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Laying into a long, carving turn, throwing up a thick wall of water, is what draws water skiers to the lake day after day. So, if it’s all about the turn, it’s time to fill in the gaps. In this water ski how to, Trent Finlayson shares four secrets that will make your turns fast, consistent and, if nothing else, spectacular.
Let it go
Given you have not overloaded the line or leaned excessively hard during your approach to the wakes, the reach will feel completely natural. You want to begin your reach as you feel yourself become free from the pull of the boat. This occurs as your path begins to run parallel to the boat.
Counter-rotate with purpose
Counter-rotation is a good thing, but you must address your real goal for doing so. In rotating your shoulders to the outside of the turn, you are in affect rotating your hips as well. However, excessive upper body counter-rotation can rock your weight too far back. Instead of contorting your upper body in an attempt to move your hips, concentrate on leading the turn with your inside hip. This will have your lower body facing the outside of the turn on your heelside (onside) turn. On your toeside (offside) turn, this will have your hips facing square down the lake. This will limit your upper body movement, helping you remain balanced atop your ski.
Wait it out
The finish of the turn is where nearly every missed pass in the slalom course comes unraveled. In an attempt to quickly get to the other side of the course, skiers often begin to load the rope before their turn has fully completed. The result is a rapid loss of speed and poor angle into the wakes. To keep from rotating your upper body into the turn, concentrate on where you feel the line’s tension first. If you rotate your upper body into the turn you will feel load on your lead arm first (left arm at ball one). Your goal is to keep your upper body still as you ski through the turn, feeling load on your trailing arm first (your right arm at ball one). This will keep you from rotating and reaching for the handle and ensure you have completed your turn before loading the line.
Reach right
As you begin your reach, think about feeding the handle smoothly toward your direction of travel, as opposed to “dumping” your handle to the inside of the turn. This will help keep your hips and shoulders square and prevent you from engaging your inside edge too aggressively too soon.
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Trent, this is exactly what I'm working on now. Thanks for the Secrets.
Same w-ski mag issue; this article and the one about gate lines are fantastic. I have been a big power skier for years, but am aging and boats are stronger, magnified by zero off. I'm rebuilding my golf swing on these tips, so to speak, and it's starting to pay big dividends.
Maybe there's hope to go shorter afterall; 45 degree angles, keep the handle until such time as the boat wants to take me up-course, release in order to stay outbound not upcourse, counter by reaching in the same direction as the 45 degree angle I've established and a beautiful, speed maintaining, low load turn occurs. Repeat.
Have run the lowest effort 35 off passes of my life the last 2 weeks…in fact have not missed a 35 yet this season. Soon will start to sprinkle in 38's, a pass I have not run w/consistency…hoping for big things. Thanks w-ski mag, best issue ever.
Also loved the article on older, affordable, kick butt ski boats.
I have been trying to help my son. He is going to be 20 years old this month. He has been ski for about 15 years. We are open water skiers, however my son would real like to try the course. We both ski w/right foot forward. We both ski on the same ski. On his right, off side or toe side turn the water sprays hard on his shin of his left/back leg. I do not have the same problem. I told him that maybe we could get a shin guard. However, I don't think that is the right solution. What is he do wrong and what can he do to improve this problem?
Pat….first and foremost, get that boy his own ski, sized for his weight, speed and ability. Two full boots are generally safer than one boot with a rear "toe plate", and will give him greater control of the ski, though this is not without exceptions (see Andy Mapple, et.al).
To address your question….it could be that the ski is too small, the speed is too slow, his turning methods are incorrect (generally a "body position" problem), or any /all of these.
How to remedy:
1)Go to your local pro shop, or call the guy at Wiley's (in Wash), or email a local pro.
2)Take a lesson from a reputable skier; if he can't run 32-off minimum, he may not be able to really pinpoint the specifics of what-causes-what.
3) Nothing beats "water time". Time behind the boat (after lessons) is invaluable.
4) Don't go anywhere near a slalom course, unless you don't mind becoming addicted. But, if you do go near one, get serious about your body position…….it is the ONLY way to progress.
I ski left foot forward an the most comfortable grip for me (20 years) is left hand up. Being coached by a pro I chanched this (right hand up). I feel very uncomfortable like this and try to imagine why this position is better. Is this such a big deal that I should stay skiing the right hand above. Thanks for the answer.
Hi. I went through your write-up and believe that the advice you have specified is simply great and it also has to be a waste not to ever let you know. Best wishes, Samuel
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