WaterSki Magazine

Kristin
2009-02-23 15:00:00 | 180 views | 0 Comments

Use advice from these three top pros to launch yourself into your best season ever.

JODI FISHER
Right before the season…
I think it's important to be physically strong. Having a good winter training program will also help you avoid injury and be able to stay focused throughout the season.

When I start training…
I focus on core stability - it's about being flexible and having that strong core. To me, it's more useful to use smaller weights and focus on balance, back strength and the core. For slalom, you don't necessarily have to have huge muscle mass because you don't use muscles in that way, but you do need to be strong in the stomach, lower back and legs.

For a non-pro, I'd say…
Take some lessons. I have people who come to ski school who have been trying to ski for so long and aren't getting it. To realize the boat speed has been too fast or they are trying to learn gates before they have even shadowed buoys - being pointed in the right direction would allow them to advance quickly and get more enjoyment out of it.

My favorite part of a new season is…
The whole anticipation aspect. As I get a little older, it's more challenging to stay where I was during the previous season or even to improve on it. For many years, it was me looking up to the guys ahead of me, and now I'm looking over my shoulder at the younger guys to keep them off my tail! It's an interesting perspective for me now.

The 411…
Ski: 68-inch Fisher Orange Flex
PB: 3 at 41 off
Recent achievements: 2008 World Cup titleholder
2009 goals: “My sights are set on the U.S. Masters and the Worlds in August. It's a title that I've always strived to hold - one of my career goals.”

FREDDY KRUEGER
Right before the season…
I think there are three key areas to success: desire, fitness and equipment. To set up for success you have to make sure you put in the off-season gym time. Also, this season I am on a new pair of D3 Nightmares, which I've set a pending world record on. So, hopefully, I can check equipment off the list. Desire, or focus, is the key. When the day comes that you don't have the desire to push yourself to the very edge, you won't have a successful season.

When I start training…
I think of all the events I've lost because I didn't ski well. If you ski well and someone beats you, that's just great competition. I don't ever mind losing an event that way. I hate losing when I didn't do what I needed to do on the water to give myself a chance to win. I concentrate on that feeling and it always helps me get ready.

For a non-pro, I'd say…
Do what you can in the gym, but know that nothing will make up for time on the water. The better you can handle your skis, the farther you will jump. If you look like Homey the Clown on your skis, odds are you're not going to jump as far as you hope.

My favorite part of a new season is…
No matter what last year was like, you have the hope that this will be the best season of your life. That's the thing about athletes - they tend to be real optimists. I don't know anyone who comes into the new season thinking they won't ski well!

The 411…
Skis: 90-inch D3 Nightmares
PB: 247 feet
Recent achievements: Current men's jump record holder with 247 feet; 2008 Masters men's jump champion
2009 goals: “I'd like to set a new PB and hit my keys in every event.”

REGINA JAQUESS
Right before the season…
It definitely isn't so much about gym time or tons of weights, but it really pays off to do some cardio and a little strength training - but not to max out your muscles working out extensively.

For a non-pro, I'd say…
Not to overdo it. A lot of people tend to be weekend warriors, and they'll go out and give it all they have and by Monday they're dying. Just have fun with it. Stretch before and after. That's my main thing.

When I'm not skiing…
I really enjoy swimming, and I think it's actually really helpful - mostly mentally. You're taking yourself out of the technicality and competitiveness of skiing. The pressure is off from running that next line length or buoy, but you're still staying in shape without overdoing the skiing.

My favorite part of a new season is…
The feeling of getting on the water again - it makes me excited for the summer, the good times and the warm weather. I really don't look forward to how sore I get, though!

The 411…
Ski: 9900 Goode SL
PB: Slalom: 3 at 39; jump: 171 feet; tricks: 8,480 points
Recent achievements: 2008 Masters women's slalom champion; 2008 Pan Am Championships: women's jump, slalom, trick and overall champion
2009 goals: “I want to be a ski bum this summer. I haven't been able to be one for a while because of school. I'll be going to all the tournaments and getting ready for Worlds. I'm really excited!”