How to Waterski
When you've become experienced at basic waterskiing, you're ready to learn more advanced skills. There are a number of next-level waterskiing techniques, such as crossing the boat's wake. Practice this technique at slow speeds. Once you've become skilled, you can comfortably proceed at higher knots.
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Instructions
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Discuss your intentions with both the captain and the spotter on the boat before the water-ski session. Make certain you all know hand signals for start, stop, Increase or decrease speed and danger. Be sure the spotter knows how to tell the difference between waterskiing techniques and actual trouble. Tell the captain what initial speed you require so you don't start off at an uncomfortable pace.
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Steady yourself before beginning any advanced moves. Spend several minutes warming up with basic skiing. During this time, study the sky, wind and waves. Staying well aware of atmospheric conditions can lessen the chance of injury.
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Signal the towboat when you're ready for increased speed. Allow yourself to get up to a steady running speed before breaking out of the boat's wake. This reduces your chances of injury from crossing a larger wake than you were expecting.
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Lean gently into turns. Work your body in a steady, fluid motion. Don't fight the waves and pull of the boat; maintain balance and ease your skis back and forth across the boat's wake at roughly a 30-degree angle. If you begin to lose balance and become unstable, turn your skis forward. Maintain basic ski posture until you feel confident you're ready to cross the boat's wake once more.
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Tips & Warnings
If the wake is too high for your liking, signal to the spotter to have the boat slow down.
Never attempt to cross the boat's wake unless you're already skilled in the basics of waterskiing.
If you get into trouble, simply let go of the tow rope. Until you let go, the boat can't stop. The momentum would throw you into the stern, causing severe injury or death.
