1. Get Equipped
Almost anything is possible for athletes in wheelchairs, including wheelchair water skiing. Access wheelchair water skiing by having the proper equipment. Athletes who are paraplegic and quadriplegic need an adapted ski to access the sport. Learn to make an adapted ski using online resources such as HowtoAdapt.com or contact your wheelchair vendor. You may also find a wheelchair water ski for purchase through the ads in the back of "Sports N' Spokes" magazine. Your adapted ski needs to have a padded webbing attached to an aluminum framed seat. The seat needs to fit the skier snugly while allowing enough room for the athlete to exit the seat when necessary. The ski also needs one rubber boot that can hold both of the wheelchair skier's feet.
2. Take the Plunge
Always put on your safety vest before you wheelchair water ski. Use a water wheelchair and ramp to access the water. The water wheelchair needs to be lightweight, float and enable you to enter the water safely. Transfer from your regular wheelchair to the water wheelchair and roll down a ramp to the water. Once you are in the water, exit the water wheelchair by rolling to your side independently or ask someone to assist you with your exit. Put on your adapted ski by climbing into the ski-seat. Ask someone to assist you in keeping your ski upright as they guide your feet into the boot. Grab the tow rope. Either hold the tow rope yourself or use a tow rope that is secured to the ski.
3. Ride the Water
The boat driver needs to slowly accelerate to pull the slack out of the ski rope. Let the boat driver know you are ready to go. Get on top of the water and enjoy yourself. Some wheelchair skiers pop right out of the water with ease. Others take a little longer to get above the water. Enjoy a smooth ride inside the wake or lean your body to one side to experience what it is like outside of the wake. Riding outside the wake also helps relieve some of the pressure put on your hands by the tow rope. Challenge yourself by attempting a few tricks. Many wheelchair skiers perform impressive skills such as high jumps, 180's and 360's.
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