Vernon fifth-grader Kinley Carsner finds joy in new sport

CEDAR RAPIDS — Although the summer season is now long over, Kinley Carsner, 10, is already looking forward to next summer when she can practice a newfound sport — water skiing.

Kinley, a fifth-grader at Vernon Middle School in Marion, joined the Five Seasons Ski Team in Cedar Rapids for the first time this year after her mother encouraged her to try the sport that she herself did as a kid.

Already, Kinley is climbing on to her teammates shoulders and balancing at the top of a water skiing human pyramid, practicing for this trick for the first time on dry land.

Water skiing takes trust in your teammates, confidence in yourself and bravery, Kinley said. Before getting on the water, Kinley reminds herself, “I can do it.”

“Sometimes it’s scary, but it’s mostly fun,” said Kinley, who is learning new tricks while practicing with her stepfather. “Don’t do anything you don’t feel safe or comfortable with,” she said.

Five Seasons Ski Team performs a show every Thursday night at Ellis Park in Cedar Rapids from June until Labor Day. The team also competes in state, regional and national show ski tournaments.

Each year new members learn dock starts, water ballet, pyramids, doubles, trios, jumping, bare-footing, and the other essential show skiing skills.

The club was formed in 1978 for those interested in the sport of water skiing, including individual and team skills such as show and recreational skiing, according to the Five Seasons Ski Team website.

The club provides boats, skis and other equipment during practices and ski schools. The club owns a safety boat and four towboats. Members only need only supply a life jacket and enthusiasm, according to the club’s website.

Not everyone on the team is a show skier. Team members include equipment personnel, a dock director, sound crew, announcer and boat crews.

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