Let them try it when they are ready doing push them to do it. The worst thing you can do is make them feel as though they have to do it, remember it’s about having fun. When my 4yr old nephew was ready to ride I had him take a set with me (below picture) to get a feel for it. Half way through the ride he was ready to do it by himself. The first time he tried it by himself he got up the first try and rode for a few hundred yards. Now he has the bug and wants to ride by himself all the time.
My suggestion would be to take it slow and offer lots of encouragement. Even if he doesn’t get up the first try tell them they are doing very good. My brother in law sat in the water with him his first try just to show him how to hold the handle, body position, etc. My boat speed was about 10mph, you don’t have to go very fast since they are so light. Good luck, if done right you will have another family member hooked on wakeboarding.
(Message edited by Pierce Bronkite on September 12, 2007)