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Kristin
19. Find Your Center
Improper weight distribution on the board is the biggest mistake I see beginner, and even established, trick skiers make. You know that you have too much weight on your back foot if there is spray coming out from under the front of your ski while in the forward position, or if you catch edges doing 180s to the back. Take a look at the placement of your front binding. I bet your binding is set up in such a way that the anklebone on your front foot is at the center of the ski. With that said, it is logical to place the majority of your weight on your front foot. To do that, bring your hips toward the tip of the ski. This will allow you to edge with more control, get more air off of the wake and will help prevent “catching an edge” in the back position. Simply put, if you place your weight in the center of your ski, you will be on the water more than in the water. – Jimmy Siemers
20. Buying Your Gear
Know your specific needs when you buy your gear. For example, if you are a recreational skier but still ski the course aggressively, look at a stiffer boot. Most recreational skiers don’t look at hard shells, but they can improve the way the ski performs because of the fit. Even if you think the gear may be too advanced for your ability level, it’s still worth a look. Some of my customers come in and maybe don’t think they need a high-end ski, but when they ride it, they find they really like it. It can be similar to buying a car. A guy might never drive a Porsche 911 to its potential in the streets, but it sure is fun to get in and have some fun with it. Demo a ski and see how it can improve your performance. If it doesn’t help, don’t buy it. However, you may find you won’t be able to go back. – Bill Porter
21. A Little Motivation
Sometimes people can get set in their ways and not try anything new. Whether it’s a new trick, or even simply a shorter line length, habits can be tough to break. To avoid getting stuck in a rut, don’t be afraid to shake things up a little bit. Try something with an edge to keep your adrenaline pumping. For example, the one thing that never loses the edge and excitement for me is going off the ramp barefoot. Other things, like getting up backward, can lose the edge after a year or two. With barefoot jumping, you always have quite a bit of intensity going on. Finding something to push the envelope will not only help you expand your skill set, it will also keep you from getting stuck in a rut. – Mike Frankenbush
