Any Water Ski Pros??

Question

Ok, on many occasions, I have attempted to waterski and have never been able to stay up. Any tips or advice on how to condition yourself to this sport. I have tried surfing a couple of times and was able to stay up without any problems........Thanks for your answers!! :)

Answer 1

Hi! I just learned to ski this weekend. So I know what you are going thru. My water ski instructor ( a personal friend who is a professional water ski tournament driver and judge) Started me out on land. Grab hold of the handle and have someone else pull you up, keep your arms straight and tucked next to your bent legs. as the Boat (person) pull you up rely solely on the handle to pull up. DO NOT help with your legs or by bending your arms. After you've successfully done this on land a couple times. Get in the water and try getting up with a couple of jump or show skiis. These are wider and flatter than normal skiis and will give you more surface area to stand on.

As the boat starts pulling you up remember to keep your arms straight and knees bent until your skiis are on top of the water then slowly stand up keeping your weight on the balls of your feet.

Take it slow and just make mental notes each time you fall on what you did wrong. After these instructions I got up in 3 trys and was going around the lake at about 18 mph. Don't let your driver go to fast or you WILL get hurt.

Good Luck and Have Fun!!

Answer 2

Start with double skiis.  In the water, arms straight knees to the chest.  When the boat pulls you keep your arms straight; do not pull the rope to your chest.  Once the boat pulls you up... keep your knees slightly bent and back straight.  Use a single handle rope... much easier.

Single ski, deep water start... Same idea only lean back ( you cannot fall backwards on a single ski).  

Barefoot:  Just like double skis except go fast and keep your toes pointing to the sky.