just the natural idle of the boat can seem like a huge pull on the kid (thats why you have someone in the water with them, so you can get the rope tight easily.) Put them on a VERY long rope. All 80ft if you have it. I would even go as far as say add lengths if you have any laying around (further back is smoother water in the wake and there will be less churn in the water). When you go to pull them up, pull up slowly and gradually. You will probably only have to go 11 mph if that. When they get up watch them closely as a driver you can help them a bit. If they start to put that handle above their head give a slight bit of gas (VERY LITTLE), if they start to butt check slow down just a bit, but the biggest thing is if they get up and start to shoot off to one side, slow it down enough to ensure they go outside the wake before the white wash is created. This will build thier confidence about being out there later.
Finally, after they get up go ahead and teach them to carve back and forth. You can do this in two ways. One, put him in your legs again and have them practice pushing on thier heels and sitting in a chair, then come back by pulling the rope closer to the hip and standing on your toes. The other way is by giving analogies. First heel side cut looks like how a cartoon character would stop if he were running. Toe side is standing on your toes to give someone a hug (slightly lean forward , on your toes, and pulling something in.) Do not be afraid to teach the kid as much as they will absorb.
Remember, this is all a confidence game. Give them a lot of confidence and they will do it, no problem. If you can avoid a faceplant on the first couple tries then your golden (when and doubt go slower.) If you dont think your kid is ready to go by themselves due to courage, then put them in your legs again, then have them crawl up to your shoulders. Give them confidence of being behind the boat.
If you have any questions, let me know. I useally teach about 6 kids a week about 8 and under.
Oh let it know how it goes!
J Jakober: Thats awsome! You have a quite a boarder there.
(Message edited by annq42 on June 26, 2006)