Water skiing is always fun to watch. The marvellous sight of gliding over water makes you want to go out there and try it for yourself for that extra adrenaline rush. Still, it can also be a bit intimidating for beginners but remember, every expert was once a beginner.
You need proper instructions, the right equipment, and a lot of practice, and you are all set to have a fun summer!
Pro tip: A water ski tube is always the best way to start with, as it helps you get used to the feel of water and allows you to practice your balance.
Safety Comes First
When you are water skiing, always make sure to follow the safety rules below:
- Always wear the correct-sized life jacket
- Make sure you know how to swim
- Keep a safe distance from other boats and skiers
- Inspect all your gears in advance
- Take breaks often and drink plenty of water to stay hydrated in the summer heat
- Know signals safely before you hit the water
How Should a Beginner Start Skiing on Water?
1) Practice On-Shore
You’d be itching to go on the water, but practising your stance on the dry land is always a great idea. Hold the rope handle, bend your knees and keep them together, and keep your arms straight like you are in a sitting position. Practice a couple of times till you find your comfort position to give it a try for real.
2) Less Movement More Distance
Getting a neutral falling posture where you let your water ski tube take control, with your body in a relaxed state, is the key to a successful start. You will be able to travel further with less effort.
3) Get Up Gradually
Try not to yank yourself up when you are just starting, as it can pressure your arms and legs. Instead, use the momentum of the rope to help you get into a sitting position.
4) Observe the Experts
Water skiing can be pretty challenging to begin with. It is recommended to watch the experts and get tips from them. Observing the body movements and rhythm can help you get a firm hold on the basic knowledge of the sport and how to go about it.
Important Notes
1) Hand Signs
It is hard for the boat driver to hear your voice while skiing. Thus, these hand signs can help you communicate:
- Tap your head to go back to the shore
- Thumbs up to speed up
- Thumbs down to slow down
- Up five to stop immediately
- OK sign if you are comfortable in every way
2) Falling
If you fall while skiing, you can raise your hand or lift your ski above your head to show you are not injured.
Get Set Ski
You don’t have to be an athlete to learn to ski, but an active life helps to avoid muscle pains and craps from the unaccustomed positions you’ll put yourself in while skiing. Nevertheless, everybody needs some sort of workout these days, don’t they?
Now that you know the basics of water skiing, go out there and have some fun in the sun! Don’t forget to follow the safety rules and experiment with the pieces of equipment and your ski style. Never stop learning, as it is crucial to improve your skills further.
