Ski Sunset Ranch Blog

Water Ski Lesson: Make a Balanced Turn

  

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Written by Doug Trimble Owner/Coach SkiSunsetRanch

In my previous blog post I talked about running the correct line in the slalom course.  If you agree with my suggestion about running a more efficient line, it does beg the question, how do I acomplish that?

So, here are some ideas to get on the correct line...The first step to getting on the correct line begins with your turn.  You will need to get comfortable making a turn balanced on your ski.  In order to acomplish a balanced turn you need to feel as if you are weighting your front foot.  Once you are on your front foot the turn becomes as simple as leaning your body in the direction you want to go.  If you are turning to the right, you will pull out to the left of the boat.  Stand up tall feeling preassure on your front foot and while you are feeling that front foot, push your hips forward with slight knee bend, arch your back squeezing your shoulder blades together. 

Riding water ski in a balanced stance

Now you will be gliding on your ski in a balanced stance; to turn, keep your shoulders level and facing forward, keep your hips forward and simply lean your body to the right. 

Leaning in to turn

Now repeat on right side of the boat and practice a balanced turn to the left.  This type of turn will keep the ski flat on the water so when you lean to the right or left there will be more ski edge in the water and in turn generate the angle you need to ski the correct line.

Don't get discouraged when working on making balanced turn, if it feels awkward you are probally on the right track.  Here at SkiSunsetRanch water ski school, a common error I see is, not keeping the hips pushed forward.  Many skiers let the hips drop back as they start into the lean to the left or right, this very small movement puts the skier weight on the back foot.  Weight on the back foot causes the tip to rise so there is not enough edge in the water, then the ski cannot generate angle and you are already off the correct line and it becomes time consuming and difficult to turn.  Students taking water ski lessons here at our private lake in California will practice drills working on their stance.  At SkiSunsetRanch we video everyone, so guests can see exactly where their current stance is.

Stay tuned for more water ski lessons...

Join us this season, to improve your water skiing!

written by Doug Trimble owner/coach SkiSunsetRanch