“Lets go! We are going to be late!” My father exclaimed. It was time to leave, we had gotten up early just for this. My family, Eileen, and I piled into the car using up all of the seats in my van. We made the drive down to Christopher Run Campground at Lake Anna. It did not take but 30-45 minutes, but this time felt like ages. I heard the crunch of gravel under tires announcing that we had arrived. I hopped out of the car, so excited to be there. My hairs stood up on end as I quickly put my jacket on. I hoped that it would warm up soon.

“Look, I think they are here!” My brother shouted, pointing to a white van. I followed it with my eyes to the end of the parking lot. I followed the counselors that hopped out, making my way over to the dock. “ Here, get a life jacket then hop in the boat.” The male instructor said while setting down a box with life jackets. I obeyed, stepping into the boat, I was unsure what exactly to think. From the reports of my brother’s past experience, I was expecting it to be a tough workout resulting in sore muscles.

  We started up the lake until we got past the NO WAKE bowie. Then we picked up speed, I was pleasantly surprised by how much the front of the boat raised up making a movie like effect.

“Who wants to go first” Our driver asked.

“ I do!” I eagerly volunteered. Because of my ignorance of water skiing, I assumed I would go behind the boat. But luckily I was able to practice on a bar off the side of the boat.

“Come to the back of the boat and get your skis on.” The instructor told me. I got my skis on.

“Swim to the side of the boat and grab on to the bar.” She instructed. I am a natural swimmer and I love the water so swimming was an easy command, but with the weight of the skis weighing me down it took me some effort. I grabbed hold of the bar and waited for further instructions.  “Now grab onto the bar with your arms extended, and curl up into a bar.” She informed me. I heard the hum of the motor, and the boat started moving. It gradually picked up speed. As soon as the boat reached full speed, I was up! “Straighten your arms, and make your back straight.” She corrected, shouting over the wind and the motor.  It was surprisingly effortless. It was a little awkward though, because of the rapid wind my hair uncomfortably whipped my face.I was doing great, I was up for what seemed like an eternity. They then told me to let go, which I gladly did. They circled around. “Now we are going to throw you the rope, and you are going to grab onto the grip at the end.” Alex, the driver, instructed. I waited, listening to the rustle of equipment and people moving around the boat.

    I stayed in the water and they threw me the rope with a short bar at the end for gripping.

“This will be similar to the bar off the side of the boat.” The instructor projected over the motors of the other boats. “This will have a little less resistance on the bar but you will be okay.” She said trying to encourage me.

“Okay” I said unsure of myself. The instructor noticed the unsteadiness in my voice and tried to reassure me.

“You will be fine. You did great on the bar,and you didn’t fall off! Remember, if you fall over, put your hand up high, so that other boats will see you while we are circling back around to get you.”

I grabbed onto the grip and they continued a little bit farther forward in order to make the rope straight. I was nervous because in my mind there was no room for error, I imagined the embarrassment I would feel if I failed. I heard the hum of the boat and I quickly snapped into focus mode. I was as ready as ever. I was in position as the boat started. I jolted forward and surprisingly was up! I was so proud as I heard the encouragement and cheers from the boat.

  It was seemingly easy as I adjusted my grip for comfort. I was so proud, I was enjoying it so much that time flew by and it was the end of my turn. I let go and, like before, they circled around and I got into the boat. I had so much adrenaline. My family congratulated me and my day was complete. I could not wait until I could do it again. But my trip was not over, next up tubing!