How To Water Ski

Here is an easy 10 step guide to get you up on your water skis from a deep water start.

Step 1 Safety Check

Do a safety check before even thinking about hitting the water. Make sure your boots are fitted snugly and your life jacket fits.

Comments

[JACKAL0PE]

One of the biggest aids to the beginning skier has nothing to do with the skier. It's the boat driver.

The rookie skier is sitting back there, off balance, nervous and trying to get and stay in the posture they've been told to get into. This is not the time for the boat driver to get a soft drink, find his hat, clean up clutter in the boat or pet the dog. The skier is ready to go, make sure he doesn't have to wait on the driver.

[JACKAL0PE]

With some skiers, I've found it helpful to have them place their arms on each side of their knees to hold the rope. That helps keep their legs together if that's a problem for them. It will increase the tendency to tilt one way or the other, so it should be used when a skier is fairly stable getting ready, but their legs spread apart as they're trying to get up.

[Jetsom]

You could even go as far as saying that you should cross the front tips of the skis. The water will push the skis apart.... and save you from ending up in a painful split.

[canida]

We always started young beginner skiers with someone behind them in the water, arms around their legs and holding the skis in position during those critical few seconds when the boat starts to pull. You kick like mad and can stick with them just long enough to get over that first force from the water.

[dfranks]

Oh yeah, great instructable!!

[dfranks]

I totally agree with Jetsom. Many, many, many years ago :) when I used to ski - knees to the chest, arms around the legs with the ski rope down the middle. This helps alot as beginner's legs get the wobbles when 1st starting out. Arms around the legs helps to control this.
Then take your time standing up, don't rush it.
Lastly, I agree with 'let go of the rope!!' That seems to be difficult for beginners to grasp... but great fun when watching it happen... lol

[sokamiwohali]

Also dont stay in the wake. once your up tilt your body to the left/right to get out of/ahead of the wake. doing this will put you in smoother water and will help you learn better. if you stay in the wake too long with little/no experience, you will never learn proper body position because your constantly having to battle the wake to stay upright. not only that but it will tire you out quicker. when you become more experienced, then ease your way into the wake.

[Jetsom]

Rope between the skis with your arms around your knees!

[Jetsom]

Stay sitting.... and sitting... and sitting.... I find that most learners try to stand up too quickly. Make sure that you're comfortable and have your balance before proceeding to the next step of standing up... If in doubt go back to that squatting position. It's far easier to balance and stabilise yourself.