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Step 1
Adjust the water skis to fit your feet. They should be snug enough so that the foot will stay in against the flow of water, but not so tight that they won't come off easily in a good wipeout. You can either put the skis on in the boat and jump feet first into the water or put the skis on after you've entered the water.
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Step 2
Place the rope between your knees. The handle of the rope should be comfortable in your hands, whether you prefer to hold it vertically or horizontally. First timers tend to have better success with it in a horizontal grip.
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Step 3
Tuck your bent knees tightly into your chest. This is almost an exaggerated tuck as the boat's force will try to straighten them out immediately.
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Step 4
Keep the skis parallel with your shoulders with at least 6 inches of the tips pointing out of the water. The key is to find the proper balance between letting the tips go under and leaning so far back to keep them out that you fall over backwards.
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Step 5
Hold your arms straight ahead with just a slight bend with the elbows. Pull your chin down to the chest.
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Step 6
Yell "hit it" to signal the boat driver to start. "Go" is too similar to "No" when the observer calls to find out if you are ready. Stay in a crouch while the boat takes off. Press down slightly on your feet, remembering to watch the ski tips.
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Step 7
Let the boat do the work. The boat will pull you out of the sitting position as it pulls you up out of the water. Stand up as the skis plane out on the water.
