Things You'll Need:
- a water sled
- life vest
- boat
- driver
- spotter
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Step 1
Make sure there are at least three people in the boat. You should have a rider, driver and a spotter. The spotter will make sure to let the driver know if you fall off the sled. This way the driver is free to concentrate on driving instead.
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Step 2
Always put on your life vest. Never ride a water toy without one. Make sure the fit is snug so that the jacket is not up around your neck when you are in the water.
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Step 3
Let the driver know if you are a beginner at water sledding. If you are a beginner, you will probably want to ride directly behind the boat and not attempt to ride waves until you are more experienced. If you feel more comfortable riding directly behind the boat with minimal turning, let the driver know.
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Step 4
Place yourself onto the sled. There are two ways to get onto the water tube. If the boat has a platform on back, you can squat down and carefully place yourself onto the water sled. Someone on board can assist you by holding your arm to make this easier. The other way is to jump in the water and slide yourself up onto the sled. The easiest way to do this is to grab the handles in the middle of the sled and lunge yourself on. If there are no handles in the middle, reach for the top handles and jump on. You can cock one leg to the side when lunging for the handles. This seems to make it easier. This can be difficult for older people to accomplish.
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Step 5
Ride the sled on your stomach. Do not try to stand or sit on a water sled of this type. Other types of water toys are available for reclining and standing.
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Step 6
Once you are on the water sled, signal to the driver when you are ready.
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Step 7
Position yourself in the most comfortable position once the sled begins to pull. You can signal the driver to slow down or speed up by giving a thumbs up or down. At a slower speed, you can allow your legs to hang off the end of the sled a little more which is easier on your lower back. At higher speeds you will want to position yourself closer to the top of the sled. It is best to not let your legs drag the water at all. Dragging your legs creates resistance and you can injure yourself.
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Step 8
Bend your legs slightly at the knees to avoid dragging the water.
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Step 9
Signal to the driver when you are ready to stop by sweeping your hand across your throat.
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Step 10
If you fall off the sled, don't panic. The spotter will see you fall and the boat will be around shortly to pick you up. Climb back on the sled if possible. Try not to imagine all the critters that are in the water. Most times they are more afraid of you than you are of them. Have fun water sledding!
