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WATERSKI MagazineSlalom course consistency doesn't always depend on rhythmic technique. Sometimes it relies on where – and when – you're looking. Here are four key spots to focus on to add visual perspective and consistency to your passes.
Visual Key 1: It begins with your initial movement into the course, pulling out for the gates. Your first key is the 55-meter buoys and the nose of the boat. As you are approaching these buoys, pull slightly off the wake into the flat spot. As the nose of the boat gets about one boat length away from the 55-meter buoys, pull out wide.
Visual Key 2: Your second visual key will be when to pull up. You'll know when to let up when the left-hand entrance gate ball and buoy No.3 line up diagonally. When you see this, pull up and coast beside the boat.
Visual Key 3: To initiate your turn for the gates, utilize the third key point – the entrance gates and the boat. When the middle of the boat passes through the gates, slowly begin your roll into the entrance gates.
Visual Key 4: Your fourth visual key will be where to look while you are in the course. Instead of continuing to look at the buoy as you complete your pre-turn, try spotting the next buoy or the back of the boat until your ski has completely finished the turn. This will allow your head to be upright throughout the entire turn, eliminating overturning and dumping on the back side of the buoy.
Now that you know where you are going, you're sure to get to the other end of the course in great shape.
One of the world's top skiers and instructors, Sherri Slone is sponsored by MasterCraft, MET-Rx, Wet Tech, Connelly, Killer Loop, Valeo, Bennett's Water Ski School and Masterline.
