How to Get Up on Double Water Skis

Double water skiing isn’t as popular as it was in the 1960’s. After learning to double ski, the skier often learned how to ski on one ski. Over time a new generation of possible water skiers turned to jet skis, wake boards and water tubes. Although double skiing is not as popular as it once was, it is still a fun sport. Some double skies for children are made with a brace to hold the skies in place, so the skier will have an easier time keeping the skis parallel.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Life jacket
• Double skis
• Ski boat
• Ski rope
• Boat captain/driver
• Observer
• Red ski flag

1. Arrange for a ski boat, driver and observer. If you are learning to water ski, choose a boat driver who is experienced at pulling skiers from the water. You do not want a novice boat captain driving for a new skier. The observer will be an extra person in the boat who will hold up a red flag when the skier is down in the water. The observer will also keep his or her eyes on the skier, to let the captain know when the skier is down or needs to accelerate or slow down the boat.

2. Learn the hand signals and terms. When you are ready to be pulled out of the water you will yell “hit it”. Once out of the water, a thumbs up signals you want the boat to go faster, and thumbs down means you need them to slow down. Moving your hand horizontally back and forth means you want them to kill the engine.

3. Put on an approved ski life jacket. Make sure the jacket fits properly, and is suitable for your weight.

4. Sit on the beach and fit your skis. Before getting into the water, you will want to adjust the bindings so that they fit your feet. The bindings should be snug.

5. Put your skis on and walk into the water. Some skiers put their skis on while already in the water, and some do it on shore. Do whatever is easiest for you. Either way, it will feel awkward, but on shore may be easier for a beginner.

6. Walk far enough in the water so you can sit down and bring your knees to your chest.

7. Grab hold of the ski rope handles, and hold them between the ski tips. The boat should move away from you, taking up the slack of the rope but not dragging you from the shore.

8. Get yourself into the proper position. Knees should be bent to the chest, and the skis should be slanted, with the bottom of the skis below your bottom. The top tips of the should be out of the water. Your arms will be extended, straight, and holding the handles of the ski rope between the two skis.

9. Instruct the boat to move out, while you prepare. As the boat very slowly moves from shore, you should work to keep your skis equally apart, without the tips (top or bottom) crossing. Arms should be straight, and you should feel as if you are sitting on your skis. Allow the boat to very slowly drag you a short distance while you get balanced and properly positioned.

10. Yell "hit it" when you are ready to try. Keep your arms straight and prepare for a sensation that the ropes are being ripped from your hands. It make take a few tries to be able to hold on. Let the boat pull you from the water as you keep your skis straight. Do not lean too far back or forward.

11. Keep trying. If you don’t make it the first time, try again…and again.