Before man conquered his fear of water, he amused himself with dust sports such as gravel boarding, rolling down hills, kicking boulders, and falling in the dust. Sample evolved entertainment with today's Groupon. For $68, you get a 1.5-hour lesson (a $150 value) in one of several watersports on Lake Travis or Lake Austin from Lake Lessons. This deal includes the boat and all the gear and gas you'll need to wakeboard, surf, waterski, do donuts, and whip across the water while the wind blows through your hair and your hair blows through your hat.

Owner Greg Lawrence and his crew of aqua-argonauts introduce thrill-seekers to the awespiring above-sea world with patient, attentive instruction and a fun-based curriculum. Lawrence has more than 17 years of extreme watersport experience and has competed in the nationwide Wakeboarding Pro Tour. Learn to water ski, wakeboard, surf, drive your new boat, drive while pulling skiers, or pilot any water chariot in which Lake Lessons offers instructions. By the end of the lesson, you'll be nosing nicely into waves while you slip fluidly over the surface of the water, gliding over largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, and G.I. Joes with Barbie heads.

Both aged landlubbers and seals trapped in gangly teenage bodies can find thrills jumping through the chop behind a speeding boat and telepathically communicating with water striders in the shallows. Plus, two people may combine their Groupons for three full hours on the water. Call ahead to schedule your lesson.