If waterskiing or wakeboarding is offered as a camp activity, it is probably one of the most popular activities at a camp. The mad dash to sign up for time on the water is sometimes dangerous. Kids fight over the chance to be towed by a boat. Maybe it's simply the thrill of gliding on top of the water, the rush of being in a boat, or impressing your friends who are stuck on shore.
You must first determine if your child wants a camp experience with a little waterskiing/wakeboarding thrown in or a boat-towed water sports experience with a little camp thrown in. If it's the former, then most of the camps in the links below will suffice. If it's the latter, you'll want to do more research in these links to find camps which have strong boat-towed water sports programs, certified instructors, competition ski boats, top of the line equipment, lower camper to instructor ratio, and offer maximum time on the water. Some camps will allow the camper to bring along personal water sports equipment, but it is usually the camper's responsibility to keep up with it.
Summer Camps Offering Waterskiing:
- Southern United States
- Western United States
- Midwestern United States
- North Eastern United States
- Canada
If your child shows an extreme interest in improving his/her waterskiing or wakeboarding skills and does not much care for the rest of the camp experience, a school may be a better move. There is a big difference between camps that offer boat-towed sports and schools which only focus is waterskiing or wakeboarding. At a school they will get more on the water training and one-on-one training and less time doing a variety of other activities they may not care for, such as arts and crafts or tennis.
Before signing your child up for camp take the following into consideration:
- 1) Waterskiing Experience
Does your child want to have a lot of time on the water or have waterskiing or wakeboarding simply thrown in with a bunch of other activities? If your child wants a lot of time behind the boat make sure he/she will be guaranteed that time. Some camps work on daily first come, first serve basis or on a seniority program. When the time slots are filled up, that's it.
2) Time/Length
How long does your child want to spend at a camp? There are day camps where campers go only during the day for generally for a week or two. There are one and two week overnight camps, and then there are summer camps where the camper stays for the duration of the summer.
3) Distance
How far away (distance) are you willing to let your child go? Close by means more of an opportunity to visit summer-long camps and less travel time.
4) Religion
Do you want the camp to have a religious influence? There are Christian camps, Jewish camps, etc.
5) Visit the Camp
If time permits, visit the prospective camp before signing up. Take your child with you. Talk to families who've had previous experience with that camp.
6) Membership
Do you have to be a member of an organization or club before your child can attend the camp? If you are not a member you may have to pay higher fees.
7) Safety Record
Always check the safety record of the camp's waterskiing/wakeboarding program, as well as the camp as a whole.
8) Readiness
Is your child emotionally ready for time away from home?
9) Joint Decision
Remember parents, summer camps should not be looked upon as an opportunity to get rid of the kids. Let the decision to go to camp be a joint one between you and your child.
Let the camping experience begin!