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Kristin
Paul MacDonald gives you the five keys to help you step back.
Although the line step position (LSP) may conjure up images of hard falls and trips to the emergency room, it is one of the more stable and safe positions in back barefooting. Once this position is mastered, one-foots and hops can be performed in the LSP, and once you are proficient at these tricks, the transition into line step-overs is much easier than expected. One word of caution – before going out and attempting this maneuver, make sure you are comfortable skiing backward with one hand on the handle for at least 10 seconds at a time.
1. Begin by spreading your legs about twice as wide as your normal barefoot stance. This will enable you to resist the pull of the boat when you let go of the handle with one hand.
2. Let go with one hand. The pull from the boat will make you want to spin toward the hand on the handle, so be ready to resist this pull. Turning the handle so the hand you are letting go with is low will allow you to stay square.
3. Reach between your legs and grasp the handle with your free hand, thumb up. Rotate the handle down so the hand between your legs is at the top of the handle – thumb down now.
4. Pull the handle through your legs until your wrist rests against your groin. This will allow you to keep your upper body vertical while riding. Your handle grip should resemble that of a golfing grip.
5. Squeeze your thighs together tightly, and ride in a slightly narrowed stance. Release your bottom hand and hold it up beside your shoulder to help maintain balance.
