EQUIPMENT KIDS, WATER & SKIING By Craig Rutherford "Let's go skiing, Dad." I love the sound of those words, because that's what skiing is all about - families enjoying the great outdoors together. One of the things I learn-ed quickly is that kids, just like adults, need to have the right tools to work with. KID'S SKIS Trainer skis are a great way to get young children skiing. The trainer system has three parts: skis which are tied together at tips and tails, a tow rope with handle and a shorter rope and handle. When you first start, the short rope and handle is attached to the front of the skis and the child holds this handle. The longer rope is attached backwards: the rope is tied to the skis with the spotter in the boat holding the handle. When the child falls, the spotter lets go of the handle so the child doesn't drag. So, at stage one, the boat is pulling the ski tips out of the water and the child is pulling against the ski tips - not the boat. I'd suggest using the lowest powered boat you can, in the shallowest water. We found that using a 10 hp motor and having someone run in the water behind the child gives the child more confidence as well as added support while getting balanced. Trainers make it easier for young children to learn to ski. When he's comfortable, give him the traditional rope and handle so he is now pulling against the boat. The skis should still be attached. For stage three, untie the skis. Once your child is comfortable on top of the water, then it's time to consider junior combos, which are longer and more stable in the water. One ski has a fin and rear toe strap so it can be used as a slalom ski when your child is ready to progress to that point. Higher calibre slalom skis are also available in shorter lengths to suit children who are ready for something more than combos. Trainer skier make it easier for small children to learn to ski. At this point, size is the only con- sideration when deciding what ski(s) to get next. Once your child weighs more than 110 lbs., it's time to move on either to adult combos or a recreational slalom ski. WET SUITS Wet suits in a variety of styles come in kid's sizes and should be con- sidered for children who are active skiers, sailers or even swimmers in cold water. Children's wet suits are available in three styles: a shorty, with short arms and legs, a full suit with long arms and legs and a two-piece suit with sleeveless john and jacket. The choice of suit depends on how much warmth and versatility you want. The shorty suit is perfect for most summer activities. It provides warmth through the crucial areas: torso, groin and armpits. Because of its short arms and legs, it can be worn on even the warmest days for pro- tection in falls. The full suit is designed for use in colder water. It also provides the most protection for skiers and knee- boarders because of its long legs. The two-piece suit offers the most versatility of all. The suit can be worn with the jacket, giving you more warmth than even a full suit. But you can remove the jacket for those days that you don't want quite as much warmth. The cost of a wet suit depends on the style and thickness of the suit and the type of seams used. The best seams are taped and mausered, which are more durable and less likely to rip or ravel than overlock or flatlocked seams. LIFE JACKETS Life jackets are available for children starting at 20 lbs.! There are two factors to consider in purchasing a life jacket: the child's weight and whether or not the jacket has been approved by the Depart- ment of Transport. Only DOT- approved jackets meet the legal requirement of a jacket for every passenger in a boat. Fit is essential. You can't expect a child to learn and enjoy skiing if the life jacket he or she is wearing is bulky and far too big. Safety is also a consideration as a jacket that's too big or too small simply won't do the job its supposed to in the event of a fall. Craig Rutherford owns Waterline Sports in Toronto.