How to Jump on Water Skis

When you're ready to experience some air, here's the best way to get started - a little at a time.

Things You'll Need

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

Instructions

1. Ski outside the left wake on jumping skis with the boat traveling 22 to 24 mph. Instruct the driver to pass 35 feet to the right of the ramp and parallel to it.

2. Hold the rope (standard 75-foot rope) in the baseball-bat grip, and plan an accurate path up the center of the ramp (as you are just starting out, you can launch off the low side at an angle if you wish).

3. Freeze your position, slightly crouched, with your weight directly over the binders and on the balls of your feet. Let the boat tow you up the ramp.

4. Stay low and rigid as you leave the ramp and catch air.

5. Lean slightly forward, with your knees bent and your head up. Keep your eyes forward at the horizon, not down at the water. Keep your ski tips up and parallel. Your arms are straight and holding the rope with both hands throughout the jump.

6. Land with the backs of your skis first, and absorb the impact by bending your knees.

Tips & Warnings

• Falls are inevitable, so don't let them frustrate you. After each fall, clasp your hands together over your head in the OK sign so that the driver knows you are not injured - assuming, of course, that you're not injured.

• It is very important not to try to adjust your position once you are on the ramp. Your skis will not track on the slick surface as they do in the water. Just freeze your position before you hit the ramp, and stick with it.

• Start with the ramp at its lowest height when learning.

• As you get confident with your jump, you can start popping off the ramp by straightening your legs right before you launch. This will give your jump extra height and distance.

• Wear a life vest. Wearing a wet suit can reduce the pain on some of your falls.

• Jump only with an experienced driver and observer.