How to Get Up on Water Skis

Keep your skis parallel with the tips poking out of the water, sit back and let the boat do the work. Once you're standing, straighten your back, relax your arms and enjoy the ride.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Safety Flags
• Life Vests
• Ski Boats
• Water Ski Ropes
• Water Skis

1. Hold the ski rope handle with both hands with the rope running between your legs. Your knees are up against your chest and the tips of your skis are out of the water in front of you.

2. Remain rigid in this crouched position and let the boat driver know you are ready by calling out "okay" or nodding your head up and down.

3. Keep your skis parallel in the water. It's important to keep them this way from now on.

4. Keep your arms slightlty bent and your knees still almost against your chest as you feel the boat starting to pull you forward.

5. Begin to relax and straighten your arms, keeping your weight directly over the binders of your skis. Avoid pulling back on the rope.

6. Stay in the crouched position as the boat gains speed.

7. Straigten your back and your legs to stand up once your rear end is out of the water. Keep your arms straight and lean back.

8. Ski for no more than five minute your first time on water skis.

9. Let go of the rope in deep water when you are done. You will glide for another 40 to 60 feet before sinking back down.

Tips & Warnings

• Let the boat do the work. Just keep leaning back and slowly stand up - you'll be skiing in no time.
• Don't get frustrated when you drop the rope or fall to the side the first couple of times. It takes everyone a few tries to get up in the beginning; soon it will be second nature.
• Make sure your skis fit properly and your life vest is fastened correctly before you get in the water to ski.
• Review all safety guidelines with your driver before you get in the water to ski. Have a basic understanding of the boat's motor and prop.
• If you encounter rough water as you are skiing, bend your knees to absorb the bumps. Crouching down will decrease the chances of falling.

Who Can Help:

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on 6/30/2006 Although I suppose you must bend your arms slightly (because your knees are in the way when you are crouched), keeping your arms as straight as possible should be the most important thing on your mind. I have taught dozens of people to ski, and I can say that 99% of people learning to ski fall several times at first because they bend their arms. It's a natural reaction, pull yourself up with your arms, right? Not on skis! All you'll do is pull your skis out from under you and...instant wipe out! If you don't know this is true, then you've never learned to water ski!

on 11/22/2005 It might seem obvious, but when you fall - let go of the rope!

on 11/22/2005 In your mind, think of it as laying on the floor and someone extending a hand and helping you up. You want to keep your knees bent until you start to feel the water under you, before you can stand up.

on 11/22/2005 While you are in the crouched position, get your driver to pull gently on the rope. This has the effect of keeping you straight and steady. Once you are moving, the driver will increase to the normal lifting speed.

on 11/22/2005 Trust the boat. Remember how big it is. It can pull you up. You don't need to pull yourself up. Have faith in the boat. and remember "If at first you don't succeed, try, try again."