I agree Dave. This riding season has been so much fun now that Kane is riding. Seeing how pumped he gets when I tell him we are going out in the boat or to the cable is priceless. I will give you a heads up though he didn't just start wakeboarding over night. This was a process.
I started him out riding with me at 2 1/2. Also last year I had a piece of that blue cheerleader mat that they tumble on. I would roll it out in our shop, put his feet in the bindings and make him lay on his back. Give him the handle, pull him up and make him turn to his riding position as I pulled him 20 or so feet. Did that a million times. This year we started by putting him 80 ft. out in the lake (length of my rope). Mom would get him in position for a deep water start, and I would run away from him up the shore as he rode up to the bank. Did that a million times. Took him to the 2.0, got up first try and rode about 50 ft. He fell in love with it from then on. Made another trip to the cable and he did even better. I knew then that he could handle the boat. Got up first try (actually he has never fallen getting up). Been progressing every time he goes out. Last time out he carved back in toe side and made it back in to the middle of the wakes. Can't wait to see what he does next year! Also what I think has made this easier for him is how much time he spends swinging on his rope swing. I have another swing in the shop that is not quite as extreme as the one shown in the video. He has been swinging on it since last year and his upper body strength is pretty impressive for his age. I think that has been a major contributor. Another main factor is that Kane is fearless. I have to talk him out of things that he wants to try because I think he is just not ready for it. Rarely do I have to encourage him to do something. Last thing I want to see is my kid get hurt. I've just seen him do such crazy things with control and ease that I rarely worry about him anymore. I just let him have fun and try not to push him. If he wants to do it I let him. If he doesn't that's up to him.
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