CLOSE
Sign up to get news on contests, pro events, new products and special offers.
WATERSKI MagazineA simple way to throw a cool twist into your footing is to drop to your knees. At least that’s what it looks like. The fact is, “knee skiing” is a misnomer. You’re actually riding on the shins and on top of the feet.
If you try to plane on your kneecaps, it will be a brief trick because you’ll catch a patella and roll like a bowling ball. There are several ways to learn this, but you should first try the one-knee-at-a-time method. First, sit in the three-point position. With your back straight, pull one foot back and drag the top of that foot or shin on the water. When you’re comfortable with one knee pulled back, sit back in the three-point and try dragging the other shin. After you get the feel of pulling both shins back separately, you can pull both back at the same time.
Begging for attention: Top Tips
Do This
B Keep the boat speed at 25 mph or less.
B Keep your mouth closed. There’s likely to be lots of spray.
B Try knee skiing at the end of a regular barefoot run when the boat is slowing. It’s easier and safer at that point.
Don’t Do This
B Lean forward when you pull your feet back. You’ll catch a kneecap.
B Try to arch while pulling the legs back. You’ll stall the trick.
Alternative
B Some footers prefer getting to their knees by using a front deep. With the boat slowly accelerating, keep the handle low, sit back slightly and use your buttocks and shins to plane off. Don’t literally ride your knees.
