WaterSki Magazine

WATERSKI Magazine
2001-06-14 15:00:00 | 113 views | 0 Comments

st skiers keep too much weight on their back leg. For most of us, this habit began when we first learned to slalom and made that first cut at the wake. Instinctively, we felt that the safest way to cross the wakes was by keeping weight on the back leg.

In fact, the exact opposite is true. Maintaining equal weight distribution on both legs allows the ski to stay in the water and cross the wakes with much greater security and efficiency.

When weight is left on the rear leg, several bad things happen. For starters, the front leg is often stiffened, causing the skier to lose leverage and balance. Even worse, a weight-back stance makes it almost impossible for the skier to get the hips to the handle - especially on the offside lean through the wakes.

To correct this habit, you must make a conscious effort to balance your weight equally over both legs, bend at the ankles, and keep your knees forward. When your weight distribution and lower body posture are correct, you will find it much easier to get your shoulders back and create leverage against the boat.

To remove the distractions and pressures of the slalom course, practice wake crossings in open water. Start at a speed slower than usual, then increase both speed and intensity as you gain confidence.