Today I tried again. The first time, I tipped over just when the power was applied. The skis are really buoyant, and it is hard to hold them in proper orientation for any length of time without tipping over. I mentioned BraceMaker’s idea of trying weights, by the way, but they didn’t seem too keen on that idea, so I didn’t pursue it. I don’t think they want to modify their skis. The thing is, I’m not sure how that ever gets easier for people who know how to do this? It seems like it would always be kind of a struggle to keep them stable and oriented?
The second time, I instinctively started pressing when the power came on, which, of course, was I knew was the wrong thing to do, but it was incredibly hard not to respond that way in the moment. So that attempt failed.
The third one absolutely kills me. I actually almost had it. I was simply in my tight ball (which still took some strength to hold tightly) and the boat was pulling me up. I had my eyes closed and was concentrating on the sensations trying to coordinate everything. I was rising in a completely different way, and it was actually going to happen…I was going to be on a plane… And then the sensations of power, speed, lack of control, and instability became completely overwhelming. I *panicked.* I let the rope go. Something I've wanted to do for a year ... And I panicked when it was about to actually happen. Imagine a middle aged guy panicking while getting up on water skis. Just ... wow. 😞 I have no words.
I tried a fourth time, but this time there was a miscommunication in the boat (my aunt actually let my cousin try to pull me up, and my cousin doesn’t have a lot of experience yet) and they started pulling me, but never really accelerated, so I was just being dragged through the water. Then my hamstring cramped solid, and would not uncramp. It would begin to loosen, only to recramp. That was it. I had to come back to shore and take magnesium for the cramp.
I can't believe I actually *had* it, was almost on a plane (if I hadn’t actually gotten there) and *panicked*, after all that. I’m pretty annoyed with myself right now.
I’m not sure if my cramped leg will let me try again today (I’m guessing not), but if the weather is ok tomorrow (the forecast is iffy) I intend to try again. I hope it works out; tomorrow is my last day. I definitely can’t let *that* be it, and have to think about that for the next year.
At least I think I know what to do now, anyway.