I joined RAW (Real Adventurous Women) for another weekend event and this time it was waterskiing. I planned my route with the wonderful www.translink.com.au. What bus to take & what time.

 

The Brisbane Water ski Club Inc. is a non-profit organization whose goal is to encourage people of all ages and abilities to come and enjoy the pleasures of water skiing and wake boarding on the beautiful Brisbane River.

- http://www.geocities.com/brisbanewaterski/ –

 

Due to the heavy storm the past few days, the beautiful Brisbane River don’t look that beautiful anymore. From its light grey river colours to muddy brown. I kept asking myself “are we skiing in here? Is it safe?”

 

I was given brief instructions on how to waterski. Straighten ur arms, lean back & bend your knees. Right…easier said than done. I was provided wetsuit shorts (which was still too big for me) & vest. I wore my rashguard underneath to prevent friction to my skin.

 

I started off with the boom bar or learner bar. The boom bar is connected to the side of the boat. A good start cause the bar doesn’t wobble or slack like the rope. Once we’ve gotten the hang of it, then comes the rope.

 

1. Hold the rope in front of u, between ur legs,

2. U lean back into the water (u won’t sink coz of the vest),

3. bend ur knees & arms straight.

 

As the boat starts to move, ur upper torso will be pulled forward. That’s why u’ve to start off in a sitting position and lean way back. That way ur skis will generally glide thru the water surface below your bum.

 

Once I started skiing, I could only stay in the bend knees position for ~1min, then my back starts to ache. So I would slowly start to straighten my legs. Really need a good core for this sport. I learnt 2 hand gestures that the boat driver would give. One is the tut tut train (u know when u pull the rope to sound the honk on a steam train). That’s to tell the skier that bumpy water ahead. Skier to stay low & bend knees to absorb the impact. Another is twirling of the finger, meaning the boat is making a u-turn.

 

I did pretty well at my 1st waterskiing attempt.  With a few bumps here and there, and the temperature hitting about 34deg, the cold water was a pleasure to be in. Not forgetting our entertainment from pet doggies enjoying the water too.

 

*I was told that baby sharks & dolphins were spotted in the Brisbane River before *faint*