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Kristin
words: Paul Macdonald // photo: Bill Doster
ONE FOOT, ONE HAND
Begin in a solid two-foot position with the tip of the handle down toward the foot you are going to stand on. Transfer 100 percent of your weight to the ski foot and raise the other leg up in front of you from your hip. Once you are in a stable one-foot position, release the hand that is on the same side as the foot on the water. Releasing the proper hand will allow the pull to come across your body and help maintain your balance. As this maneuver becomes more comfortable, add as much “flare” as you can to keep the spectators entertained.
KNEE SKIING
Lay flat on your back in the water with the handle pulled tight to your stomach. Bend your knees so your feet are pointing backward on either side of your rear. Keep your knees slightly closer together than your feet at this point. As the boat accelerates to 25 mph, lay back as much as possible and fight to keep the handle on your stomach. The goal is to slide on your rear with the tops of your feet skimming the water &nash; your knees should never actually touch the water.
LONG-DISTANCE BUTT SLIDE
While barefooting, have the boat driver give you a gentle whip in one direction. Edge slightly away from the wake, and pull the handle in sharply as you sit on the water. Once on your rear, toss the handle toward the wake and keep your feet in the air. Edging out and sitting down on the water will cause you to accelerate. Try to keep all body parts other than your rear off the water to minimize drag and maximize the distance of the slide.
THE BODY SLIDE
First, perform a comfortable butt glide with the handle on your stomach, your upper body laying back at a 45-degree angle and your feet extended out in front of you in the air. Then, lift your right hip slightly above the water, and move the handle to your right hip. This will cause your legs to swing to the left. Keep the handle on your hip to prevent rotating in a full tumble turn, and lay back a little farther onto the water. Once you find the balance point sideways on the water, remove your right hand from the handle and slide your fingers on the water.
