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WATERSKI MagazineWhen tricking pioneer Bill Clifford made the first official toe turn in 1951, little did he know that 47 years later trickers would still rely so heavily on putting a foot in the handle.
Here are four steps to help you nail the more difficult toe-720 front.
The Wrap: If you’re right-foot-forward, bring the rope around the left side of your body like you would wrap for a wake-O (turning from left to right), although you will need more slack. Place your left ankle on your right knee. Bring the toe harness around to your left foot and put it on. Next, slowly let the rope go tight while maintaining stability with your left hand on the rope (Photo 1). For left-foot-forward skiers, simply wrap the opposite way, using opposite feet, etc.
The Unwrap: This will be the tough part of the trick and will take a lot of practice. This turn is opposite the direction you would wrap out of a T5B. For right-foot-forward skiers, the turn should go to the right. Lefties, opposite.
The First 360: This is the most important part of the trick since it dictates what happens in the second 360. Start with your free hand somewhere close to your body and your ski leg fairly bent. Slowly turn to the back as the boat unwinds (Photo 2). Turning slowly will prevent slack. At the end of the first 180 degrees (front to back), make sure your shoulders are level (Photo 3). Come around to the front (Photos 4 and 5).
The Second 360: If you come to the front in the correct body position (on your toes, with a tight line) after the first 360-degree turn (Photo 6), the second one is only a toe-O wrap-in (Photos 7, 8 and 9).
Professional coach and 1997 U.S. Masters overall champion April Coble teaches the toe-720 – and everything else – at her ski school in Lillington, North Carolina. Call 910-893-6494.
