I can still feel the pressure while holding my breath, gripping the tow rope firmly, and nodding to the spotter in the boat. As the boat propelled forward, my weight shifted towards the front of the ski. I tried with all my might to fight against the strength of the inboard while looking nervously down at my wobbling ski. As the water rushed past my ski and onto my face, I couldn’t breathe and couldn’t see. After trying to hang on for what felt like an eternity, I inevitably released letting myself down in more ways than one. The boat with my family aboard circled around and I felt humiliated as they encouraged me to try again. I knew I had to figure it out somehow, but I felt as if it was just too hard. How could anyone do this?
That question lingered in my mind throughout the summer and I knew I only had a couple of short months to figure it out. One of my Little League coaches was an excellent skier. He was a quiet, honest, and hardworking man. One of those guys who wakes up at 4 or 5 a.m. every day but doesn’t feel compelled to tell you. I asked him sheepishly what I needed to do to get up on one ski. What he told me has had a profound and lasting impact on me. He looked at me, smiled, and said, “You have to eat water. It’s going to feel like you’re underwater forever, but you have to relax and hold on. If you can eat water for a few seconds without losing control, you’ll rise above it.”
I wasn’t nervous the next time I found myself behind the boat. I gripped the tow rope with confidence, nodded to the spotter with a grin, and waited for the time of discomfort. As the water came rushing past my ski, I closed my eyes and relaxed. I kept my weight back and let it hit me. I held on and waited for the boat to gain momentum. Slowly, I felt myself start to rise. As the boat speed ahead I extended my legs. I opened my eyes to find myself on the surface, victorious.
That summer I learned sometimes you have to eat water. You may wish desperately to achieve a feat, get to the next level, or prove yourself. However, before your triumph, you’ll undoubtedly find yourself uncomfortable, unable to see where you’re going, maybe even trying to catch your breath. It is during those times you need to remember that if you can stay relaxed, find confidence, and not fear the fall, you’ll rise above. If you’re scared, nervous, and staring down at your wobbly ski - trust me you’re not going to get up. You have to eat water.