85-year-old great-grandmother still shredding on the open water

BENZIE COUNTY, Mich., (WPBN/WGTU) -- Each summer, an 85-year-old Benzie County woman hits the open water hoping to show that age is only a number.

With only a slight obsession with the water, it’s all Nancy Mayes has known for the last six decades: spending time on Crystal Lake at the family cabin.

“I just enjoy getting up and being on top of the water,” Mayes said.

Since the 1950’s she’s been water skiing, mostly on one ski.

“I feel like Jesus walking on water, it’s like a little bit of heaven," Mayes explained with a laugh.

Each year, despite her age she makes a point to get out on the boat with her family.

With six kids, nearly two dozen grandchildren, and more than half a dozen great-grandchildren, at the age of 85, she continues that passion. She suits up and heads out on the ski at least once every summer.

“You’re only as old as are you are in your mind,” Nancy explained. “You have to ignore your body as much as you can.”

“We’re probably either proud, scared, or amazed,” said Gerry Mayes, Nancy's son. “She’s really kind of an inspiration, she seems eternally youthful, I don’t think she’s lost a single step in her 80’s.”

It’s the equipment she uses that she says helps motivate her as well. The slalom ski Mayes has been using for more than 50 years is something that she considers an antique.

“It’s the same one we all use, every member of our family has learned how to ski on one ski, this ski,” Mayes said. “I always say if the ski dies - I’m done.”

“That ski is almost like a member of the family and she started all that,” Gerry confirmed.

So, each year Nancy Mayes continues to get out on the water, hoping to inspire others her age.

“Keep doing what you’ve done, if you ride a bike, keep riding a bike whatever it is that you enjoy,” she said. “You won’t do it as well you won’t do it as fast, but it’s still good for you to do it, even if it’s different than what you’ve always done.”

Nancy says she plans to get out on the water again next year and continue the skiing tradition with her family.