Moe’s B2B World

In less than one hour, you can learn how to slalom water ski, without falling and without any expensive lessons. It is not surprising that many people have a tough time trying to water ski, given that they lack proper preparation. By understanding and practicing proper form and technique, you can master the art of water skiing without the stress.

It all comes down to proper body position. This is something you can practice on dry land. Once you’re actually on the water, your body will know what to do. Start by rolling your shoulders back and forth, from front to back. Roll them back as far as they will go – it will feel as if your shoulder blades are pinching together. Expand your chest by taking a deep breath and arch your back. You have now assumed the correct upper body position for slalom skiing.

Use a water ski handle during practice or substitute a cane or short broomstick. Now that you’ve achieved correct upper body position, you’re ready to work on your hips. Pull back with your shoulders to put your upper body at an angle of about 45 degrees.

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.

Practice this positioning until you are very comfortable with it. Next, you can practice getting into the sitting position. This position give you control while slalom skiing. To practice the sitting position out of the water, keep the handle to the front of your knees, hold your knees together, and place your feet out a little 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.

This entry was posted on Sunday, November 23rd, 2008 at 11:00 am and is filed under Travel.You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.