Learn to Ski Clinics
What’s Involved?
Learn to ski clinics are Mad-City Water Ski Team’s signature community outreach program. We host two clinics open to the general public every summer, with the goal of introducing children and adults of all abilities to the sport of waterskiing. These clinics are hosted at our home site of Law Park on Lake Monona in Madison. We aim to create a welcoming and supportive environment where participants can try something new and experience the joys of waterskiing!
A typical Learn to Ski clinic offers one-on-one instruction from members of the Mad-City Ski Team. Our members have years, and in some cases, decades of waterskiing experience and are excited to share our knowledge. USA Waterski certified drivers and safety personnel are present at every clinic.
Who Can Participate?
Learn to Ski events are designed for all ages and all skill levels. If you’re brand new to skiing, want to learn a new skill from our team, or just want to get some extra ski runs in, our Learn to Ski events are open to all!
Being comfortable in the water is highly encouraged, but not required. Participants will wear a lifejacket at all times, so knowing how to swim is not necessary!
We work hard to match each participant with the equipment and level of support that fits their needs and comfort level.
What to Expect at a Clinic
A typical Learn to Ski day includes:
Welcome & Orientation
Meet the Mad-City Ski Team volunteers and safety coaches. We review safety basics, demonstrations, and introduce the boats and equipment.
Fitting for Gear
Participants are matched with life jackets and skis based on their needs and comfort.
On-the-Water Experience
Skiers break out into boats and spend time out on the water with a certified driver and trained instructors from the ski team.
Our Outreach Partnerships
Graceful Wakes – Adaptive Water Skiing
Graceful Wakes is a nonprofit organization dedicated to spreading the sport of waterskiing to those who may not be able to normally experience it. We have had the opportunity to partner with Graceful Wakes since 2023 to host adaptive waterski events in the Madison area.
Our partnership helps get more people on the water than ever before, all free of charge to the participants. Volunteers and participants alike all say it is one of the best days of their summer!
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Dane County
Our partnership with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Dane County (BBBS) brings Littles and their mentors (Bigs) out to the lake for a day of waterskiing. Similar to our typical Learn to Ski clinics, these days are reserved for Bigs & Littles, and we get to provide them with a unique opportunity to get out on the water and learn a new skill!