Can I get some tips on slalom waterskiing?

Question

Here's a vid for assistance; I have gotten noticeable better since then though so I'm not exactly that bad off: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QNnsPSwSF8M

I don't slalom on a course, but the basic principle is the same. I'm having trouble maintaining a big spray going over the wake, and getting slack in the line coming out of turns. I'm wondering if the reason for the slack is because I'm going too far out to the side (until I can't go any farther, usually) and then turning in? I should be only going about 2/3 or 3/4 as far as I do and then turning, correct? Also about maintaining spray over the wake, I usually go over it at a pretty good angle, but I just don't get as much spray.

Answer 1

yea ur doing well. the reason for the slack is that u are going out too far and coming in fast.

to keep the spray while going over the wake is you have to cut with the edge of your ski which means you have to cross the wake on the edge of ur ski so that u can keep the same speed.

on a course you don't go out that far then you cut to the next booie.

also if you hold the towbar verticle it makes it easier.

when your about to go across the wake point the towbar towards the direction that your heading. i know that wont feel right at first but it makes it easier to cut.

hope that helps

Answer 2

ok. first off you are crossing the wake on a flat ski. when you make your initial pull out bring your hips up to the handle (which should be fairly low) tip the ski on edge and maintain the edge by keeping your hips up and pressuring the ski. as you cross the wake your ski has got to stay on edge. you are flat, crossing then pulling... that is double pulling. you should stop your pull just after you cross the 2nd wake. after you cross the 2nd wake,ski still on edge,   start shifting weight to your front foot. that will slow the ski down...that will take the slack out of the rope...but that is also when you should shift to the other edge to turn the other direction. do the same thing the other way. you are pulling too far and with the dbl pull you're just getting too fast out there. the speed really should be between the wakes not out side of them.you shouldn't get inside spray when you are outside getting ready to turn. you shouldn't look behind you to look at your spray.. it will put your body out of position to make a nice smooth arc. you are muscling the ski to turn. the ski is designed to turn itself once its on edge and pressured properly.i can't tell from the vid but your grip should be one palm up, one down. you're left foot forward so the left palm should face up. hope all of this helps and doesnt sound too confusing. just concentrate on keeping that ski on edge. also, one more thought, when you pull across the wakes think of feeling the pull in the rear arm not the front arm. keep practicing. you'll get there.