WaterSki Magazine

WATERSKI Magazine
2001-06-14 15:00:00 | 397 views | 1 Comments

As a left-foot-forward skier, the approach for a good gate requires a different technique than for a right-foot-forward skier. That's because the right-foot forward skier enters the gates with an on-side pull. This makes it easier to maintain a strong pulling position and angle.

Lefties must rely on gaining maximum angle by positioning themselves in a strong off-side pull. No matter how much angle you gain, if you're not in a strong off-side pulling position, you'll lose that angle by the time you reach the right-hand-gate ball. I have developed a four-step method that helps achieve a strong pulling position and maximum angle for that perfect No. 1 ball.

The Pull-out. I feel that the pull-out sets up your rhythm throughout the course. If you pull out too quickly, you'll start the course out of sync.

J's Way: I like to pull out progressively, then flatten out to coast for the gates. I pull out as wide as I can – at least outside the 2-4-6 buoy line. By pulling out progressively I am able to control my width and coast. Plus, it establishes a good, progressive rhythm. The key is to stay wide and maintain your width (Photo 1).

The Coast. The coast could be the most important part of the gate setup. This will determine your entry line and approach to the gates.

J's Way: As I coast wide, I immediately rotate my hip toward the boat. As a reference point, I make sure that my right elbow is tight into my right hip. Then I proceed to keep the handle down low (Photo 2).

Moving In. This is where you start gaining angle. You could be in a strong pulling position, but if you have no angle, your entry line will be straight to No. 1 ball. Thus, you will already be late.

J's Way: When I start to move in, the first step I make is to drive the tip of the ski in the water by applying most of my weight to my front foot and by keeping my handle down low and close to my hip. The more tip I have in, the more angle I will create. Since my handle is low and beside my hip, I automatically fall into the strong off-side pulling position (Photo 3). Remember to start progressively. Skiers have a tendency to pull too soon. If you do, you will end up moving too fast and will lose your angle.

Execution. This is where you are approaching the white water of the boat's wake and the gates. It is necessary that you maintain your angle and not get pulled out of position when you are here.

J's Way: As I'm increasing my angle, the only time I think about leaning hard is when I am at the right-hand-gate ball. The key is leaning at the proper time and place (Photo 4). Leaning too soon will result in too much speed; leaning too late will result in poor deceleration. Finding the “sweet spot” will swing you out wide for your pre-turn at a slower speed and in a strong body position, and give you that perfect No. 1 ball.

I feel that this technique will help you get into a strong pulling position and move you through the gates in the perfect position (Photo 5). For a left-foot-forward skier, a strong off-side pulling position is the key to maintaining great angle and width to the first buoy.



Jason Paredes is sponsored by KD water skis, Revo sunglasses, O'Neill wetsuits, Britex Fabrics of San Francisco and MasterLine ropes.