Leaps Of Faith Clinics Scheduled

The Newtown-based Leaps of Faith Water Ski Club for disabled waterskiers relies on volunteers, including those who will lead free waterskiing clinics in upcoming weeks. A group of volunteers recently attended USA Waterski a safety clinic, in fact, to help prepare them for their efforts escorting disabled waterskiing clinic participants in coming weeks.

Ski clinics are scheduled for Saturdays, June 21, July 12, August 9 and 23, and September 6 and 20.

A special clinic will run July 26 and 27. The two-day is event designed for children between ages 6 to 17 who have vision problems, and will be sandwiched around a Saturday evening banquet.

Wounded Warriors clinics, also presented by Leaps of Faith Water Skiers, will be offered in Albany, N.Y., on August 2 and 3.

Signups for any clinic can be done with Leaps of Faith at 426-0666 or jzh20ski@sbcglobal.net.

In addition to the USA Waterski safety personnel, Newtown Volunteer Ambulance Corps members will be attending clinics.

Clinics begin at 8:30, with coffee and doughnuts served. Rain date is usually the following day if needed. Skiing commences by 9 am. Skiers should being a bathing suit, sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, towel, warm dry clothes to change into, and a camera (if they wish).

Students can expect calm, clean water with expected water temperature of approximately 75 degrees. The main towboat is a 2007 Ski Nautique inboard, and the boat is equipped with a side boom for teaching. There is minimum wake.

There is a minimum of four sit skis, with five or more different cage sizes (for certain disabilities only). Most sit skiers have a PWC (jet ski) following them for assistance and safety.

There is plenty of shade for guests, who are welcome to swim when conditions permit, play badminton, eat, observe, and even help out. Lunch is served between noon and 1 pm, and cold drinks are available throughout the day. A wheelchair accessible portable toilet is onsite.

Clinics begin winding down around 3:30. Before they leave, each skier receives a medal and certificate.

A record turnout is expected for the June 21 clinic with individuals of all ages and disabilities and groups from Gaylord Hospital in Wallingford, Board of Education Services for the Blind of Windsor, and New England Handicapped Sports Association of Newbury New Hampshire all planning to attend.

Leaps of Faith Disabled Skiers is planning on hosting a Connecticut safe boating course, which is needed to obtain a Connecticut safe boating certificate. Dates, times, and costs are to be announced. Visit LeapsOfFaithWaterSkiers.com for additional information.