WATERLOO - Eleven years ago, Noah Beisner was born with cerebral palsy.

Since then, the Cedar Falls youngster's outdoor opportunities have been limited.

But with some help from the Waterhawks Ski Team and staff at the Covenant Medical Center rehabilitation unit, Beisner went waterskiing on Monday for the first time.

"I'm excited because I've gone snow skiing before, and I have a friend in school who is one of the Waterhawks and he's told me all about it," Beisner said. "And I think it sounds really interesting. It's going to be an awesome new experience."

Dubbed Adaptive Water Skiing Day, the event has taken place on Eagle Lake for 15 years.

"This is my best day of work all year. There's nothin' like seeing a first-time skier get up," said Beth Burnett, a recreation therapist in the rehabilitation unit at Covenant. "The smile on their face is priceless; it makes it all worth it."

Burnett said seven people, four of whom were first-timers, signed up to water ski on Monday. Those who participated have had their injury for at least one year, she said.

"We're real excited (about this event) because there's limited opportunities for kids that have mobility issues," said Marit Beisner, Noah's mom.

With the help of a walker, Noah walked near the edge of the dock. The crew helped Noah put on his life jacket and assisted him into the water. He was placed on a wheelchair sit ski and was given directions about where to hang on. Burnett helped the youngster lean back in his seat while Sean Delagardelle and Bobby Petersen, both members of the Waterhawks Ski Team, flanked Noah on both sides.

"It's fun to get people out skiing that you don't think could ever ski," Delagardelle said.

While Noah learned to waterski, his twin brother, Luke, watched in the pull boat. Marit stood on the dock and took pictures of the experience.

Clare Dixon, a member of the Waterhawks Ski Team, said the group has worked with the Iowa Braille and Sight Saving School in Vinton.

"We've had people here skiing that nobody would let try anything," he said.

Dixon said neither Covenant nor the families of the skiers have to pay for the day out on the lake.

Howard Perch, manager of rehabilitation services at Covenant, said the event encourages those with impaired mobility to seek out opportunities to get involved.

"It shows them that there's another side and that life doesn't end when you have an unfortunate accident or incident," he said. "There are things in the community that you can participate in despite having your accident or setback."

After the "fun" experience, the Beisners can add something to Noah's list that they never thought possible.

"This is great," Marit said. "We really appreciate having this opportunity."