Win A Jet Ski

Most of us associate skiing a fun summer - sun, beaches and picnics - so it may be a surprise that the skiing was born in Minnesota in 1922 when Ralph Samuelson used two boards and a rope to ski on Lake Pepin. Samuelson has been credited by the American Water Ski Race Ski water first, and the first to jump a ramp and a slalom ski and the first to organize an exhibition of water skiing, too.

As Samuelson, the water ski enthusiasts will almost anytime, anywhere there is a possibility, even when winter temperatures and fresh water are a deterrent for most people. Fortunately, no matter what city and state you call home, there is probably a local lake or other body of water where you can get in some skiing time, maybe even practice your winners and other stuff.

Of course, skiing in the same place all the time can become routine. Add a little excitement to your time of water this year by planning vacations skiing. Whether you're a novice or expert, you can have fun added water skiing at one of these five major areas:

Top U.S. destinations skiing

1) San Diego, Calif. - In a climate that offers ideal conditions year-round and an average of 264 sunny days per year, San Diego is the dream of a water skier. It is also the home of Mission Bay Park, the largest man-made aquatic park in the United States located only 10 minutes from downtown, Mission Bay offers hardcore skiers can take a morning jaunt around the bay, while making the office on time. In addition, there are a variety of courses to water ski for everyone, from novice to the experienced. For a little more excitement and a change of pace, skiers can cruise around the cargo and military vessels in the bay of San Diego. A variety of lakes are perfect for those who prefer skiing in fresh water. Plan your trip to San Diego the weekend of October 9, 2009, and you'll be able to watch the fifth U.S. Open Water Ski Racing National Championships, too.

2) Austin, Texas - As the Live Music Capital of America, Austin has earned a reputation as a vibrant city that shows a young, active lifestyle outdoors. For the water skiers, long summers and short winters provide an opportunity for most of the year hit the water. In addition to Lake Austin and Lake Travis, Austin offers several world-class facilities designed specifically for water skiers:

- Austin Aquaplex - The Aquaplex is known for "easy" water with a medium to high viscosity - ideal for lovers of slalom and ski jumping.
- Guadalupe Ski Plex - Built for water skiing competition, Guadeloupe is home to three lakes, two slalom course and ski jump, and many docks and storage areas.
- Utopia River Ranch - For professional courses, trek to Utopia River Ranch, a private water ski training facility near Staples, just outside of Austin.

3) West Palm Beach, Florida - South Florida, Key West and Miami to West Palm and Orlando, is an activity center for water sports of all kinds. With a few days less than 70 degrees, South Florida Palm Beach County offers skiers the opportunity almost every year, and two of the main attractions of skiing and more exciting competitions.

- Okeeheelee Park - The site of choice for beginners and professionals, the facility is a nationally recognized park competitive skiing with five courses that can accommodate everything from classical to barefoot ski and kneeboard. If you like to bask in the moonlight, you can enjoy night skiing on a floodlit course, too. Less than $ 100, annual permits are more affordable, too.
- Palm Beach Learning Center - Ask Chet Raley, a ski coach at the top of the world and a national champion for the teaching of world-class skiing in Palm Be.