You Too Can Learn How To Water Ski

by Lane \”Dawg\” Bowers

You can learn how to slalom water ski in less than one hour, and you can do it without falling, and without a lot of expensive water ski lessons. Many people try to waterski without proper preparation, and it is no surprise that they have a tough time. But if you understand and practice the proper form and technique, you will conquer waterskiing without stress.

Proper body position is key in water skiing. Fortunately, this is something you can practice on dry land. By the time you get out on the water, your body will know what to do. First, roll your shoulders. Move them back and forth, from front to back. Now roll them all the way back and keep them in this position, which will feel as if your shoulder blades are pinching together. Next, take a deep breath, expanding your chest, and arch your back. This is the correct position for your upper body during slalom skiing.

Hold a short bar, like a cane or a short broomstick, or better still, a water ski handle, as you practice. Now that your upper body is in the correct position, let’s get your hips to the right place. Pull back with your shoulders until your upper body is leaning back about 45 degrees or so.

From this position, move your hips upward. Do not pull in your arms or change the position of your shoulders. You will feel the rope pulling from your hips. Check whether your knees are in the right position: your ankles should be slightly behind the front of your knees – picture yourself crouching. Your shins will be angled forward over your feet just a bit.

Keep practicing this position until it’s very comfortable. It’s now time to practice the sitting position, which will give you control while slalom skiing. Assume this position by keeping the handle in front of your knees, holding them together and placing your feet slightly outward, just a bit wider than your hips.

Once youave practiced these postures, you will be ready to slalom water ski on the water. You will want the driver to start at a very slow speed. With the boat just moving forward, you can get the feel of the water under the ski, relaxing into the correct sitting position.

When you can hold this position comfortably, without wavering, for at least 5 seconds, then you are ready to stand up. The driver will speed up to the slowest speed that allows you to stand up. Practice moving from the sitting to the standing position, and back.

Get comfortable sitting, standing and moving on the ski, then start experimenting with movement, staying within the wake of the tow boat. You did it! You are now slalom water skiing! To really carve within the wake takes a little more practice. Start slowly and don’t take too much risk. To keep safe and in control, control your form and body position constantly.

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