Water skiing is one of the most popular sports at summer camps and it’s clear why kids are looking forward to their lessons. In addition to the joy of being in the water, kids can enjoy mastering a series of challenges as they progress from beginner to expert tricks. While water skiing is just plain fun, kids also enjoy the following benefits every time they venture out on the water.

Learn to work together

Each water sport requires several people on board for safety reasons. However, water skiing adds new elements to the game that make learning to work as a team fun. On each ski boat at the camp, there is a licensed driver along with professionally certified instructors who lead the kids in lessons on spotting the skier and using hand signals to communicate. Children so enjoy watching others succeed in learning new skills that cheers from the boat are commonly heard all the way to shore.

Discovering the rewards of patience

Mastering a new trick doesn’t happen overnight. In fact, it may take several tries before a child can stand up and hold for more than a few seconds in the water. It can even take all summer to learn a new ski trick or style. However, the look of pure joy on a child’s face the first time he does it says it all. Learning to build an impressive repertoire of tricks step by step rewards kids for their patience and dedication.

Strengthen physical strength

At first glance, water skiing seems like it only tones the lower body. However, this is a full-body sport. As children struggle to stand up and hold on to the rope, they exercise the muscles in their legs and arms, along with their core. Since an hour of water skiing burns up to 400 calories, kids also improve their physical health and overall stamina. After a ski session, the kids are tired but invigorated by the thrill of flying in the open water.

Showing skills in competitions

Water skiing competitions are impressive to watch and it’s even more fun to participate as a competitor. Since everyone who competes knows they all share a love of skiing, the competitions are friendly and good-natured. In fact, it’s common to see older campers pass on tips they’ve learned over the years to beginning skiers. Whether a child is demonstrating his ability to weave between obstacles on a slalom course or reaching new heights by achieving the longest jump, the excitement of competition adds to the fun.

At camp, children have the unique opportunity to explore new interests to discover what brings them the most joy in life. One of the best things about water skiing is that the fun doesn’t have to end after camp, as the sport can be enjoyed anywhere water and a boat with skis can safely go. For most kids who learn to water ski at camp, this recreational activity becomes more than just a one-time summer event. It becomes a lifelong passion.