Water-Skiing Granny Takes To The Waves

At 81, Frances Woofenden Is Not Your Typical Grandma

(CBS)  If you were to see the latest water-skiing phenom, you'd notice right away that she's strong, quick and pretty much fearless, CBS News correspondent Steve Hartman reports. But what you surely wouldn't see as she rides the waves is that this champion is also on Social Security.

In fact, she's 81 years old.

"What did you want, me to wear bloomers?!," she says, flaunting her bathing suit.

Obviously, Grandma Walton she is not. Her name is Frances Woofenden, and about five days a week, you'll find her showboating across Okeeheelee Lake in West Palm Beach, Fla.

"After I ski, I'm euphoric," Frances says. "Up in the air. I love it."

Believe it or not, Frances used to be a fairly typical grandma. In fact, she didn't try skiing until she was 50. Now she competes and has so many medals she can barely lug them all, and is No. 1 in her age group.

Of course, it begs the question of who else is in her age group.

"That's the trouble right now," Frances says. "There aren't many." She's pretty much the entire division.

Frances is starving for anyone to compete with, so Hartman took the challenge, only to wipe out before the first buoy.

"Oh my God," says Frances. "How about that?"

Hartman's reaction: "I still say I could beat you at shuffleboard."

[kakipepper]

I hope you got my e-mail but maybe not so I will resend it. I would love to have more info on the 81 year old skiing woman. It would really be interesting to do a follow-up story on her life. It is fasinating that a woman that age can ski!! thanks so much.

[daisyjune3]

I think it was terrific to see a lady who is 81 yrs young!;doing things most folks don't do at any age let alone her age! She is a young -at-heart person!! Yes, I would love to see more on their with upper seniors ;give us younger folks(babyboomers) hope!! smiles!

[millss2]

I loved the piece on frances.I want to see alot more about living..80's or 90's or 12..there is no age..just LIVING.I think this is a central and important theme!Susan Mills

[mltarpey]

This was a great story about the water-sking Granny. It is so good to see some stories about seniors and sports on national news. Do more. Thanks. Maureen Tarpey

[pickaname]

Great Story, but tell Steve Hartman she was not a GIRL the same way he is not a BOY. Past 18 she is a woman, and she is way past 18. This is 2006 not the 1950.

What a wonderful story! I think it's great that some senior citizens really try to get the most out of life. Frances will probably still be water skiing at age 100!! This just goes to show, YOU ARE NEVER TOO OLD TO TRY SOMETHING NEW!!!