The Glory of the Water

[DanTheMan]

So, I'm standing on the edge of the boat. This is always where I hesitate. I just know that the water is cold and when I jump in I'm going to shiver and wish I had never come in. But then on the other hand, this is why I came out here. In fact, it's kinda the reason why everyone is here. Because Dan wanted to water ski. What a silly idea. I should stick to my books and thinking.
So, I'm here standing while every one is encouraging me to get on with it. They are all sure that the water is fine, and that I'll get used it, and that I'll like it once I'm in it. But then, they aren't standing here on the precipice, are they? They aren't here ready to freeze in that water, are they? Oh, no. They're sitting comfortably on the boat.

Eh? What was that? Oh, you want me to get on with it, too, huh? Okay, okay.

So, I'm standing on the edge. You can guess that I stood there for some time. Well, eventually I screw up the courage to take that leap into the icy waters. Not going for that sob story? Ok, so maybe the water wasn't icy. Maybe it was even bearable. Maybe it was even nice once you get used to it. But I didn't have time to think about that. I had to get to business. People were throwing skiis at me and I needed to get them on my feet and get ready. I was here to water-ski, wasn't I?
Now, I have finally managed to get the skiis on and have grabbed the tow rope as it was coming by. I am getting situated, I've got my skiis pointed up, and I'm almost ready to give the signal to go. I'm trying to remember the advice given to me. I can only remember: "Just focus on your feet and everything else will fall into place." OK. I give the signal and it's time to go. The boat pulls and I'm headed up. But my legs don't stay together ...

[Dred]

That looks a lot like me when I started to waterski. Now I don't feel nearly as alone in learning the fun sport. I hope doing the splits didn't hurt much for you.

I've been there and also done the nosedive into the water when the rope yanks out from my hand.

There are fun things though as well.

[karenee]

*revives from coma* Oh, look! A post! LOL

Dan...I distinctly remember another, even better picture...I mean...where you seemed to actually be on top of the water and smiling. Dreamer-dear, you'd better make him post the success too!

[DanTheMan]

It's been a while since the water-skiing, so I'm remembering the best I can. I apologize for not finishing the story earlier when it was fresher in my mind.
I tried a 2 or 3 more times and got up each time. One time, I was up for what seemed a long time - maybe even a minute!?! Anywhay, my best time resulted in me actually moving from the center of the wake to the left side. I had crossed the wake successfully - not on purpose, min you - and stayed standing up for a while. I could hardly believe it! Yes, I was smiling! It was almost funny and I could have laughed out loud.

You see, I don't usually go out in the water. Swimming is not my favorite thing to do. The whole get-wet-then-come-out-and-shiver-and-dry-off-and-get-dressed-again thing just isn't for me, most of the time. I usually sit on the beach or side of the pool and read. But knowing my friend had this boat and water-skiis ... well, I just had to try it. I then to find out I could actually do it was amazing to me.

Anyway, it was funny to me that I was actually skiing successfully. It didn't last much longer and I was falling into the water again. But, boy, it was fun!

I will have to post another picture soon, but I don't have access to them right now.

[karenee]

*smiles* yay! More pics!

[Dred]

I'm glad you enjoyed yourself even if you weren't in your most comfortable location.

[DanTheMan]

Okay, so here's a more comfortable position: