Crossing wake question

[cragginshred]

I am getting used to my 95 SN and trying to slalom a bit more aggressively with mixed results. Last weekend i was staying on edge as recommended with high speeds resulting in not so good looking turns (see link to YT clip of me last weekend). This weekend I feel I went a bit back to hitting the wake less on edge and a bit more defensibly so to speak, but I was letting go with one hand and really getting low holding the handle in a more extended arm than I ever have in the past. Granted I wiped out more but with staying a bit more controlled through the wake my turns were lower and more aggresive. So, the question is what is the ramping up procedure for hitting the wake fully on edge and yet staying controlled to have a good turn? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n1WNZCk3EPA

[Mikeski]

Your skiing is not looking that bad. Don't rush your turns, especially the off side turn. Generate the angle as you pull, start easy then pull all the way through the second wake. You will not be able to do much better until you learn how to cross the wakes with your hips higher and farther forward. Forward shoulders and back hips causes you to bend at the waist not the knees. Your upper body needs to stay still and your lower body needs to flex as you cross the wakes. Many intermediate skiers really struggle with this. Don't rush into dropping one hand, work on the wake crossings first.

[Mikeski]

Here is a link to a cool little video that does a good job showing how still the upper body should be when crossing the wakes. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oh8qE...eature=related

[cragginshred]

Mike, great info and vid! I am actually a PT and specialize in what we call lumbar compensations. In this case it is fatigued hamstrings to to the repetitive deceleration of the wakes force which lead to what you are describing. So, at the point this video was taken I was under the impression the legs stay stable and I stay on edge through the wake -which lead to my skiing faster than I could control and quicker fatigue of the hams. Would you agree that I should 1) stay on edge but allow the legs to flex at hip/knees with should back as next weeks strategy? I wish I got yesterday on film because I was really extending one arm and getting low on my turns.

[cragginshred]

My offside is the right side of the boat and I think i rush that side turn (sometimes both) is because I go to wide periodically and get slack in the line -advice on the balance there? By the way thank you for the compliment, before last year i had not skied in 17 years. However, I had been doing a lot of high level rock climbing, so my forearm endurance is off the charts but my hamstring endurance is pretty weak.

[laker220]

I agree with Mikeski, let the ski do the work for you on your turns. When you rush the turns and work the ski you will loose all of your angle across the wakes as the boat trys to pull you out of position.
In order to do this, edge out to your normal starting side (should be left side if you want to ski a course). Flatten out and begin a nice steady turn. Make it progressive, don't try and crank one out. As you cross the wakes, maintain a progressive edge through the wakes and stay on edge about 6 - 10 feet past the second wake (that's where you should have your strongest edge). Give one last grunt on that edge and as you release that edge, your ski will naturally initiate a turn as you begin to let off. Start into your next edge, keep it progressive so that again you are building pressure on the water until you hit the other side. Slalom skiing is a hard work for sure, but if you try and muscle the ski around and force turns the water works against you. Don't try and rush it, make all turns progressive and you will make huge steps fast.

Few other things, look away from the boat to a point before you want to turn, this will help with staying on your edge, oh ya make everything progressive.....no rush.

Hope this helps out.

[BroncoSki]

Looks good. your turns could be much more fluid if you work on the edge change quicker after you hit the second wake.

[ccs]

Craggin,

I've been a competitive water skier since age 8 - went to college on full scholarship for skiing And have
Taught at ski schools for years and years -- (just to explain my credentials)

You don't look that bad - couple of things--- you are not endging through the wakes, you are edging up
To them, then somewhat cutting over them then back on edge out to the beginning of your turn. You
then make a short, quick turn and begin it all over again in the opposite direction.

You need to not let up the aggressive edge until you are let's say 10+ feet past second wake - at this
Point you begin to roll your edge And begin your turn - releasing with your outside hand until you round
The apex of your turn. Bring your outside hand back to the handle and begin An aggressive edge all the way through the other second wake and beyond as previously described.

When you finally edge all the way through both wakes properly for the first time, you will almost feel out of control a bit due to the sling **** effect. This will also send you out a bit wider for your turns. As your turns are a bit close to the wake.

Practice - practice - practice ----any questions let me know.

[madcityskier]

Agree with CCS, try to focus on keeping your shoulders square to the boat. You're crossing with them aimed across the wake. You'll be more stable. Also, not turning them toward the wake will let the ski carve it's own turn. You will find it riding outbound as you roll to your inside edge, allowing you to get better release and allowing the momentum to carry the ski wide as you lay low. If crossing the wakes feels like too much effort, lower your his to keep the ski on edge. Be sure to still keep your back straight and stay centered on your ski.