premature fist pumps

Before Byron and I started dating, I’d never wake boarded before.  I’d always wanted to, but never had someone to teach me.  As a wake boarder, Byron offered his advice and we’ve since found a hobby we enjoy together.  We love the lake and head there as often as possible.  Let’s be honest; is there a better way to spend an afternoon? [the only correct answer is: no]

This was my second summer wakeboarding.  And I finally mustered up the courage to attempt to jump the wake [. . . my first time behind a wake board boat].   I’d tried a few times before, but always chickened out at the last minute and ended up absorbing the wake instead of using it to pop out of the water.  It’s nerve racking! 

But a few weekends ago I did it! I actually got the board into the air.  And in that split second my only thought was, ‘I hope I don’t wipeout when my board hits the water!’  Even though I only got a teeny, tiny bit of air, I was so excited when I landed without toppling over.  So excited.  As soon as I realized what’d happened, I did a little cheer inside my head, telling myself how great of a wake boarder I am. 

Byron played photographer and caught a picture -- like I said, I was only inches in the air!

This all happened so fast.

Then, I looked to the boat and let out a squeal that was accompanied by a fist pump.  What happened next was tragic and hilarious at the same time.  Before I knew what’d hit me, my hips turned to face toward the boat, the front of the board dug into the water, and my face smacked the water.  Hard.  I can only imagine what the guys on the boat and my facial expressions were as it happened.

I was laughing before I could lift my head out of the water.  At the same time, I was [and still am] proud of myself.  Although my face hurt pretty bad, I hopped back up and tried it again, and whatta ya know?  I didn't pump a fist in the air and I didn't plummet face-first into the water.  Success.  For the rest of the afternoon I continued to successfully land without taking a spill -- it was great!   

Let’s just say I’ll keep my celebratory fist pumping to a minimum from now on.