LeLevvelel 11 InstrInstructor’uctor’ss ManualManual

A Self-Study Course For Learning How To Teach Beginning Water Skiing

• Two-Ski Techniques • Kneeboard • Slalom • Barefoot • Tricks • Water Toys • Wakeboarding • Boat Driving & Water Safety Table Of Contents Introduction 3 - 5 Chapter 1 Safety In Water Skiing 6 - 8 • Water Skier’s Safety Codes • Communication / Hand Signals Chapter 2 Boat Driving And Safety 9 -11 • Towboat And Equipment • Towboat Crew • Driving Techniques And Patterns Chapter 3 The Water Ski Instructor 12-15 • Role Of The Instructor • Communication • Instructor Signals • General Lesson Plan Chapter 4 Equipment Care 16-17 • Equipment Maintenance Chapter 5 The Grip 18

Chapter 6 Two-Ski Techniques 19-29 • Equipment • Dry Land Instruction • Water Start • Assisted Methods • Learning Two Ski Maneuvers Chapter 7 Skiing On One Ski 30-35 • Equipment • Learning To Ski On One • One Ski Maneuvers • One Ski Starts Chapter 8 Tricks Skiing 36-42 • Equipment • Dryland Practice • Body Position And Riding The Skis • Basic Tricks Chapter 9 Wakeboarding 43-54 • Equipment • Starting On A Wakeboard • Riding The Wakeboard • Learning Basic Wakeboard Tricks Chapter 10 Learning To Kneeboard 55-62 • Equipment • Starting On A Kneeboard • Teaching Young Children • Learning Basic Kneeboard Tricks Chapter 11 Learning To Barefoot 63-70 • Equipment • Proper Barefoot Position • Getting Started

Chapter 12 Water Toys 71 INTRODUCTION

Anyone who has ever participated in the sport of water skiing has a story about how they first learned how to water ski. Most people learn how to water ski in an informal recreational set- ting, such as with family and friends, or in a more formal setting, such as participating in an organized water ski program offered by a summer camp, city recreation department, vacation resort or private water ski school. But whether the setting is formal or informal, there always is at least one individual present on the dock, in the water or in a boat who has the knowledge of how to teach beginning water ski skills. And if you think about your own first water ski experi- ence, you more than likely remember who this person was and how important he was towards making your first experience a success.

This person is a water ski instructor.

The primary purpose of USA Water Ski’s Level 1 Water Ski Instructor Manual is to teach an individual how to become a water ski instructor. The manual introduces the basic skills and tech- niques needed for teaching beginners how to water ski. USA Water Ski has assembled the safest and most advanced teaching methods in one source so that an instructor can learn how to organize lesson plans to meet the specific needs of each student. The teaching methods and water ski skills and techniques in this manual have been tested in the field by experienced instructors. However, alternative teaching meth- ods are included in the manual. Each instructor is encouraged to use discretion when applying these teaching methods and base his decision to use them upon the ability of the student.

In addition to introducing basic water ski skills and techniques, the manual also includes equipment recommendations and basic towboat driving information that an instructor will need to know to conduct lessons in a safe environ- ment.

Coaching Development Although this manual is an ideal source for training individuals who will serve as water ski instructors in organinized programs offered by summer camps, city recreation departments, vacation resorts and private water ski schools, the manual also is the first of three levels of water ski instructor certification in USA Water Ski’s Coaching Development Program.

USA Water Ski’s Coaching Development program was introduced in 1991 as a three-level program that provides a structure for the certification of water ski instructors through a three- step process of education, participation and evaluation. The primary goal of the program is to improve the quality and consistency of water ski instruction and coaching in the United States.

3 USA Water Ski presently has three levels of certification for water ski coaches:

Level 1 Beginning teaching techniques for introducing two-ski, slalom and tricks (figure) skiing. The manual also includes teaching methods for beginning wakeboard, barefoot and kneeboard skills, plus a section on water toys.

Level 2 Intermediate teaching techniques for three-event slalom and tricks, plus begin- ning techniques for three-event jumping. Slalom competition techniques for long- line (75-foot rope length) passes at maximum boat speed are introduced. Level 2 teaches an instructor how to assemble competition tricks runs of up to 2,500 points. This level also introduces jumping techniques for distances of up to 80 feet. Level 2 also teaches a coach how to analyze and evaluate an athlete’s performance and apply his understanding of water ski techniques to help the athlete improve. A Sports Science/Medicine supplement for teaching an athlete how to develop an off-water training regimen also is introduced.

Level 3 Advanced three-event slalom, tricks and jumping teaching techniques for athletes who desire to successfully compete in sanctioned tournaments at the state, regional and national level. Level 3 introduces short-line slalom passes, how to develop tricks runs of up to 7,000 points and jump distances up to 160 feet. This level also includes a Sports Science/Medicine supplement that teaches a coach how to help an athlete develop a comprehensive off-water training regimen which will enhance performances in sanctioned competition.

More information about USA Water Ski’s Coaching Development Program can be obtained by contacting the Athlete Programs department at USA Water Ski headquarters or by visiting the Athlete Programs menu on USAWATERSKI.org web site.

Level 1 Objectives After earning a Level 1 water ski instructor certification, an individual will be better prepared to: • instruct beginning water ski skills and techniques using safe teaching methods • advise students on how to select safe and appropriate water ski equipment • conduct lessons using safe and efficient towboat driving methods • instruct beginning two-ski skills and techniques • teach one-ski, or slalom, skills and techniques, plus various starting methods • introduce beginning tricks skills and techniques • instruct beginning wakeboard skills and techniques, plus several novice tricks • teach beginning barefoot skills and techniques off a boom and long-line behind the boat • introduce beginning wakeboard skills and techniques, plus several novice tricks Although the teaching methods for the beginning skills and techniques in this manual are based upon the experiences of veteran water ski instructors and coaches, USA Water Ski recognizes that there may be other effective teaching methods which are not included in this manual. As with the alternative teaching methods which are included in this manual, each instructor is encouraged to use discretion when applying teaching methods not included in the manual and base his decision to use them upon the ability of the student.

4 How To Apply This Knowledge Throughout the Sport The teaching methods and beginning skills and techniques included in this manual are the first level of instruction of all water ski disciplines. In addition to three-event, wakeboard, bare- foot and kneeboard disciplines, an instructor and his students also can apply the skills and techniques in this manual to other water ski disciplines not mentioned in the Level 1 text, such as show skiing and water ski racing.

USA Water Ski also has a sport division dedicated to water skiers with disabilities and offers special adaptive programs for physically challenged athletes.

For more information about show skiing, water ski racing and special adaptive programs for physically challenged athletes, contact USA Water Ski headquarters or visit the Athlete Pro- grams menu on USAWATERSKI.org web site.

5 Chapter 1 Safety

Safety should always be emphasized in any water ski instruction program. As a instructor/ coach, you will be teaching skiers who often have not had previous exposure to the organized sport of water skiing. As the instructor, you have a great deal of influence in teaching and demonstrating safe water skiing practices. Water Skiing is safe if the following precautions and rules are followed.

Water Skier’s Safety Codes All Students must be well versed in the 15 fundamental water ski safety rules before pro- ceeding onto the water for their first ski lesson. Rule 1: Always wear flotation. A properly fitted personal flotation device is designed to fit snug, so that it won’t slip up on the body during a fall. The recommended type is a jacket or vest which covers the chest, abdomen and back. Rule 2: Always be sure your equipment is in good condition. Your personal safety and enjoyment depends on the equipment you use. Check your equipment regularly. Be sure that your skis do not have sharp or protruding surfaces that could cut or scrape the skier. Check towropes for frayed areas or broken bridles and handles. Repair or replace damaged or unsafe articles. Rule 3: Don’t give the starting signal until ready. Make sure that you are ready, the slack has been taken out of the rope and that you are clear of any dangerous items around you. Keep your ski tips up. Rule 4: Do not ski near docks, pilings, other boats or swimmers. Always look ahead and be sure you are aware of your surroundings and where you are going at all times. Many water ski injuries result from collisions with docks or other solid objects. Rule 5: Never put any part of your body through the handle or wrap the line around yourself in any way. Rule 6: Never ski in shallow water or an area where there may be obstructions above or just beneath the surface. Rule 7: When a fall is inevitable, try to fall backwards or to either side. A forward fall increases the chances of contact with the ski. Rule 8: Know and use the skier hand signals. It is particularly important to use the skier’s "I'm O.K" signal after a fall if you are all right. Rule 9: If you fall in an area where there is other boat traffic, lift one ski half way out of the water. This will signal to other boats that there is a skier in the water. Rule 10: Never ski to the point of excessive fatigue. Rule 11: Always ski during daylight, from sunrise to one-half hour after sunset. Rule 12: Never ski directly in front of another boat. Rule 13: Always use equal length ropes when skiing double. Rule 14: Always ensure that the motor is “off” when a skier is entering and exiting the boat. Rule 15: Always have an observer in the towboat.

6 Communication Communication between the towboat crew and the skier is essential. When a skier is in the water before starting, there are two important verbal signals. “ In gear” tells the driver to gently idle forward away from the skier until the slack has been taken out of the rope. When the rope is clear of the skier and he is ready to start, the skier should yell “Hit it,” signaling the driver to accelerate sufficiently to pull the skier out of the water or off the dock. When a the skier is up on the water, effective voice communication is impossible. For this reason, USA Water Ski recommends the standard hand signals.

Fallen / Injured Skier Falling while water skiing is a part of learning. Although falls are a normal part of water ski- ing, occasionally a fall can result in an injury. Obviously, a skier faces the additional danger of drowning if an approved personal flotation device is not worn. There- fore, it is your responsibility as a coach to insist that flotation is worn regardless of the skier’s swimming or skiing ability. As outlined already, in the event of a fall insist on seeing the two hands clasped over the skier’s head indicating that he is O.K. (except in the case of injury). The most common injuries you will encounter will be bruises, scrapes from falling on the skis, rope burn, pulled muscles and skiers “getting the wind knocked out of them.” Infrequently, skiers may be knocked uncon- scious. The most important items to check in the case of a bad fall are the ABCs of basic life support A. Make sure that you clear and maintain an adequate airway. The most common airway obstruction is the tongue. Therefore, the accepted way to open the airway is to extend the neck and tilt the head back. B. Make sure that the injured skier is breathing. This can be assessed by looking for the rise and fall of the chest, listening for breathing sounds at the mouth or feeling air movement against your cheek. If not breathing, start artificial respiration. C. Make sure that the skier’s blood is circulating by checking for a pulse. It is recommended that all instructor/coaches take a course in Cardio Pulmonary Resuscita- tion (CPR) to prepare for such emergencies. It is advisable that the observer in the boat always wear a flotation device, so he can quickly go into the water to assist an injured skier. With an unconscious skier, it is important that the airway and breathing be quickly assessed in the water. Don’t wait to remove the skier from the water. If the victim is unable to climb into the boat with little or no assistance, he should be floated to shore, supported by his flotation device in a semi-recumbent position. When in shallow water and secure footing has been reached, he should be lifted from the water using a back board. Under no circumstances should an injured skier be hauled passively over the side of the boat. If the injury has occurred some distance from shore or in water cold enough for prolonged exposure to be a hazard, the victim may be lifted into the boat on a back board. This is not easy and should not be attempted unless there is an adequate number of people available to lift the board, with the victim on it, head-first, over the side of the boat (for example, two people

7 in the boat to lift the board over the gunwale and two people in the water to support the victim on the board). It is emphasized once again that if an injured skier is unable to climb into the boat with little or no assistance, the skier must be floated to shore and lifted from the water on a board. He must never be hauled over the side of the boat.

USA Water Ski offers a safety course for the sport of water skiing. It is recommended that all coaches take this additional training to better prepare themselves in the case of an accident.

Skier Hand Signals

1. Speed-Up: 2. Slow Down: The 3.O.K.:If the newly The "thumbs-up" gesture "thumbs-down" gesture set speed or boat indicates that the indicates that the path is good, then skier would like the skier would like the the skier may use speed increased. speed decreased. the O.K. signal.

3. Turn: When either the skier or the driver 4. Back to the Dock: A pat on the wants the boat turned, a circle motion head indicates that the skier would with the arm over the head with like to return to the dock. one finger in the air is used. It is usually followed by pointing in the direction of the turn.

5. Cut Motor / Stop: A slashing motion 6. I’m O.K. (after a fall): This impor with the hand across the neck indicates the ant signal indicates that a skier is boat is to stop immediately. This signal O.K. after a fall. It consists of both can be used by the skier, driver or observer. hands clasped over the head. As a coach,insist upon seeing it every time.

7. OK: If the newly set speed or boat path is good than the skier may use the OK signal-- an “O” made with the index finger and thumb. This signal can also be used between the skier and observer to indicate that signals given by one of them has been received by the other. 8 Chapter 2 Boat Driving and Site Safety

The boat driver is the person ultimately responsible for making sure that a skier has a safe and enjoyable water skiing experience. An experienced boat driver develops a feel for proper acceleration and speed that will aid the beginner immeasurably. It is important that an ob- server also is instructed and familiar with the proper procedures to assist the driver with com- munication signals, rope handling and retrieval of skis, if necessary. USA Water Ski offers a Trained Boat Drivers course, which is recommended to all drivers and coachs.

Ski Area The area required for a water ski program need not be very large. The boat, moving betweem 15 and 25 mph, should be able to travel in a relatively straight path for a minute or more with large sweeping turns at either end. The boat should remain at least 100 feet from the shore at all times. Check state and local laws for the local requirements for the area where you will be teaching. These laws may differ from state to state. A private site closed from other activities during the instruction program is ideal. The size of this site should be approximately 2,000 to 2,400 feet in length and 250 to 300 feet in width. The water surface is best if calm and well protected from wind and heavy boat traffic. Areas with protruding docks, pilings and breakwaters should be avoided. Any current should be minimal. A sandy beach is a valuable asset for teaching when working with students, putting on skis and dry land instruction. It is best if a portion of the water area is waist to shoulder deep to allow the instructor to touch the bottom, as well as support the student when learning a deep water start. Although a beach area is nice, it in not absolutely necessary as students can be taught just as effectively in other situations. A dock or pier also can be used as long as it is low to the water (approximately 18 inches high is ideal) and free of unnecessary protrusions which may snag towropes or clothing. If the water level fluctuates, a floating dock is recommended so that the dock is always the same distance from the water surface. A nice addition to any ski dock is covering it with indoor/ outdoor carpet which provides safe footing, prevents splinters and protects skis and other equipment.

Towboat Many different types of boats are used for water skiing. Because each boat performs a little differently, a driver should always be familiar with the performance characteristics of the boat before towing a skier. To pull lightweight youngsters on the water, very little horsepower is required. Low horse power (20 to 35 hp) outboards can be used successfully to teach small youngsters to water ski. For larger youths and adults, a higher horsepower motor is necessary. For the average water ski instruction program with both children and adults or large youths, a boat capable of attain- ing and maintaining 25 mph while towing a skier is suggested. A water ski towboat should be equipped with a tow pylon or a similar type ski hitch device. Other important additional equipment includes a speed indicator, a rearview mirror and seating enabling the observer to face the rear to watch the skier. Water ski towboats should have a low freeboard for better visibility while towing a skier and when approaching a fallen skier and/or for ease in getting in and out of the water. 9 The Observer The towboat crew should include an observer whose responsibility is to watch the skier and keep the driver informed of the skier’s progress. It is advisable for the observer to wear a flota- tion device and be prepared to enter the water if necessary. The observer has three main responsibilities: 1. keeping the driver informed of the skier’s progress 2. keeping the driver informed of the skier’s signals 3. assisting the driver in being aware of possible safety hazards

Drivers Checklist This is a quick checklist the driver should go through before towing a skier. Make sure the boat is adequately equipped with: Gas Paddles Bailing Can Fire Extinguisher Rope • Make sure that the observer knows his responsibilities and if not, explain them. • The skier and observer must know the skier hand signals. • Confirm with the skier exactly what type of tow he wants, how fast, how long and also find out his ability level. • You and the skier should know the water with respect to obstacles, reefs, rocks and shallow areas. Choose an area free of moorings, swimmers, drivers, fisherman and other boats.

Pulling The Start The start method is basically the same for the driver. Whether a skier is starting from the water, a dock or the beach. When the skier is ready to go, he should call out "in gear” to signal the driver to gently idle forward to tighten the slack out of the rope. When the skier calls “hit it,” you must make a quick check to determine: • if the rope is tight and the skier is clear of the rope and straight behind the boat • if the engine / rudder is straight • that there is nothing in your boat path At this time, the driver asks the observer to do what is called “overlap.” The observer watches forward and sideways of the boat for obstacles and other boats while the driver watches the skier come out of the water for the start. It is important that the driver know he is responsible to double check the observer with a quick look ahead just prior to the start. Once underway, the observer watches the skier and the driver steers the boat. When pulling a beginner for a deep water start, the driver must be extremely careful. First, make sure the area is clear of any rocks and debris. The driver must make sure that the skier lines up in the center of the boat wakes behind the boat. When the signal to put the boat “in gear” is given, the driver should start idling forward slowly. If the boat is traveling too rapidly and dragging the skier, the driver should stop accelerating and put the boat in reverse gear for a few seconds. This allows the skier to assume the correct starting position. Dock starts also need to be done with slight modification of the normal procedure. The driver should line the skier up in the center of the wakes behind the boat, with the skier facing directly in line with the back of the boat. The driver should slowly idle straight forward to tighten the towrope. Once the skier gives the “hit it” signal, the driver should accelerate smoothly and rapidly to pull the skier off the dock and onto the water. When the skier has successfully at- tained the correct skiing postion, adjust the speed.

10 Driving Patterns There are several acceptable boat patterns for towing a beginner skier. A large loop is often preferred because it does not require the skier to cross the wake and contains large turns, which are easy for beginners to negotiate. When skiers are at a more advanced level of skiing, a looped end or dumbbell pattern may be used. The dumbbell pattern provides for long, straight runs and allows the boat wake to be dispersed to either side, leaving the skier with a smooth water surface.

Dumbell Boat Pattern

Picking Up A Fallen Skier When, and if, a skier falls, the driver should immediately pull back on the throttle, turn the wheel and idle around before slowly accelerating back towards the skier. The driver should then slow the boat down well before getting back to the skier, and then idle around the fallen skier. When a skier falls there are a few factors to consider: 1. Make sure the O.K. signal is given by the skier, then approach at an idling speed. 2. Always approach on the driver’s side at least 12 feet away from the skier. 3. Beware of winds and currents that may push the boat towards and over the skier. Therefore always pass the skier downwind or down current. 4. Make sure that the boat is in neutral as you pass and drift by the skier. There are two different patterns to use when picking up a fallen skier. The first is referred to as the half-turn method. It is used to avoid any possibility of the rope becoming tangled around the skier. The second is the keyhole method. It is used for the more experience skier who is able to handle the rope by lifting it over his head allowing it to pass slowly through his hands. With both methods, the boat speed is very slow, just in and out of idle. Because the rope is passing through the skier’s hands, it is important not to go too fast. The driver should be pre- pared to put the boat in reverse if the skier is not ready to proceed once he reaches the handle.

Half-Turn Method Keyhole Method Landing A Skier When landing a skier, the driver should reduce the boat speed significantly and approach the dock or landing area in a parallel pattern and far enough away so that the skier has no chance of hitting any obstacles. It is the driver's responsibility to control the skier at all times. The observer, once again, should look forward and watch for obstacles while the driver balances looking forward and watching the skier to make sure he does not cut suddenly for the dock at the last minute. When pulling beginners, it is a good idea to reduce the boat speed allowing the skier to sink slowly into the water at a safe distance from the dock or shore.

11 Chapter 3 The Water Ski Instructor / Coach

As an instructor/coach, you hold a very influential position; and this is probably increased considerably at the beginner level. The impression that your students carry away from their first water skiing experience, whether negative or positive, will affect their attitude toward the sport of water skiing for a long time. The nature of those first experiences will have a great bearing on the development of the student, especially if the experience occurs to a youth.

Instructor Effectiveness The effective instructor will always have a genuine interest in the progress of the student. Be sensitive to the feelings and needs of the student and respond according to those needs. An effective coach will know the material to be taught and deal with the detection and correction of errors. Communication is the most important aspect in working as a coach. The skills to communi- cate simply, precisely and effectively with the skier are of the utmost importance. The coach that holds these traits will be better able to project self-confidence in a informal manner, which is most effective in reducing a student's anxiety and increasing the learning success. Each lesson that a coach teaches should be well rehearsed and planned, but still flexible to meet individual needs. When working with a student at any level, always keep the lesson simple while still managing to get your point across. A recommended progression of instruction is to show the student the lesson, instruct the student on how to do the lesson and have the student practice the lesson. Use positive comments as much as possible to: 1. increase the student’s self confidence and enjoyment, which will improve the student's performance. 2. be specific when making corrections in movements. Using negative comments should be avoided as they: 1. will increase the student’s anxiety, hamper self-confidence and hinder the enjoyment of performance. 2. Tend to cause concentration on what should not be done rather than what should be done. Almost all beginning lessons in water skiing can be preceded by a simple dry land demon- stration and practice. It is important to demonstrate a new skill to the student first on dry land to ensure that the student has an understanding of the skill before entering the water.

A General Lesson Plan 1. Explain to the student what he will learn. 2. Give a dry land demonstration about the fundamentals of the skill. 3. Have the student try the skills - Comment on what the student is doing correctly and then correct the errors with suggested improvements. 4. Have the student repeat the skill until you are satisfied that he understands the skill and is doing it correctly. 5. Move to the water to try the skill. 6. If problems develop, go back and repeat step 2 (dry land demonstration) and then steps 3 to 5. 12 Demonstration Skills When you demonstrate a skill, make sure that your demonstration is accurate. Observe your skier throughout the lesson and make sure that he is psychologically ready to attempt the new skill, not just physically. Be aware of differences in what he might say (e.g. “Sure, I’m ready”). Notice what his behavior is telling you. It is important to receive comments and feedback as accurately as possible. Therefore, focus only on one or two major points to avoid overworking the student’s memory. Explain these points as simply, but as thoroughly, as possible. Always ask the skier to repeat back to you what he has been taught. This will quickly indicate if you have gotten your point across and if the student understands the lesson. Whether you feel positive and supportive or negative and apprehensive about a skier’s progress, your body language will relay that feeling to the student. Remember to be aware of your body language.

Teamwork An effective water ski program requires a highly trained and competent team to function productively and safely. Ideally, the team will consist of three people – boat driver, coach and competent observer. As we progress in the skill development of the student, it will become evident that this ‘team” is important to the program’s success. It is also recommended that the trained boat driver and safety courses be taken. When work- ing on a waterfront water skiing program, it is also good to know basic lifesaving skills and first aid procedures offered through many local and state associations. Since the coach should be capable of mature judgment, it is recommended that an coach be a minimum age of 18 years old. If a younger person is interested and capable of providing competent help, this person can be used as an observer. Also check with the state to deter- mine local and state laws on the age of the observer.

Number of Students When working with a student, the best student-to-instructor ratio is one-to-one. A private lesson with individual attention focused on the student and the instructor is best. If working at a camp or some type of recreation area that cannot operate on a one-to-one ratio, the following are suggested maximum students-to-instructor ratios.

Age of Student Instructor Ratio 6 years or under 1 instructor to 4 students 7 and 8 years 1 instructor to 6 students 9 to 14 years 1 instructor to 8 students 15 to 18 years 1 instructor to 10 students

13 Coaching Signals In chapter 2, the water skier’s hand signals are discussed as a method of communicating between the skier and the boat driver. When teaching, it is also important that the coach be able to communicate with the skier from the boat as well. The following are suggestions of the common hand signals used by coach. Make sure that your student understands these signals so you can communicate effectively with them.

1. Bent knees – The coach bends 2. Arms Straight – Coach and pats his knee. Meaning– Indicates to extends his arms straight out. the student to bend his knees more. Meaning– tells the student to straighten his arms.

3. Handle Position – The coach will 4. Back Straight – Coach places position the handle to his body to indicate his hands on his back and straightens where he wants the student to hold it. his body. Meaning– tells to the student Mean- ing– this motion is to indicate the to stand up and straighten his back. handle position relative to the body.

5. Head Up – Coach pats under his chin and extends his neck and chin up. Meaning– tells the student to keep his head up.

14 Working With A Beginning Water Skier When working with a beginning water skier, a good instructor must be aware of some of the concerns that a student might be facing when attempting to water ski for the first time. Some things are often taken for granted by experienced water skiers. It is important to recognize this to prevent a beginning skier from becoming frightened or confused. One of the most common concerns for a beginner is the fear of falling. The fear of falling involves not only the concern for physical injury, but also the fear of falling in the middle of a large body of water, or the fact that the water is cold. When working with a student it is your responsibility to talk and work with the student about his concerns. 1. Injury – Explain to the student that falls are no more dangerous in water skiing than they are in running and jumping into the water from the dock. Explain to him that he is going to be wearing a jacket for flotation that will cushion and protect him in case of a fall. 2. Fear of falling in the middle of the lake – Falling in the middle of the lake is often a traumatic experience for beginners. The student should be encouraged to trust the Personal Flotation Device and given the opportunity to float around with the jacket on in deep water if needed. 3. Cold water – Even if the water feels warm to the coach, it can quickly drain the strength and coordination out of a young student. The instructor should be aware of signs of a truly cold child and remove him from the water.

The instructor must also be aware of the problems of a social nature that might hinder a child from learn- ing. A student may find it embar- rassing to try and possibly fall in front of a group of peers. When working with a group, it is important to provide encouragement and support. Also use the group to provide moral support to the begin- ner.

When working with individual personalities, many challenging situations may present themselves. The best solution to any situation is to provide encouragement to the student.

15 Chapter 4 Equipment Care

As with any other type of equipment, using proper care will prolong the life of the equipment and the safety of the skiing experience for your students. The following are some important facts and ideas to help maintain water ski equipment and keep it in good condition. It is also suggested that you read the manufacturer's product manual, for specific care and maintenance procedures.

Skis Skis are commonly made of wood, fiberglass and carbon graphite. If a ski or pair of skis are made of wood, many manufacturers use walnut, mahogany, cherry or other durable hard woods. The hardwood is used for the spring and life of the wood. It is best to look for a multiple laminated hardwood ski and avoid a softwood ski when possible. Most manufacturers now use fiberglass in their skis or phenolic resins. These materials, though more costly in labor and workmanship, will out last a wooden ski. The polyester resins also allow a manufacturer to duplicate the same design for each unit, as wooden skis will differ slightly per ski. Fiberglass and resin mixtures will often perform better, keep their appearance and require less mainte- nance.

Maintenance Suggestions For Skis • Do not step on the rear section of a ski when it is lying on a dock or beach (This could cause the ski to split). • Be sure to check skis regularly for scrapes, splinters, gouges or sharp edges. If the edges are damaged, they should be sanded and smoothed. Wood skis should be revarnished. Make sure wooden skis can dry out a few days prior to revarnishing. A synthetic ski gouge should be filled with an epoxy resin or fiberglass and then smoothed. Follow directions in the ski manufacturer's product manual. • Do not stand skis on their ski tips; this could cause the skis to deform. • When storing skis, place them in a flat area away from excessive heat and moisture. • Keep skis away from excessive sun exposure. This will break down the components and damage the skis.

Bindings Bindings are typically made of gum rubber or one of many synthetic compounds that are out on the market today. Check the binding regularly for tears and rips in the material. If found, the binding will need to be repaired or replaced. On a regular basis, check the screws that fasten the binding to the ski. These can become loose and may need to be tightened. It is also impor- tant to keep the binding out of extreme weather conditions. Exposure to ultraviolet rays in the sunlight will damage bindings. Extreme cold could crack bindings. It is best to store skis and bindings in a dry area out of extreme exposure to the weather.

Ropes And Handles Ropes are made of a polypropylene material. The standard towrope is 75 feet (23 meters) long. It is best if the rope is made of a non-stretch material. The rope needs to be carefully inspected for frays and possible places where it could break. If a rope is frayed or has a dam- aged area, it should be repaired or replaced. It is of the utmost importance to keep knots out of a rope. If a rope has a knot in it, undo it immediately. Knots will cause a rope to lose strength. 16 To remove a knot, loosen it by banging the knot area with a hammer. When repairing a rope, do not tie a knot in it. This is unsafe and will decrease the strength of the rope. A tool called a fid is used to splice the rope back together for repairs. Contact your local marina or ski shop for advice on rope repair. Inspect a handle in the same way you do a rope and make sure that the ends of the handle are smooth with proper end caps fully attached. If the handle grip area is torn or in bad shape, it is best to replace it. Handles with a loose grip area could cause a dangerous fall if it were to rip while skiing.

Personal Flotation Devices Water ski flotation devices should be of a vest type or open front type with proper body straps to ensure a firm fit. A vest is typically made of a fabric with a unicellular or ensolyte T M material that is molded or shaped into panels and then enclosed in the fabric. A personal flotation device should be rinsed out after use, especially in salt water, and protected from direct sunlight. The sun's ultraviolet rays will break down the materials. If a flotation device is torn or is taking on water, which will cause the device to lose buoyancy, the device should be replaced. Check the straps of the device and make sure that they are working properly with no rips or broken clasps. If straps are in need of replacement, contact your local dealership.

Wakeboards and Kneeboards Wakeboards and kneeboards are made out of fiberglass with a carbon graphite or dual foam core. As with skis, wakeboard and kneeboard edges should be checked for sharp abrasions and repaired if needed. Check the kneeboard strap for rips or wear in the velcro and at the area of attachment to the board. If the strap is in need of repair, it is important to repair or replace it. Wakeboard bindings need care just like a ski binding. It is extremely important that the wing nuts that hold the bindings to the wakeboard are checked prior to use and after a hard fall. Wing nuts have a tendency to loosen. Wakeboard fins also should be checked for wear and the possibility of becoming loose. Optional Equipment Wetsuits A wetsuit is used during cold weather skiing to provide warmth. A wetsuit also is used for protection in barefooting and jumping. A wetsuit will protect the body moderately from bruising and possible rope burns. The thickness of the wetsuit and the severity of the weather will depend on the warmth provided by a wetsuit. A thicker wet suit tends to be bulky and will hinder the mobility of a skier. The wetsuit should always be rinsed out in fresh clean water after each use and then hung to dry. Make sure that a wetsuit is not exposed to direct sunlight which will break down the construction components of the wetsuit. A tear can be repaired by using rubber cement and stitching. If the tear is in a seam area, repair this the same way.

Gloves More advanced skiers like to use gloves to help grip the handle better. At this level, gloves are not really necessary. The glove is made of a rubbery fabric or of a light, soft and stretchy fabric. Gloves should be cared for just like a wetsuit and protected from extreme sunlight.

17 Chapter 5 The Grip

There are two ways to hold on to the ski handle. Both are correct, depending on the type of skiing the student will be doing. It is best to explain these different grips to your student and to ensure that they are using the proper grip to enhance their skiing skills.

Palms Down/Overhand Grip The palms down or overhand grip is when the student holds the handle in the palms down position. This is the most common handle position for beginners. The overhand or palms down grip on the handle will provide control and ease when there is a need to pass the handle from hand to hand in tricks skiing, wakeboarding and kneeboarding. A beginner skier will find it easier to hold the handle with this grip when learning the cannon ball position and trying to learn starts on two skis. When holding the handle in the overhand grip it causes the upper body to be square and the shoulders to be even.

Baseball Grip This grip is used when there is a special need for a stronger pull. The handle is held as if the student is holding a baseball bat. This causes the shoulders and upper body to work as a unit. The upper body and shoul- ders are more in a triangle shape and this grip enables the arms to pull more strongly than in the overhand grip. This grip also will provide better control while performing deep water starts on a slalom ski, and for a better pull when cutting across the wake. This grip is suggested for the slalom skier and when an extremely strong pull across the wake is needed.

18 Chapter 6 Two-Ski Techniques

A skier’s very first experience on water skis will stay with him for a long time. The memory of that first experience also will affect future water skiing experiences of the student. As an instructor, this may well be one of the most important lessons you will ever teach. You should be dedicated to making this first attempt a successful and enjoyable experience for your student.

Equipment As in any sport, the proper selection of equipment and care to keep it in good working condition are essential to the enjoyment of the sport. Water skiing, like most sports, requires specific equip- ment and you, as the instructor, must be prepared to offer suggestions and advice to the student, specifically in the areas of proper style and type of skis for the lesson you will be teaching.

Basic Skis Standard double skis or a combination pair are ideal because they can be used as a pair by a beginner or as a single ski for beginning slalom. Adult skis are usually 60 to 70 inches in length, while a junior pair for children is generally 40 to 50 inches in length. The skis should be mounted with appropriately sized adjustable bindings.

The size of the skis you choose for your lesson will depend on several factors: 1. Weight of the skier 2. Desired boat speed of the skier 3. Ability level of the skier 4. Age of the skier

A small young child may find it easier to learn on a pair of training skis while a larger youth might find learning on regular adult-size skis better for support. Training skis are tied together at the tip and tail to allow the skis to stay together and track in the water. These skis are used at extremely slow speeds. A larger youth should use a pair of junior skis or an adult combination pair, depend- ing on the size of the student. The longer and wider the skis, the better support on the water at slower speeds. However, larger skis are more awkward to control when positioning the skis in the water for the start. All skis must be solidly constructed and free of sharp edges and/or protrusions that could cause injury.

Bindings Bindings are extremely important and a good fit is critical. Bindings must fit snugly and provide adequate support. Heel pieces should extend well above the ankles. It is best to avoid bindings that are so tight that they restrict circulation in the foot. Adjustable bindings are available in two sizes, standard adult and junior. It is very important that children start with proper equipment for their size and weight.

19 Personal Flotation Devices The personal flotation device (PFD) should be a ski vest or open front style vest. The PFD should fit firmly and be secured by at least two or three body straps. The straps should be secured to the device and encircle the body for a secure snug fit. Vests specifically designed for water skiing are recom- mended and usually constructed of closed-cell foam covered in either vinyl or nylon (Coast Guard Type 3 device).

Ropes And Handles All towropes should be 75 feet in length (except for special purposes such as tricks skiing, wakeboarding and working with training skis). The most suitable material is 1/4-inch polypropy- lene rope, with all loop, bridle and handle knots securely tied and spliced into the rope. Getting started

Dry Land Instruction All skiing skills should be preceded by dry land instruction on the basic fundamentals. When teaching the beginner on dry land, explain the lesson and make sure that the stu- dent understands the procedures. First, teach the student the basic skiing body position and emphasize the three basic points:

1. Knees bent 2. Arms straight 3. Head up

Demonstrate the basic body posi- tion to the skier and have the skier look at you from the side while dem- onstrating the position. Then have the student demonstrate the position to you. Correct any problems you detect with the skier’s position.

20 Sit down on the ground and demonstrate the start position. Assume the sitting (cannonball position) and ask the skier to demon- strate the starting position to you.

•knees pulled in to the chest, heels in close to the buttocks

•arms straight, extended forward on either side of the knees

•feet about shoulder-width apart

•head up

Give the skier the towrope handle and use the towrope to pull the skier up gradually to the correct skiing position. Explain what you are doing to the student as you pull him to a skiing posi- tion, simulating what the boat will do in the water. Emphasize that the boat will do all the work. The skier should rise slowly as he feels the pull while only using his legs. Watch carefully for the skier who pulls with his arms and explain that the arms must remain straight. Repeat this exercise until the skier has mastered it to your satisfaction. The success on the water is indicated in the amount of pull that is required to pull the skier to a skiing position. If a lot of force is needed, encourage the skier to allow the “boat” (you the instructor) to pull him to a skiing position rather than resisting the pull and leaning back against it. If too little force is needed, the skier should “stand up” more slowly and allow the boat to do the work. When you are satisfied that the skier has mastered the dry land lesson, it is time to move to the water’s edge or dock.

21 The Waters Edge Now that the skier has an understanding of what to do once on the water, it is time to prepare to enter the water. This involves fitting a proper flotation device on the skier and then helping him adjust the bindings as he puts on the skis. This step also can be done prior to dry land instruction to let the skier become accustomed to the feel of the equipment. When fitting the equipment, explain the fit and function. Demonstrate how to put on the bindings and flotation. The PFD should fit snug and the proper size of flotation is important. If a PFD is too large, it will hamper the stu- dents mobility and could cause injury in the event of a fall.

When putting on the skis, explain that wetting the bindings and feet will allow each foot to slide into the bindings easier. The student needs to bend down, turn the heel of the binding to one side, insert the foot as far as possible into the binding (wiggling the toes will help) and then grasp the heel piece with both hands and pull up.

Explain to the student that if he should fall, the same method is used to put the skis back on in the water. By bending one knee to the chest and holding the ski on either side near the bindings, the student is able to put the skis on in deep water. It is a good idea to have the student try this in the water prior to a fall to make sure that the student understands. One final point before you take the student to the water is to explain the skier hand signals. It is important that the student understand all the hand signals. Most important at this time is for the skier to remember the OK signal. When working with younger students, you may want to teach them the OK signal only for the first lesson so as not to confuse them with too much information.

The Deep Water Start Assist the student into the water. If a shallow beach is used, have the skier walk out to approximately chest- deep water. If using a dock, help the skier sit on the edge of the dock. Have the student sit to the side of the skis, lean back a little and swing or slide the skis off the dock into the water, with the student remaining seated on the dock. 22 The instructor should precede the student into the water, to assist the student as he enters the water. The instructor must always wear a flotation device when working in the water with a student. Assist the student into the water by helping him slide off the dock while holding him from behind in the water. The instructor must instruct the student to assume the correct cannonball starting position with the rope between his skis. When the rope is taut and the skier is ready, the instructor should signal the driver to proceed. Make sure that everyone is clear of the rope. During the first lesson be satisfied with the student getting up before moving on to learning the next skill.

Work on the correct body position and let the student experience the satisfaction of water skiing for the first time. Keeping his arms straight, the student will gradually come up out of the water to the proper water skiing position.

Detection And Correction Of Deep Water Starting Errors

Symptom Error Correction 1 Falling backwards /slack in rope Pulling in with the arms Keep arms straight and down

2 Falling to the side Uneven weight distribution Both knees equally bent, balanced position in water 3 Falling forward Standing up too quickly- Rise gradually, keeping straight legs knees bent 4 Plowing Weight too far back, Weight forward, keeping chest away from knees. knees close to chest 5 Riding on back of skis Did not use legs to stand Stand up sooner when up as boat accelerated boat accelerates at start 6 Loss of balance Body too stiff Bend knees, bend slightly forward at waist 7 Legs separate at start Loss of basic start position Place arms outside of knees, tuck knees up at chest 23 Instructor- Assisted Starts

If the student is having difficulty achieving the deep water start and is showing no sign of progress after several attempts, the instructor may want to consider using an instructor-assisted start technique. In the case of a small or young student, the instructor may want to offer assis- tance on the first try to make the learning experience of getting up a positive one. To insure the success of the lesson, the instructor should be a strong skier to perform any of the assisted starts.

Arm Lock Method The instructor skis beside the student using the same rope length. With the student in the starting position, the instructor holds the student’s arm just above the elbow, providing stability and helping the student keep his arms straight. If the student is quite unbalanced, the instructor may reach under the student’s nearest arm and hold the other arm above the elbow. Once up and skiing, the instructor skis beside the student offering gentle support until the skier has assumed the proper skiing position.

Should the student fall, the instructor should immediately release the handle and sink into the water with the student. This is true of all assisted teaching techniques. It is far more reassuring to the student to have someone at hand after a fall to remind him to raise his hand in the OK signal and help him put on any skis that might have come off. This is also a good time to communicate to the student what he did wrong and how to correct the problem on the next try.

24 Straddle Method Skiers who have difficulties with the deep water start or with very small skiers who have little success with other starting methods, the instructor may use the straddle method. Once again, only instructors who are strong skiers should attempt this method, remembering that the size ratio of the instructor to the student is an important factor.

The instructor skis immediately behind the student using a slightly longer rope. During the start, the instructor places his skis on the outside of the student’s skis and reaches around the student's body to hold the handle. As the boat acceler- ates, the instructor raises the student and him- self out of the water with the student resting his weight on the instructor's thighs and chest. The instructor encourages the student to assume the proper skiing position and to begin skiing without relying on the instructor. This method allows the instructor to actually lift the student to his feet and into a correct skiing posi- tion.

Instructor In The Water Method If for some reason it is not possible to ski simultaneously with the student, it is useful to at least be in the water with the student when he starts. It is very important that you wear a flotation device to avoid fatigue and be able to offer full assistance to your student. By being in the water with the student, you can offer assistance with putting on the skis and helping the student get into the cannonball starting position.

25 When the student is ready, position yourself behind him and reach around and grasp his ankles to hold him in the cannonball tuck. Hold on to the student while the boat idles forward to prevent the student from floating to either side or from losing the cannon- ball starting position. Let the student give the com- mand to start and guide the take off as you slowly release your hold on the student.

This method provides assistance in the awkward preparation of starting. The only disadvantage to this method over an assisted method is if the skier should fall after skiing a few yards, the instructor is left behind on the shore.

Ski Boom Method Perhaps the most advanced technique of teaching beginners how to water ski is using a ski boom. A ski boom is a bar rigidly mounted on the gun- wale of the boat, approximately amidships and extending eight to ten feet out from the side of the boat. With the boom, the student has something solid to hold on to and balance himself on during his initial efforts. As with training wheels on a bicycle, the boom provides a student so much support that he should be able to ski on the very first try. After a few sessions on the boom, the student can be introduced to skiing behind the boat with a standard towrope. As an intermediate step, a short rope and handle can be attached to the boom to gradually reduce the amount of support the boom offers. In terms of efficiency, the boom offers additional advantages by allowing the in- structor to observe the students progress and make vocal instructions for correction while the student is skiing. The student also is close enough to the boat to receive assis- tance with putting on the skis and getting properly positioned in the water.

26 The student will execute the same cannonball starting position, holding onto the boom instead of the towrope handle. As the boat begins to accelerate, the student holds onto the boom and rises to a skiing position. The boom provides the student with extra support in the start to achieve the skiing position with little effort. Once a skier has mastered the start and the skiing position, he should be encouraged to start on a regular rope length behind the boat. Special care must be exercised when driving with the boom. Drive in a straight line and do not attempt to compensate for the weight of the skier by angling away. Do not turn away from the student since this exposes the student to the stern and, in the case of any outboard, to the prop. Always turn slowly towards the student. If the student should fall and lose the boom, stop the boat and return by turning slowly to the side of the boom. Always be especially conscious of the boom when docking and when near other boats and skiers. Always remove the boom when it is not in use. Be sure to personally test the boom before it is used by a student.

Connected Youth Skis/Human Tow Technique Connected skis are a learning aid that may be useful when working with young children or others having particular difficulty in keeping the skis together on the starts. Connected skis are a regular pair of skis fastened at the tails and near the tips by a rope, wood or metal. Some manu- facturers produce a pair of trainers that are fastened together by rope, with the towrope attached directly to the boat and the bridle and handle attached to the skis for the young student to grasp. In effect, the skis are towed by the boat. Caution should be exercised when using connected skis and the towboat. The only way to release the rope is from the boat in the event of a fall. When using connected training skis, al- ways connect the rope to a release device and release the rope from the boat with every fall. Exercise extra caution when using connected skis and a towboat. These trainers, however, are excellent for very young children with the human tow technique.

27 Human Tow Method This method is sometimes used with good success with very young or exceptionally lightweight children. Using trainer skis, the instructor will actually tow the student in shallow water simulating the boat’s pull and providing controlled training. This method is extremely valuable with very young children who have concerns about big lakes, deep water and big boats with loud en- gines. The speed is so slow and the instructor is right with the student at all times. Caution should be used to ensure that the bottom is free of rocks, glass or other potential dan- gers to the student or the instructor. Learning More Two Ski Maneuvers

Now that the student is successfully getting up on two skis and is skiing in a good skiing posi- tion, it is time to start teaching the student how to maneuver the skis, the landings and a dock start.

Turning To turn, the student simply applies a little more weight to the foot on the side he wishes to travel. To increase the degree of the turn, the student increases the pressure applied to the outside ski of the turn. At first, have the student practice turning inside the boat wakes. Then when steer- ing effectively behind the boat, the student can attempt to cross the wake.

Crossing The Wake Instruct the student to cross the wake at as sharp an angle as possible, cutting through the wake and not edging or sliding over the wake. Crossing with one ski and then the other at a shallow angle will usually result in a fall. When crossing the wake, the student needs to keep his knees bent and absorb the wake with his knees.

28 Landing A beginner should be instructed to stay behind the boat when finishing the ski ride and never ski towards a dock or a beach. The student should glide parallel to the dock or the beach and as the speed diminishes, sink slowly into the water. The student should simply release the towrope and never throw it. It is important to teach the student how to put on the brakes to stop skiing. If for any reason a student must stop quickly, the student should sit down on the tails of the skis or even lie down in the water backwards while dragging the hands in the water.

Dock Start The dock start is very similar to the deep water start except it is a quicker start with a firm pro- gressive acceleration of the boat. The dock start should be attempted only after the student has mastered deep water starts and knows the proper skiing position.

1. The student sits on the edge of the dock with ski tips out of the water and leans slightly away from the boat with knees bent and arms slightly bent to absorb the pull.

2. As the boat slowly idles away from the dock and the towrope slack is taken up, the student must be prepared to resist the boat’s pull and maintain the start position. 3. As the boat pulls the student from the dock, the student must transfer his weight from the dock to the skis keeping his knees bent and the towrope at waist level.

Detection And Correction In The Sitting Dock Start

Symptom Error Correction 1. Falling forward Transfer weight too soon or Transfer weight as the boat too quickly, legs too straight, pulls the student off dock, did not resist pull bend knees, resist pull

2.Falling backward Legs too straight, rope too Bend knees, rope waist high, pulled in with arms, high, keep arms locked and weight on tails of skis weight over feet. 29 Chapter 7 Skiing On One Ski

Perhaps the most popular skill among recreational skiers is slalom or single skiing. It is a skill that most beginner and novice skiers strive to accomplish. For the well-coordinated athlete who picks up skills quickly, slalom skiing may easily be attained in a short period of time. As the instructor, you must decide if your student is ready to slalom ski. A good rule to determine this is if the student is stable on two skis, demonstrates a good skiing position, is able to cross the wakes under control and wants to attempt to slalom. Getting Started On One Ski Equipment A slalom ski differs considerably from basic combo skis. A slalom ski is set up with two bind- ings mounted one behind the other. The keel or fin is much bigger and deeper than on basic combo skis. At this level of instruction, a well-designed pair of combination skis is satisfactory and practical for learning how to slalom. The bind- ings, rope and flotation all remain the same as in the two ski lesson.

Dry Land Instruction As with all lessons, dry land instruction is the first step in learning how to ski on one ski. Demonstrate to the student the skier’s salute, explaining that this is the first step in skiing on one ski and explain the purpose of this exercise. Next, demonstrate the proper way to drop a ski. This way the student is prepared for the water with a full understanding of what he is about to try.

The Skier’s Salute The major points of the skier’s salute are: •correct body position •shift all weight to one foot •lift the opposite ski out of the water by lifting the knee and pointing the toes up to keep the ski tip from dragging •place the lifted ski back on the water and repeat with the opposite ski •skill is performed behind the boat •keep head up Once the skier can comfortably perform this skill on dry land, it is time to head to the water. The purpose of the exercise is to allow the student to determine which leg feels best as the front leg. It also gives the student an opportunity to experience the feeling of standing or skiing on one ski. 30 The instructor should watch the skier perform the skier’s salute on each foot and help the student decide which leg felt most comfortable. The most comfortable skiing leg will become the student’s front foot on the slalom ski.

Dropping A Ski On land, demonstrate how to drop a ski with the student watching you. Start from the basic skiing position - head up, arms slightly bent and knees bent. Explain to the student how to gently shift his weight to his best skiing leg, as in the skier’s salute. Have the student smoothly lift the heel of the opposite foot out of the binding and slowly push the ski backwards. As the student is doing this, he will want to point his toes down and back, so that the water’s force will pull the ski away. Keep the free foot dragging in the water to act as a stabi- lizer or rudder for balance. Once the student is well bal- anced, he should move his free foot over and rest it on the back of the ski. Then slowly, as balance permits, the student can slide his back foot forward and into the back toe binding. He should gradually shift his weight until it is evenly distrib- uted on both feet. It is important that the student understand that this whole process may take some time to accomplish on the water. Explain to the stu- dent that rushing through these steps and moving too fast could result in loss of balance and possibly a fall. Everything should be done slowly and smoothly.

Detection and Correction of Dropping a Ski

Symptom Error Correction 1. Loss of balance, wobbly skis Kicking off the skis Move slowly and smoothly- too fast, uneven weight shift weight to heels to make ski track better. 2. Fall to side of dropped ski Too little weight on the Shift all weight to skiing leg ski leg before dropping the ski.

Use these helpful hints when teaching a student to drop a ski:

1. Keep a spare ski in the boat in case of a fall 2. Attempt to have the student drop the ski near a dock or shore, make note of where the student has dropped the ski 3. If the skier continues to wobble exces sively, you may want to try a wider, heavier ski, such as a jumper, until the student can master the single ski and then make another attempt on the slalom ski. 4. Always stress to the student the proper body position and to move 31 One Ski Position As the student is learning to drop a ski, it is important to teach the student the proper slalom body position. The student will want to keep his weight distributed between both feet, with his knees slightly bent. His hips and buttocks should be forward with his back straight and arms slightly bent holding the handle in the baseball grip.

Baseball Grip Up to this point, we have used an overhand grip on the handle, which is both hands gripping the handle with knuckles up. In slalom skiing it is important to change to a grip similar to that of holding a baseball bat. The reason for this change is to create a better angle in the shoulders and body for slalom skiing. Learning More One Ski Maneuvers

Turns And Crossing The Wake Once the student is steady on one ski with his back foot inserted in the rear toe binding, begin teaching turns and crossing the wake. Have the student gently angle (lean) in the direction of the turn maintaining the correct slalom body position. The student should practice moving back and forth inside the wakes before crossing the wake. To cross the wake, the student should ap- proach the wake at as sharp an angle as possible, keeping the knees bent as shock absorbers and making the wake crossing as smooth as possible. The student will want to work on smooth and even turns while crossing the wake.

32 One Ski Starts

During dry land instruction, emphasize the importance of the correct starting position in the slalom starts. Make sure that the student understands the positioning in the water and the procedures of the start.

Deep-Water Start The deep-water start is one of the most difficult fundamental skills in water skiing. However, with the right instruction, the start can be easily mastered. Almost all failures are caused by rushing the start and trying to get up too fast. This forces the tip of the ski down under the water and causes the skier to fall. The starting body position is: • skiing leg (the one wearing the ski) completely bent with knee touching the chest • rope is placed on the inside of the ski between the legs • free leg is extended out and behind acting as a stabilizer and actually assisting in planing similar to another ski providing steering and balance • arms are slightly bent and body weight is evenly distributed over the ski with head up

The actual start varies from the two ski start in that the student must delay somewhat longer until the ski is moving fast enough to support the skier’s weight. As the ski begins to plane, it is time for the student to rise out of the water with his shoulders moving farther back and maintaining a verti- cal line through his skiing leg. Instruct the student to continue to drag his free foot for balance, keeping the ski tip up and in line with the boat.

The final and often most critical key is that as he starts to rise, the student must not push the ski out in front of his body. Let the water push the ski to him. In other words, the student must maintain the basic start position as the ski lifts him out of the water as he stays low with his weight back over the ski. 33 Detection And Correction One Ski Deep Water Start

Symptom Error Correction 1. Plowing Ski too vertical, knee too far Adjust ski to a more horizontal from chest position and bring the knee closer to chest

2. Forward fall Stood up too quickly, Stand up slowly and move the weight too far forward shoulders back as the ski planes

3. Falling to side Free leg not in proper Keep free leg back and slightly position to the side

4. Falling backwards Rope on wrong side, Keep arms rigid and the rope on pulled in with arms free leg side

Sitting Dock Start The basics of the sitting dock start are the same as the one-ski deep water start. With the student sitting on the edge of the dock and leaning slightly away, the boat idles straight out as the rope tightens. When the student signals, the boat accelerates. The student resists the pull of the boat with his shoulders and back, and keeps his arms and knees bent with his head up.

As the student is pulled off the dock, he drags his free leg for stability until he gains his balance, as he did in the deep water start. Detection and correction is the same as in a deep water start. It is helpful if the student sits on the dock with the ski side of his body positioned towards the boat. This way, the pull is over the ski.

34 Shallow-Water Start Or Beach Start The student stands in knee-deep water on his free foot with his ski leg bent and the ski tip out of the water. The skier’s ski side should be turned slightly towards the boat, with his arms bent to resist the pull and head up. As the rope becomes tight, the student steps forward onto the ski.

Make sure the skier does not step early or anticipate the step. This will force the ski tip under the water and cause a fall. As the boat pulls, the skier uses his free foot in the same way to stabilize the start and gain his balance.

35 Chapter 8 Tricks Skiing

Tricks skiing is an enjoyable, economical and safe activity to introduce to a beginner. Tricks skiing can provide hours of fun and challenges to the student. The speeds are relatively slow, about 12 to 18 m.p.h.. In many cases, tricks skiing can be performed behind a smaller, low horsepower boat, making it ideal for camp activities. To learn how to tricks ski, a student does not need a lot of experience. This new skill can easily be introduced shortly after a student has mastered the basic two ski techniques. Tricks skiing involves turns on the water or in the air, on one or two tricks skis.

Equipment In addition to the towboat and crew, all that is needed to learn how to tricks ski is a pair of tricks skis, towrope and a personal flotation device.

Tricks Skis Tricks skis are shorter and wider than traditional combination skis. Like other skis, tricks skis are sized relative to a student’s individual height and weight. Smaller children will use the smallest tricks skis which are usually 36 inches, while adults will use 40- to 44-inch tricks skis.

Towrope The towrope length is personal preference and suited to the student’s speed and weight. As a rule, the rope length should place the skier at a distance inside the boat’s wake with approxi- mately 40 inches or a ski length, on either side between the wakes. When working with a beginner, the rope length is of little importance and a regulation 75-foot rope will do fine. As the student advances, shortening the length of the rope becomes more important.

Personal Flotation As in all your lessons, personal flotation is strongly encouraged. It should fit snugly to the student’s body and be form fitting. It is important in tricks skiing, as in all skiing, that a flotation device fit properly to allow the student the mobility to properly learn tricks. Getting Started

Dry Land Training As you start to teach tricks skiing, it is impor- tant to know that dry land training is an essen- tial part of learning various tricks. Remember to explain and demonstrate the tricks to your student then have your student try the new skill. Due to the importance of dry land training in tricks skiing, you might want to install a rope and pulley system. Use a simple clothes- line pulley that can be tied to a tree about three feet above the ground,

36 with a towrope threaded through it. A 20-pound weight will be on one end of the rope just off the ground and a ski handle will be on the other end. This simple device will simulate the give and take of the boat’s pull and allow a student to simulate on-water practice. If this device is not available, simply fasten the ski rope and handle to a tree, building or some other solid fixed object.

The Body Position The key to success in tricks skiing is correct body position. The instructor must demonstrate the correct body position and then have the student practice that position on dry land. The instructor must detect and correct any errors in the position at this time. The essentials for the correct body position are: • ankles and knees bent • weight centered over the skis • back straight • handle held at waist level with the over hand grip • HEAD UP It is important to explain these positions in this order, work- ing from the ankles to the head.

Moving To The Water Because tricks skies have no fins or rudders, they are more difficult to track at first. The start on two tricks skis does not vary from that on a pair or combination skis. However, the student may find them more difficult to control on the water and this may take some practice. The first on- water activity should be restricted to a deep water start, and work up to smooth, controlled turns back and forth across the wakes. Make sure that the student maintains proper body position throughout the entire activity, with his knees and ankles bent, back straight, handle held into waist and head up. Once the student can comfortably handle the tricks skis in the proper body position, he is ready to attempt his first trick.

Learning A Trick

Remember that all tricks need to be practiced on dry land prior to attempting them on the water. Once the trick is performed correctly onland and with the proper understanding of how it is performed, the student can attempt the trick on the water. All tricks may be initiated in either direction by turning to the left or right. It is suggested that a student first learn the trick by turning in the direction that they find most natural. Once a student has learned a trick in one direction, the opposite direction, should be learned. A trick performed in the opposite direction is called a “reverse.” When learning basic tricks, the boat speed should be approximately 15 to 18 m.p.h. for an adult, and as slow as 10 to 12 m.p.h. for a small child. The best way to determine the proper speed is when the skis are planing properly on the water surface with the water slightly mushy for good control.

37 The Side Slide (SS) The two ski side slide is a fundamental trick in learning ski and rope control, body balance and body position. This trick involves turning the skis sideways to the boat position (90 de- grees). The skis will slide sideways and then return to the front position. To perform the side slide, you must first have the student practice the movements on dry land and then move to the water. The student will want to assume the proper tricks skiing body position, then pull the rope into the waist in a firm, even manner. This motion of pulling the rope is important in the fundamentals of tricking and must be mastered. The student will then re- lease the handle with one hand and turn the skis in the direction of the released hand, keeping the rope in close to the waist. Throughout the maneuver, the student wants to maintain a vertical axis during the turn, sliding sideways and then returning to the front position. As the student begins to turn, the knees should be slightly bent and flexible. If the student starts the turn to the left, the right ski will start to come around ahead of the left ski. The body must continue in the direction of the turn with the right ski moving around to the leading position. The rope arm must be bent to compensate for slack or jerk on the rope, with the free arm well extended for balance. The skis will be slightly spread apart for stability and the leading edges slightly raised. The knees will be slightly angled away from the boat. When learning the side slide, the student can start by turning the skis just a few degrees and then returning to the front working up to the 90-degree angle. The turn to the front from the side slide is very simple. The student will simply move the handle out towards the tip of his skis and maintain the proper body position, resisting against the pull of the boat as he turns forward.

Common Errors And Correction For The Side Slide Error Correction The student’s skis are not turned a full Lead the turn with the head, shoulders and 90 degrees and will not slide, the skis hips to a full 90-degree position. are traveling in the direction they are pointed.

The student’s skis are slipping out and Maintaining vertical axis is crucial in the student is falling away from the boat. correcting this problem with proper body position.

The student is catching an edge and falling Use the knees and ankles to raise the towards the boat. leading edge of the skis slightly away from the boat. 38 The 180-Degree Turn - Front To Back The front to back 180 degree turn is simply a continuation of the side slide into a backwards skiing position. Some students may actually find it easier to rotate the 180 turn than the side slide. Both of these skills can be combined into one lesson to give the aggressive student more maneuvers to attempt once on the water. In the proper tricks skiing body position, pull the rope firmly and smoothly into one side of the waist, releasing with one hand to lead the turn. The hips will lead in the direction traveled by keeping the handle in close to the body. Turn the skis all the way to the back position and grasp the handle with the free leading hand with the palm facing up. It is important that this trick be practiced on dryland for handle control and body positioning. The key ele- ment of this maneuver is pulling the handle to the hip to initiate the turn. Keep the handle in close to the body at waist level throughout the turn, particularly in the back position.

The backwards skiing position is for the most part similar to the forward skiing position.

-knees and ankles bent -back straight -handle in close to the body in the small of the back -slight body lean away from the boat -head up When backwards, it is most important to keep the handle in close to the body so that the free hand may grasp it without reaching for it.

39 The Back To Front 180-Degree Turn To return to the forward position, simply release one hand, and keep the handle in close to the body. Without extending the rope arm towards the boat, move it slowly to the side of the body. The natural pull of the boat will pull the student's body to the forward position. Once again, the skis should be slightly angled to avoid catching an edge. As in the side slide and front to back, the important keys are to keep the handle in close to the body and pull the handle in towards the body with the rope to initiate and continue the body rotation.

Common Errors And Correction For The 180 Degree Turn Error Correction The student is falling away from the boat. Usually the cause of this is the skier is looking down, dropping his head or hunching over in the upper body. Stress the correct body position and keep the head up.

The student is falling towards the boat The ankles and the knees are too in the backwards position. straight. Student needs to bend more through the ankles and knees.

Body is leaning away from the boat. Stress the importance of proper body position with bent ankles and knees.

The student is falling towards the boat This is caused by the rope arm being during the turn. extended and the skier not keeping the rope in close to the body when starting and also during the turn. Correct with a smooth even pull, keeping the rope into the body.

40 360-Degree Turn The 360-degree turn is a continuation of the 180- degree turn without a hesitation in the back position. If the student can do the 180-degree turn in both directions, the 360-degree turn should be simple to learn. Once again as in all tricks, the student will start with the proper tricks skiing position. The stu- dent should initiate the turn as he did in the 180 by firmly and evenly pulling the rope into his body to the opposite hip and keeping his head up. As the student reaches the 180-degree position, he will exchange hands on the handle. This ex- change is done smoothly and evenly. As the free hand grasps the handle, the original hand will re- lease. The handle must be kept in close to the body and pulled to the waist level throughout the turn, while maintaining the body position to facilitate a smooth rotation.

Once the student has successfully transferred the handle from hand to hand, the continuation of the turn to the front will be easier if the rope is held near the leading hip throughout the turn. As the boat pulls, the student will turn to the front as in the 180-degree turn.

41 When teaching basic tricks, always stress the following points: -pull in smoothly on the rope as the turn begins and keep pulling during the entire rotation -bent knees and ankles act as shock absorbers and help maintain balance -keep the rope close to the body at waist level -keep the head up and always think about what you are to doing

Front Tricks Skiing Position Back Tricks Skiing Position

42 Chapter 9 Wakeboarding

Wakeboarding is a fun and exciting sport that is similar to snowboarding and skateboarding. It can be done by persons of all ages and ability levels. In most cases, you can wakeboard behind a smaller boat with lower horsepower or even behind personal water craft. To wakeboard, you do not need to know how to water ski. Learning numerous wakeboard tricks can provide the rider with hours of enjoyment and challenges on the water. Equipment The Wakeboard Wakeboards come in a variety of sizes and weights. It is best for a small child to ride a smaller, light-weight junior board because it will be easier to maneuver. Most boards on the market today are twin tip boards, meaning that the front and back of the board are basically the same. Twin tip boards are easier to maneuver and enable the rider to learn tricks efficiently. Wakeboards can range in size from 52 to 56 inches and weigh on the average anywhere from 10 to 15 pounds with the bindings. The width of the board can also vary. A wider board will give the student a better pop off the wake and will help the rider go higher without as much effort. If the student is an aggressive rider, the narrower board will give him a harder cut and approach towards the wake.

The Binding There are several different types of bindings to consider for the wakeboard. The three most commonly used bindings are the strap, mid-wrap or a high-wrap binding. Strap bindings are easier for a beginner to put on and off in the water. If the board is being used by different people with different shoe sizes, strap bindings allow a wider range of adjustment. Strap bind- ings are also lightweight. Mid-wrap bindings allow minimal support and flexibility, creating easy entry and exit. This is a good binding for someone that is seriously interested in wakeboarding and willing to learn. This binding allows minimal size adjustment. The high-wrap binding is usually one size– small, medium, large or extra large. The high-wrap binding is for more advanced wakeboarders and allows maximum support.

Placement Of The Bindings On The Wakeboard The wakeboard has many holes located in the binding area that allow the rider to adjust the positioning according to his stance and size. The bindings are positioned in a sideways stance with the front foot turned slightly towards the boat and the rear foot turned away in a “Duck Stance.” With the adjustment holes, the rider can fine-tune the wakeboard to determine his most comfortable stance on the board with the degree of angle desired.

Shortened TowRope Towrope length is personal preference, and should be selected based upon the boat speed and the rider’s weight. In general, the towrope length should be between 40 and 60 feet. The rope should be made of a non-stretch material. A good general rule on the rope length is if you are not clearing the wake on a wake jump from both directions, then shorten the rope. If you are riding in the rooster tail (boat wash), then lengthen the rope.

43 Flotation Device Personal flotation devices (PFD’s) should be worn at all times when wakeboarding. The PFD can be a vest or jacket that is U.S. Coast Guard-approved and designed for water skiing. The PFD should fit firmly and secure to the rider’s body. If the flotation device is too large, this may cause injury to the rider.

Wakeboard Terms Before we get started with the wakeboard lesson, there are a few wakeboard terms that are important to learn. When referring to frontside and backside, this is the side of the board the rider has his weight on. Backside is when the rider’s weight is on his heels. Front side is when the rider’s weight is on his toes. Switchstance and fakie are the same thing, this is when a rider is riding the board in a back position, opposite from the forward stance. Throughout this section you will learn many other wakeboard terms. When working with a new wakeboarder, it is important to teach them the terminology as well, making it is easier for the rider to learn and understand the tricks.

Driving For Wakeboarding Driving for a beginner is a very important part of the wakeboarder’s experience. Different wakeboarders will like different starts. Some like a fast pull out of the water and some like a gentle pull. When pulling a beginning wakeboarder, it is important to find the starting style that best meets your rider’s needs. Start with a slow gentle pull and ease the rider out of the water. If the rider is having problems reaching the planing position, gradually accelerate the speed on the start. Once the rider is planing on the water surface, it is important to gradually back off on the throttle so that the boat does not obtain too much speed. Ease up to the desired speed once the rider is under control. Most riders will ride between 16 and 20 m.p.h, depending on his size and weight. The most common mistake in pulling a wakeboarder is accelerating too fast, which can result in the board sliding out from under the rider. When driving a beginner, slow the boat speed down slightly when the rider is learning to do surface turns. The slower boat speed will enable the wakeboard to slide easier on the surface of the water. Once the rider has mastered the surface turn, there is no need to adjust the boat speed. Getting Started

Before getting on the water, remember that it is important to adjust the positioning of the binding, depending on the foot the rider likes forward and the size of the rider. To determine the forward foot on the wakeboard you can suggest the strongest leg or the foot the rider would kick a ball with. If the rider is a slalom skier, snowboarder or skateboarder, the same stance would be used on the wakeboard. If the rider uses his right foot forward, the term for this is goofy-foot. If the rider is left foot forward, this is called regular stance. The location of the bindings should be shoulder width apart. The angle of the binding is also important. To start the rear foot should be straight across the board from 0 to 9 degrees, and the front foot should be between 9 and 27 degrees. As the rider advances and becomes com- fortable riding the wakeboard, he can adjust the position to his personal liking. It is also a good idea to have the rider double check the screws on the bindings and fins every time he rides. Screws can loosen with use, or in the event of a hard fall.

44 Body Position The key to wakeboarding is mastering the proper wakeboarding body position. It is a good idea to demonstrate this body position on dry land with your rider before entering the water. The proper wakeboard body position is: -feet in a sideways stance to the boat -upper body slightly twisted towards the boat through the hips and shoulders -weight centered over the feet with slightly more weight on the rear foot -handle down and arms straight -knees slightly bent -head up The basic body position is essential for cutting and turning the wakeboard. A good strong body position from the start will make future wakeboarding easier to learn. Make sure that your rider demonstrates this position to you and corrects any problems you detect in his position immediately. Having the rider get comfortable in the sideways stance riding position is important. Being relaxed on the board is the key to riding the wakeboard.

Getting Up On A Wakeboard The first start that a boarder learns is the deep water start. The basic position of the deep water start is: •board out in front of the rider parallel to the boat in the water •knees bent into the chest and arms (elbows) around the knees •rope between the feet and over the board

Dem- onstrate to the rider the deep water position on dry land, making sure that the rider understands the positioning of the wakeboard in the water. The rider must relax in the water by laying on his back with the board floating out in front of him until the rope gets tight. At this time, the rider will get into the deep water position and signal for the boat driver to start to accelerate.

45 As the boat slowly accelerates, the rider must keep the board out in front with his knees bent, letting the boat pull the upper body up and forward slightly into a baseball catcher position. Once the board comes out of the water, the rider lets the board rotate to a straight position by pushing the handle in front of the front hip. The riders feet rotate from facing the boat to a side stance position, like on a skateboard or snowboard. Making sure that the rider stays low and stands up slowly to the proper wakeboarding body position is the key to getting up on a wakeboard. If the rider is a former slalom skier, he might find it easier to push the rear foot towards the bottom of the lake during the take off, which makes it possible for the rider to come out of the water more like on a slalom ski. This technique also works well with older or larger students. After completing the start on the wakeboard, have the rider work on the proper body position and master rope control and edge control of the board. Mastering these simple techniques will create a good strong rider.

46 Rope Control To carve and maneuver the board, good rope control is needed. The rider maintains good rope control by keeping the rope in tight to his body with the handle held low. The rider should concentrate on pushing the handle down while keeping it low. The hands should be in the overhand grip with the palms facing the water. It is important to keep the rope tight in every maneuver. Slack in the rope will cause the rider’s body position to be wrong and may cause the rider to fall.

Edge Control Proper edge control is essential to good wakeboarding. With proper edge control, the rider will have good rope control. You obtain edge control of the wakeboard by rolling or applying pressure from edge to edge, placing weight on the heel or toes. To edge the board, have the rider first slowly roll (pressure) the weight onto his heels. This will cause the board to angle in the water and slowly turn. By releasing the weight on the heels, the board will flatten out and ride straight. This motion is done slowly and slightly. Do not have the rider push hard or throw his weight from heel to toes. A slow, constant pressure which causes the board to arc or carve in the water is edge control. Cutting frontside is generally harder, but by pushing with the toes and turning through the shoulders in the direction of the cut while keeping the knees bent will make it easier on the rider. Have the rider practice applying weight (pressure) to his heels and toes and releasing the weight inside the wakes. Steering the wakeboard back and forth inside the wakes is a good way to practice applying edge control.

Riding The Wakeboard And Crossing The Wakes Now that the rider can get up on the wakeboard, ride in the proper body position and use edge control and rope control to steer the wakeboard, it is time to start crossing the wakes. Crossing the wakes is done by shifting the weight from heels to toes (edge control), turning hips and shoulders and looking in the direction the rider wants to travel. The rider should keep his knees bent and rope tight and low and stay in control of the board. It is also important to keep the handle into his hip to create a better angle on the board. First, have the rider roll his weight to his heels, turn his hips and shoulders and cross to the outside of the wake. Keeping his knees bent and rope tight, have the rider carve a smooth slow easy turn through the wake with the edge of the wakeboard.

47 Once outside the wake, have the rider slowly roll his weight to his toes, turn his hips and shoul- ders and look across the wake to slowly move back across the wake. The rider should continue his direction of travel through the wakes. He does not want to cut hard and then let up. This will cause slack in the rope and make the board ride flat and lose edge control. By making a nice even pull and a smooth carve through the wake, the wakeboarder will be able to cross through the wakes. Once the rider has mastered the heelside carve, have the rider work on the toeside wake crossing. The rider applies weight to his toes and crosses outside of the opposite wake, trans- ferring weight to his heels and carving back inside the opposite wake. When the rider can cross both wakes, it is a good idea to have the rider work on connecting turns together. A great exercise to work on this technique is having the rider go to the outside of one of the boat wakes and carve smooth “S-like" turns. The rider will rotate the board from edge to edge, carving up and down the outside of the wake. The rider wants to tighten up the “S” turns as he rides. Make sure the rider stays in the proper wakeboard position and keeps a tight rope at all times. This exercise develops good edging control of the wakeboard and rope control.

Once the rider is completely crossing the wake in each direction and carving smooth “S” turns, have the rider cross over both of the boat wakes without stopping in the middle. It is important to have the rider use smooth edge control and continue his direction across both of the wakes, keeping his knees bent and looking in the direction he is traveling. It is best to start with the backside crossing. Backside is when the weight is on the heels and the chest and toes are facing the boat. This position is more natural and easier then the frontside crossing. The rider now uses the carving of the “S” turns and the crossing of the wakes together to carve through the boat wakes without stopping in the center.

Getting Air As the rider masters the wake crossings, it is time to add some air to the wake crossing. In wakeboarding, most of the tricks are done in the air off the wakes. The bigger the air, the higher the trick point value. The basic skill of wake jumping is an important step in wakeboarding. To jump the wakes, the rider must first start with the proper set-up into the wake. Have the rider carve to the outside of the wake, keeping the towrope tight and apply constant pressure on the edge or rail of the wakeboard. This is done by leaning against the towrope and boat with the whole body. At this time, the rider wants to wait for the boat to start pulling him back towards the center of the wakes. The rider will start to angle the wakeboard towards the wakes and cut progressively, picking up speed as he approaches the wake. This set up is called loading the line. Using proper rope and edge control in the approach to the wake allows the rider to have good air control. Start with a smooth approach from only a few feet away from the wake. Keep the board pointed in the direction of travel. With arms in and knees used as shock absorbers, the wakeboard will spring the rider up in the air. 48 If the rider is getting slack in the rope on the approach, the rider is turning too quickly. If the wakeboard is flattening out before the wake, the rider is cutting too hard with too much speed and coasting into the wake. The right approach with a progressive cut and loading up on the line will provide a good start to the rider’s air time. Now that the rider knows the approach, it is time to get some air. First, have the rider cross to the outside of the wake and roll onto the heelside edge of the wakeboard. Next the rider will start the approach to the wake keeping a tight rope. When the rider hits the top of the wake, he will want to spring off the wake by pushing up on both legs and rising through the lower body. By making the proper approach, loading the towrope and springing off the wake, the rider will launched into the air. Explain to the rider that cutting all the way to the top of the wake is the key to getting air. While in the air, it is very important for the rider to keep the tip of the board pointed up in the direction of travel. When landing the wake jump, the rider should keep his knees bent slightly and the rope tight at all times. As the rider first tries to get air off the wake, he may not clear the second wake and land between the two wakes. Have the rider work on this maneuver until he can land on the outside of the second wake. This will come as the rider becomes more comfortable with load- ing the towrope and springing off the wake. Most wakeboard tricks are done as wake-to-wake tricks, clearing both wakes. After successfully completing a backside wake crossing with air it is time to try frontside. The frontside will feel awkward at first and jumping this way is more difficult. It is not as natural as backside. The rider must put weight on the toeside of the board and use the same approach and landing as he did in the backside wake jump. Snapping the handle to the rider’s front hip will help keep them from twisting during the frontside jump. The rider will want to work on jumping the wake both frontside and backside. If the rider is having difficulty in clearing both wakes, you may want to shorten the rope slightly. Once the rider is com- fortable in jumping and clearing both wakes, the rope can be lengthened to a good riding length.

Frontside Wake Crossing Learning Wakeboard Tricks Learning Turns After the rider is comfortable riding the wakeboard, carving and jumping the wakes, the next step is teaching the rider to turn the wakeboard. When riding on a wakeboard, there are two positions: the front position (which is how the rider has been riding so far) and the fakie or swichstance position (fakie or swichstance position is riding with the board backward to the normal position).

49 Turning Fakie To turn the wakeboard for the first time, have the driver slow the boat speed down a little. This will allow the board to slide easier on the water. Have the rider start in the forward proper wakeboarding body position– elbows into the waist, knees bent and head up. The rider will want to begin his rotation by initiating the turn with his hips and sliding his back foot around to the boat with a shifting of the weight to the leg that is farthest away form the boat. Remind the rider to keep equal weight on both feet, keep both hands on the handle at all times and rotate through the hips and lower body. The rider’s upper body should not change at all, just the placement of the handle on his hip. The turning of the wakeboard is a smooth and continuous motion. Remind the rider to keep his head up. The body position in the fakie is the same as in the forward position with the hips up, knees bent and the handle in tight to the waist with the head up. The rider is standing on the board in a sideways stance position with the rotation of the leading hip through the turn at the completion of the rotation, the leading hip should be pointed in the opposite direction (away from the boat). It is important for the rider to rotate to the fakie position. Stopping during the rotation will result in a fall. Arms straight, knees bent and head up are the keys. Once the rider has mastered the turning and riding in the fakie position, have the rider steer back and forth inside the wake in the fakie position. It is important that the rider uses proper body position and keep the handle in low to the hip. This is very important in the fakie position because if the rider lets the handle out from the body, the rider will be pulled over through the shoulders and result in a fall. The rider should be able to ride in the fakie position and cross both wakes with air just a easy as he can in his regular stance. This creates a good solid base for the rider to continue learn- ing many new and exciting tricks.

Setting up to cross the wake in the fakie position Crossing the wake in the fakie position 50 Wake 180 The wake 180 is the first trick that the rider will use a combination of elements: jumping and spinning. It is important that the rider have a good crisp wake before attempting this trick. The wake can be adjusted to height and crispness by slightly increasing or decreasing the boat speed. Once the desired wake size is reached and he has no problem getting air, it’s time to learn the wake 180. Have the rider start 5 to 10 feet outside the wake and set a nice easy edge towards the wake, loading up the towrope and carving a smooth turn into the wake. The rider will ap- proach the crest of the wake and spring off the wake by extending his legs. When the Starting the turn board clears the wake, the rider will start to rotate the board 180 degrees, as he did in the surface 180, keeping the handle into his body and towrope tight. When landing in the fakie position, the rider wants to keep his knees bent to act as shock absorbers and the handle at his hip. It is best to instruct the student to start with the frontside or half cab (backside) wake 180 because they are the easiest to learn. You can also instruct the driver to slow the boat down a little so that the rider can approach the wake and do a surface 180 at the top of the wake, sliding down the side of the wake. This allows the rider to get the feeling of the trick. Then they can slowly start to cut harder and harder, increasing the boat speed to obtain air Preparing to land with the rotation. One of the most common errors is starting the turn too soon. Remind the rider to wait until he clears the wake to pivot with his lower body and let the board rotate around. Some riders find it easier to learn this trick by starting in the fakie position and turning 180 degrees to the forward position off the wake. This makes for a forward landing and is easier for the rider to spot the front. This can be done by having the rider turn a surface 180 to the fakie position and then ap- proach the wake in the fakie position. Once the rider has mastered the wake 180 and is landing inside the wake, have the rider load up on the towrope a little more on the approach to obtain more air and cross over both wakes while rotat- ing 180 degrees. The landing 51 This trick is called a two wake 180. It is done the same as a one wake except the rider in- creases his carve and towrope load on the approach and pops off the wake a little harder to clear both wakes. When spinning the wake 180, make sure that the rider rotates straight off the wake and does not throw the trick through his shoulders. Keeping a straight axis in the trick will allow for a better rotation and landing. A key to this is to instruct the rider to move the handle to the oppo- site hip so he will rotate straight. After mastering the basic wake 180, the rider should learn both frontside and backside 180 in fakie and forward positions, one wake and two wake. This way the rider will become more versatile in take off and landing in all directions. The rider also will be able to use this skill while learning more advanced tricks.

Grabs Once the wakeboarder has mastered getting air off the wakes and clearing both wakes, it is fun to have the rider try learn- ing some grabs. Grabs are a big part of wakeboarding and there are many types of grabs to learn. Grabs are done with a variety of tricks. When teaching grabs the most important thing to tell your rider is to make sure he brings the board up to his hand. The rider does not want to lean over in the upper body to grab the board. The rider wants to bend through the knees and reach down with his arms to grab the wakeboard. It is very important that the rider keep his head and shoul- ders up in the direction of travel when attempting a grab. The rider will approach the wake with a good angle and load up on the towrope. Indy Grab

Once the rider has extended off the wake and is in the air, the rider will pull his lower body up using his legs, and grab the board with his hand. When referring to the forward hand in the direction of travel when grabbing the wakeboard, the term for this is the front hand The following hand in the direction of travel is the referred to as the rear hand. Grabs are done on a variety of places on the board and each grab has a different name.

The following is a list of several grabs: Tail Grab: The rider grabs the tail side of the board with the rear hand. Melancholy: The rider grabs the heelside of the board between his feet using the front hand. Roast Beef: The rider grabs between his legs the heelside of the board with his rear hand. Indy Grab: The rider grabs the board on the toeside of the board between his feet with his rear hand.

52 Once the grabs with big air are mastered. The rider can join tricks together while crossing the wake to create new tricks. If the rider does a front hand toeside grab and bones out (straightens out) the back leg with the board in front of him, this trick is called a slob. Another variation is if the rider does a backscratcher with a front hand heelside grab, this is called a Method. The tricks that a novice through elite rider can learn are endless. That is what makes riding and teaching wakeboarding so much fun for the instructor and the student.

Roast Beef Grab Novice Wakeboard Tricks Through the basics of learning to ride a wakeboard the rider has learned some of the basic wakeboard tricks. The following is a list of the wakeboard tricks that the rider has already learned that are worth points in a novice wakeboard tournament. It is important to encourage your rider to keep learning new tricks and to have fun riding the wakeboard. When teaching wakeboarding, encourage the rider to relax and have fun by going for big air and just enjoying the ride.

Standing on the wakeboard - riding the wakeboard in proper wakeboarding position FS(Frontside) / BS(Backside) Carve - rider carves a turn outside the wake FS/BS off the wake- rider crosses the wake without getting air Surf the Wake - rider links 3 or more “S” turns to- gether carving up and down the side of the wake. BS Air - crossing one wake backside and getting air FS Air - crossing one wake frontside and getting air FS/BS Surface 180- turning the board into the fakie position and back BS Air (2 Wakes)-getting air off one wake backside and landing on the opposite side of the second wake FS Air(2 Wakes)-getting air off one wake frontside and landing on the opposite side of the second wake

53 The following is list of other novice tricks for your student to start working on and some coach- ing tips to assist you. Bunny Hop - Starting outside the wake, the rider hops off the water without using the wake. The board must come clear out of the water. The rider uses his lower body to spring up off the water surface. The rider does not want to try to lift the wakeboard. Instead, bend through the knees and extend off both feet evenly and upward, and the board will release off the water. You can also suggest doing a slight cut before the hop to help the rider leave the water. Lip Slide - Have the rider approach the crest of the wake. Once on the crest, the rider should slide the wakeboard so that he is riding in a sideways position on the lip of the wake. The rider may want to first try turning the board to the sideways position behind the boat and then move to the lip or crest of the wake. It is important to have the rider keep his head and shoulders up and bring the rope into the opposite hip. When first learning this trick, you may want to have the boat driver slow down slightly to make it easier to turn the board to the sliding position.

Bunny Hop

Bunny Hop 180 - This trick is the same as a bunny hop with added rotation. Once the rider has mastered the 180-degree surface turn and the bunny hop, he will be ready to attempt this trick. With the extension through the legs and releasing the board off the water, have the rider add a 180-degree rotation. Make sure that the rotation is done at the peak of the release of the board. The rider rotates through the hips as in the surface 180 and lands in the fakie position. Backscratcher- Using the wake for air, the rider raises the board to a 90-degree angle to the water. If the rider is clearing both wakes and getting big air, it is time for him to start to move the board around in the air. The rider wants to bend his knees and pull his feet up towards his backside, raising the board to the 90-degree angle to the water. Returning to proper wakeboarding position for the landing, use the knees to absorb the landing. Stiffy- In this trick, the rider brings the board out in front of his body as he straightens out both legs. From the boat, the instructor should see the bottom of the board. Using the wake for a good launch into the air, the rider lifts up on his feet and legs while straightening his legs, raising the board out in front of his body. Stiffy

A full list of wakeboard tricks is listed in the USA Water Ski Wakeboard Rule Book. 54 Chapter 10 Learning To Kneeboard

Kneeboarding is fun and enjoyable for the entire family to participate in at any skill level. Kneeboarding is a great step for the novice student to learn rope control and just experience being behind a boat in the middle of a lake. However, as in all other water ski disciplines, it is important to master the fundamentals of kneeboarding to make it an enjoyable experience and for the opportunity to advance. As in tricks skiing, kneeboarding is done at a slower boat speed and can be performed behind a lower horsepower boat, making it great for a camp and family activity. Equipment

All that is required to kneeboard is a towrope, flotation device, kneeboard and the towboat and crew.

Kneeboard Kneeboards come in a standard size, but vary in weight and board design. All kneeboards are padded on the upper surface to protect a rider’s knees, and are equipped with a strap to secure the rider on the board. For the beginning kneeboarder, almost any kneeboard will work. As the rider becomes more advanced in the sport of kneeboarding, the weight and the padding style of the board will become more important.

Rope As in tricks skiing, the rope length is personal preference and suited to the kneeboarder’s weight and ability. When working with a beginner on the kneeboard the rope length is of little importance and a regular 75-foot towrope will be adequate to start. As the kneeboarder ad- vances, the rope length will become more important.

Personal Flotation As in all aspects of water skiing, a flotation device is re- quired. The device should fit the body snug and be the proper size for the student. Getting Started

Dry land Instruction As in all lessons, it is best to start with dry land instruction, teaching the student the proper body position, handle position and explaining how to start on a kneeboard.

55 Handle Position There are actually two ways to hold the handle, in the palms down/overhand grip or in the baseball grip (See general information section for a more detailed description of these grips). Both are correct and the student can easily change from one to the other. It is all a matter of preference. Once the student becomes familiar with both positions they can decide which one feels more comfortable and will provide the best control in what they are attempting.

Body Position The basic body position for kneeboarding is a kneeling position, with the knees on the kneeboard and heels touching the buttocks. The student’s back is straight and his weight is on his ankles. His arms should be slightly bent and positioned into the body. (See rope and handle positioning.)

Arm And Handle Position The arm and handle position is one of the most important aspects of kneeboarding, regard- less of which of the two grips the student uses. When riding in the forward position, the student should keep both hands on the handle with his arms bent at approximately the 90-degree angle, and his upper arms close to his rib cage. Holding the handle in this manner will allow the student to keep his back straight, while letting his arms move in and out to stabilize his balance on the kneeboard. It is important to keep the arms bent. If the student should extend his arms, the only move he can make is inward. If his arms are too close to his body, the only move he can make is outward. With the arms at a 90-degree angle, the student will be able to move his arms in both directions in and out and have good control. If the student is holding his arms in the correct position, the handle will be held low and never more than six inches from his body. The reason for the correct handle position has to do with the weight of the student’s body in relation to the kneeboard. If the handle is held too far from the body, the motion of the body will be forward and cause too much weight on the nose of the kneeboard. If the student is holding the handle to close too his body, the student will tend to lean back and cause his weight to shift to the tail of the kneeboard and the board will bounce. Starting On A Kneeboard

There are two basic methods for learning a start on a kneeboard. The beach start and the deep-water start. One important factor when teaching a student to kneeboard, especially a younger student, is to make sure prior to starting on the water that the student understands the operation of the knee strap and how to get out of the strap in a fall. If the student should fall, the board could roll on top of him in the water. The student must know how to get out of the strap in the water. It is a good idea to assist the student in the water and practice getting out of the strap in the event of a fall. When learning to ride a kneeboard, in some cases the strap is not needed for a while until the student progresses.

56 Beach Start The beach start is the easiest kneeboard start to learn because the student is already on the kneeboard in a riding position. You will want to place the kneeboard on the beach a few feet from the edge of the water and point it in the direction you want to travel. Make sure that the shoreline gradually slopes to the water and the pathway is clear of rocks or other debris that might damage the kneeboard. Have the student kneel on the board so that his knees are a couple of inches from the top of the padded area. Fasten the strap, if one is being used. While holding on to the handle and as the slack is taken out of the towrope, the student will shout “Hit It.” As the driver accelerates, the student should lean back as the board slides onto the water. By leaning back, the student’s weight will be on the back of the board and stops the nose of the board from going underwater. The driver will want to accelerate to about 14 m.p.h., depend- ing on the weight and size of the student. If a smaller youth is learning, the towboat speed should be between 10 to 12 mph. Once on the water, if the board starts to bounce the student should lean forward to eliminate the bouncing. As the student hits the water with the kneeboard, he will want to concentrate on staying on top of the kneeboard and keeping the handle in close to his stomach for balance. The student does not want to lean from side to side to balance, but rather use the handle positioning for control.

Deep Water Start

To learn a deep water start, the student will begin in the water by lying on his stomach on top of the kneeboard. The key to this start is to have his weight on his elbows with only the top of the board out of the water during the start, the elbows are positioned on the kneeboard where the knees will end up when in the riding position. It is a good idea to tell the student to put the strap under one elbow or hold onto it with his thumbs while holding the handle, so that when he slides up to the riding position the strap will not be stuck underneath him. The student will use his elbows to balance the board, not his hands. After the student instructs the boat driver to “hit it,” the boat should acceler-

57 ate moderately to the predetermined boat speed. The student should grip the handle with both hands and lay on his stomach. Once the board is sliding over the water, it is time for the student to gently move into the kneeboarding position, by slowly sliding both knees up and evenly. Any jerky movements will throw the rider off bal- ance. It is also crucial to instruct the student to make sure that his knees come up and touch his elbows before they come off the pad. The moment that his elbows are re- leased off the pad, the rider should rock his weight back onto his heels. Once in position on the kneeboard, the student should straighten his back to the proper kneeboarding positioning. Then releasing one hand from the handle, the student can reach down and slide the strap over his thighs and fasten it. It may take the student several tries to get the feeling for the deep water start. Just encourage the student that falling is a part of learning.

Teaching Young Children When working with younger students, it is suggested that the strap be removed or tightened down onto the board, disabling the use of the strap. Many children find it hard to release them- selves from the strap and may become frightened under the water while still attached to the kneeboard in the event of a fall. When children are learning basic kneeboarding techniques, the strap does not need to be used. When working with smaller, lightweight students who are kneeboarding for the first time, another suggestion is for the instructor to assist the student on the start.

58 The instructor can hold the kneeboard in waist deep water and balance the board for the student, who needs to assume the kneeboarding position (kneeling) on the board. As the driver accelerates, the instructor releases the board and the student kneeboards away. This is a great way to assist younger students and allow their first experience behind the boat to be an easy and pleasurable one. The instructor, depending on his ability level, can also kneeboard beside the child and offer assistance on the start and throughout the experience.

Learning More Turning The Kneeboard The key to teaching the student to turn the kneeboard across the water is to teach the stu- dent how to edge. Edging on a kneeboard is similar to edging a wakeboard or slalom ski. To edge on a kneeboard, the student must rotate through his head and upper body. For example, if the student wants to turn to the left, he will rotate his head and upper body to the left, while pulling the handle towards his right hip and pointing the nose of the board in the direction in which he is turning. As he does this, he will shift his weight away from the boat which raises the leading edge of the kneeboard and sets the farthest edge away into the water. This creates the carving edge of the kneeboard. To turn to the right, the opposite is done. The student will rotate his head and upper body to the right, pull the handle into his left hip, shift his weight onto the trailing edge and lean away from the boat, which creates an edging motion in the opposite direction. The student should control the press- ing on the trailing edge by applying a little more pressure to the left or right leg. When working on edging, if the nose or rail of the student’s kneeboard is digging into the water, the student needs to keep more weight on the trailing edge of the kneeboard to raise the edge out of the water by leaning away from the boat as he turns. If the student is falling over backward while edging, he needs to keep his arms slightly bent as he leans. If the student slides sideways instead of edging and cutting, he should pull the handle into his hip more against the boat and lean back to put more weight onto his leg farthest from the boat. If the student does not apply pressure to a single leg, the kneeboard will not edge and only slide. Once the student is carving inside the wakes with ease, have him practice crossing the wakes, carving turns and continuing through both wakes. 59 Learning Kneeboard Tricks Once the student is comfortable with starting and riding the kneeboard, he will be ready to learn some of the basic kneeboard tricks. As in tricks skiing and wakeboarding, the rider can learn surface tricks, wake tricks and air tricks on the kneeboard. When the student is starting to learn tricks, it is best to use a 75-foot towrope to stay clear of the wakes. The boat speed should be between 14 and 18 m.p.h. for an adult kneeboarder and slightly slower for a lighter, younger student. Learning surface tricks on a kneeboard is easier than on a pair of skis, since a kneeboard is much bigger, the student is closer to the water, the board moves slower and his body is in a more compact position. Although it is easier to teach a new trick on the water, it is best to demonstrate to the student the motions of the trick on dry land first and then have the student practice the motion on land for you. Once the student has moved to the water and is comfortable doing tricks behind the towboat, have the student try the same surface trick on the outside of the wake to prepare the student for more advanced tricks to come. The student’s handle positioning when doing tricks should be in the over- hand/palms down grip. This grip provides better control and helps the student keep the handle in closer to his hip when turning.

Side Slide

The side slide involves turning the kneeboard sideways 90 degrees to the boat and then returning to the forward position. The side slide can be performed to the right or to the left. To perform a side slide, the student wants to make it one smooth fluid motion, turning his body and the board at the same time, while pulling the handle into his hip and shifting his weight to the leg away from the boat.

Example: If the student is turning to his right, he will want to pull the handle to his left hip while turning in a fluid motion, shifting his weight to his right leg and raising the left edge of the kneeboard out of the water, which creates a smoother slide for the board. It is important to make sure that the student keeps the handle near his left hip and his arms bent with his upper arms near his rib cage. If the board is positioned at a 90-degree angle to the boat, the student should have no problem maintaining the side slide. Make sure the student keeps his head up and is looking at the horizon. Once in the side slide position, all the student needs to do to return to the forward position is turn his body and the board towards the boat, moving the handle away from his hip and back to the front kneeboarding position. The movement of the handle and the pull of the boat will turn the student forward. As the student is turning forward, he should shift his weight evenly to both legs for a smoother ride. To turn the side slide in the opposite direction, the student reverses these movements.

60 Surface 180-Degree Turn The surface 180-degree turn can be performed to the left or right. It involves turning the kneeboard to the 180-degree position, a full back- wards position from the boat. When trying a 180-degree turn, instruct the student to turn in one fluid motion, turning his body and the board all the way backwards until the nose of the board is facing back. The student will want to pull in on the handle to his left or right hip depending on the direction he is going to turn. It is best for the student to first turn to the side that feels more natural. As the student progresses, he will learn to turn to both sides. Pulling in on the handle, the student should release the handle with the hand that is leading in the direc- tion of travel, keeping the handle arm bent and near his rib cage. When turning, the student should rotate the wrist of the hand on the handle and shift his weight to the nose of the board to raise the tail of the kneeboard slightly out of the water. Once in the backward position, the student will regrip the handle with two hands, both palms up keeping it close to his lower back. Performing 180-degree turns requires the student to twist more at the waist to position the board 180- degrees to the boat. As in all water ski disciplines, it is important that the kneeboarder keeps his head up and look at the horizon. If the stu- dent is looking down, it will shift his weight to the nose of the board and cause the board to bounce. Once riding in the backwards position, the kneeboarder will be leaning slightly away from the boat, keeping the handle in close to his lower back, with equal weight on both legs. To return to the forward position, it is the same as in the side slide. The student will let go with one hand and slowly let the handle out. The pull of the boat will turn the student to the forward position. Once the student has mastered the 180 in one direction, have him work on the opposite direction, setting a good base for more advanced maneuvers.

61 The 360-Degree Turn

Learning the 360-degree turn is easy if the student has mastered the side slide and 180- degree turn. The start of the 360-degree turn is the same as the 180-degree turn with the same pull of the rope to the hip and the same spinning motion to the backwards position. As the student reaches the back position, he will continue the motion instead of stopping the rotation.

The student should rotate his wrist of the hand that is holding the handle and regrab the handle with his free hand in the back position. Then, let go with the first hand. This creates a hand-to- hand pass and continues the rotation to the front, slowly letting the handle out. The student should keep his head and shoulders turning in the direction of travel, keeping his eyes on the hori- zon. Once the board and the student reach the forward position, the student will finish with both hands on the handle just as he started. Have the student try the turn in the opposite direction as well.

62 Chapter 11 Learning To Barefoot

Barefoot water skiing is fun and exciting. The feeling of skiing across the water on your bare feet is one of great achievement. Along with the great feeling of barefoot skiing also comes hard falls. When learning to barefoot, it is important to pay close attention to safety. Also, when teaching barefoot skiing, limit your student to three or four tries and then instruct the student to take a rest. This will help limit the chances of a student falling and suffering an injury. Safety It is important in barefooting, as in all your lessons, to be safe. The following are some impor- tant issues of safety when barefoot skiing. 1. Make sure the student is wearing the right equipment. 2. Never barefoot in unfamiliar water or in water with floating debris. 3. Make sure the student knows the skier hand signals. 4. Do not put the rope around or over any part of the student’s body. 5. Have the student sink into the water on a landing. 6. Explain to the student to never to attempt to hold onto the handle in a fall. 7. If using a boom, make sure it is properly attached and be sure the driver is experienced in driving with a boom. Equipment Towboat The towboat is an important part of learning to barefoot. If the towboat can pull an adult slalom skier up in a deep water start without hesitation, it will be adequate to teach a beginner to barefoot. The right amount of power in the towboat is important. A quality barefoot boat is equipped to pull barefoot skiers at speeds of 44 m.p.h.. Speeds above 40 m.p.h are not neces- sary to pull beginning barefooters.

Towrope When choosing a towrope for the barefoot lesson, it is important to choose one that is of a non-stretch material. Make sure the handle is free of any sharp abrasions to protect against and injury.

Barefoot Suit The student must wear a proper protective barefoot suit to protect his body. A snug fitting padded barefoot wetsuit is recommended. This provides the proper protection in the event of a fall. If a barefoot suit is not available, another option is a shorty or a thick wetsuit, along with a proper snug fitting flotation device.

The Boom When teaching beginners, a boom is a fabulous training tool. Most booms are made of light- weight aluminum and attach to the boat. Make sure the boom is attached according to the manufacturer’s directions in a safe and secure manner. It is also important that the driver understand the techniques of how to drive with a boom and pull a barefoot water skier.

63 Getting Started

Driving For Beginner When driving for a beginner, it is important to remember that being on the slower side is safer. The driver should never push the throttle down in a hard and rough manner. The accel- eration of the boat should always be in a smooth constant manner until the desired speed is reach for the student. The speed for the student will depend on the weight, size and ability of the skier. When driving for a beginner on the boom, the driver should start off slowly and wait until the student has rotated through his lower body, with his feet in the forward position and riding on his rearend. Then the driver will slowly accelerate, as the skier plants his feet in the proper barefoot position. When starting on the kneeboard, the driver will start as if he is pulling a kneeboarder. When the student has his feet out in front of the board ready to barefoot, the driver slowly accelerates as the student places his feet into the water. For the step-off start, the driver will pull the skier up out of the water for the deep water start. When the student is ready and places his free foot into the water, the driver will acceler- ate to the barefoot speed. It is important when driving for a barefooter to communicate with the observer and watch what the student is doing. If the student in out of position or having difficulty, it is best to gradu- ally slow the boat down to avoid a bad fall. A smooth constant accelerated pull is best when pulling a new barefooter.

Speed Although many people believe that barefoot skiing requires excessive speed, this is not the case. The speed depends on the skier’s weight, height and the size of his foot. An easy rule to apply to determine the speed is to divide the student’s weight by 10 and add 20. For example, if the skier weights 100 pounds, the boat speed should be around 30 m.p.h. The exception to this is people with small feet or high arches, they may require more speed than people with flat and wider feet.

Getting Started As in all the lessons, it is as important to work with the student on dry land before entering the water. Explain to the student the proper body position and the proper positioning of the feet on the water sur- face.

Body Position •knees bent •low for stability •feet shoulder-width apart •shoulders straight up in front of hips •feet under the knees •hold the handle in the overhand position with palms down •proper foot position •head up

64 Foot Position One of the most important techniques is the proper foot position in the water. The student wants just the right plane and angle on the soles of the feet, with the water breaking on the balls of the feet and toes up. If a student is footing with ankles that are too stiff and curled toes, no matter how much he practices, his progress will be limited due to the placement of his weight on his heels. The student wants his feet under his knees with his toes relaxed and ankles flexed. The water should be hitting the balls of his feet. If his feet are too flat, the student will catch a toe and fall. If his feet are too angled with his heels dug in, it will cause unnecessary drag and spray. The right placement of the feet is important to the success of a student’s progress in barefoot skiing.

Moving To The Water There are various ways to teach a beginner to barefoot. The most effective method is by using a boom. If the use of a boom is not available, other methods such as starting off a kneeboard or stepping off a water ski can be taught. Teaching with a boom is highly recommended because the solid structure of the boom will allow the student to support himself. This is followed by barefooting with a short rope off the boom and then long-line behind the boat. Other methods such as working with a kneeboard allows the student to transfer his weight from the kneeboard to his feet. The last method, step- ping off the ski, is the most difficult. This involves transferring weight from a ski to the water. This method should be used only if the others are unavailable.

Boom Method When teaching a student to barefoot off the boom without a ski, make sure to go over all the steps prior to the lesson. After reviewing the lesson, practice it with the boom in the water.

1. Have the student hold the end of the boom with both hands in the overhand grip. Then have the driver slowly start to pull the student in a sliding position across the water on his stomach.

65 2. The student should rotate onto his back pulling his knees to his chest, rotating to a front position keeping his inside hip off the water. Instruct the boat driver to gradually increasing the boat speed to 25 m.p.h.. The boom should be high enough so that the students hips are just touching the water.

3. The student should position his feet about shoulder width apart with his toes up and legs bent, keeping his knees closer together than his feet. He should slowly place his feet under his buttocks, then slowly placing his feet into the water and begin to stand up. He should move his shoulders forward and keep his arms straight, knees bent and buttocks low to the water.

As the instructor, you need to pay close attention to the student’s foot and body posi- tion. If you see that the student is in the wrong position, you can advise the driver to slow down. The student’s feet will sink behind him. This will save the student from many hard falls when learning. When teaching young children to barefoot, the boom should be adjusted to a high posi- tion so that the younger student hangs from the boom and places his feet into the water in the correct barefooting position.

66 Kneeboard Start Method The most difficult part of this start method is for the student to maintain his balance on the kneeboard. The key is to try to center his body weight over the center of the board and lean back. His feet and legs can be used to stabilize the kneeboard by keep- ing the handle pulled into the waist. Inform the driver that he can help the student by keeping the rope tight as he positions himself on the board. The student may also find it helpful if he grips the sides off the kneeboard lightly with his legs. The driver will then want to accel- erate slowly to about 10 to 12 m.p.h. The student should lean back with the handle held into the waist and resist the boat’s pull. This will raise the nose of the board above the water and help the board plane. It is important that the student remember to keep his feet above the water as the boat accelerates. When the board starts to plane, the student should lean forward with the torso and steer the board outside of the wake by shifting his weight on the board in the desired direction of travel. At this time, the student can place his feet on the nose of the board to enable him to move the board easier. If the board begins to bounce under the student, the student has too much weight on the back on the board and should slide forward to balance the board. Once outside of the wake and in a stable position, the student can place his feet gently on the water surface shoulder width apart. Make sure the student does not dig his heels into the water. At this point when you see that the student has placed his feet into the water, instruct the driver to gradually accelerate the boat to barefoot speed. As the boat accelerates to barefoot speed, the student will extend his arms and in the crouch position shift, the weight forward onto his feet. Make sure that the student keeps his toes up. The student should shift his weight forward so that it is now on his feet so he can start to rise off the kneeboard. Remind the student to stay in the crouch position to prevent a fall out the front. As the student transfers his weight, the kneeboard will slip out from under him. Remind the student of the basic barefooting body and foot positions. 67 If the student is having problems balanc- ing the kneeboard, have the student center his weight in the middle of the board and remind the driver to keep the rope tight. If the kneeboard is submerging on the student, he needs to lean away from the boat and keep the handle into his waist at the start. When the student starts to stand up off the kneeboard and falls forward, he needs to stand up slower and allow the boat to pull him up. He should stay in a low, crouched position and keep his knees bent. This method of starting also may be used on a short rope on the boom as one of the steps in the progres- sion from the boom to long line.

Stepping Off A Ski This method, like the kneeboard method, can be taught on the boom or on long-line behind the boat. Stepping off a ski while holding onto the boom when done correctly is a great way to learn to barefoot. This step is recommended on a boom after the student can barefoot suc- cessfully while holding onto the boom. Stepping off the ski while holding onto the boom allows the student to support some of his weight on the boom and some on the ski. The boom will absorb a lot of the skier’s weight. If the student is trying this long-line, it will take the exact body position and techniques to step off the ski properly. It is best to use a flat bottom ski and make sure that the bindings are loose enough to let the ski slip off when ready. You can also use a ski without the rear heal attached. The student will begin in the slalom position with his knees bent, head up, shoulders back and the handle in at his waist. The student will want to gently trans- fer all his weight to his front foot and ease his back foot out of the binding or off the ski. The student then should lightly place his foot just on the edge of the water surface, feeling the water hit the middle of his foot. Place the foot close to the ski and about a foot- length ahead of the foot on the ski, with toes up. Bending through the knees and sitting low, the student will push his foot into the water. He should keep his shoulders straight up and in 68 front of his hips. When the student places his foot into the water, the driver should accelerate to barefooting speed. As the boat reaches barefoot speed, instruct the student to gradually shift his weight off his skiing leg and onto his foot placed in the water. As he transfers his weight, he should slowly lean his upper body and shoulders over his foot in the water. The foot on the ski should slowly ease behind the student and he should slide his heel out of the ski. Bring the foot up and place it into the water a shoulder width apart from the other foot with both knees turned in slightly. Instruct the student to place his feet into proper foot position. If the student is wobbly while standing on the ski and when placing his foot in the water, have the student sit lower and push his front foot out a little more. If the student is having problems dropping the ski and lifting his foot out of the bindings, you may want to check and make sure the bindings are loose enough and have the student practice lifting his foot out on dry land.

Error Detection The following is a list of common errors and solutions to help you instruct your student for a successful and safe barefooting experience.

Error Correction The barefooter is catching a toe Make sure that the boat speed is fast enough, knees are bent and the water is breaking on the ball of the student’s foot

Too much spray in the skiers face Have the student bend his knees a little more and transfer weight off his heels

Lower back tires quickly The student should keep his back straight and hips forward

69 This incorrect body position, is a real common error for beginners. The student is bent for- ward with his knees too stiff and hips behind him. His feet are turned out causing excessive spray. Positioning like this will result in the student taking hard falls.

Work with the student until he has mastered the correct body position and then it will be time for the student to advance to long line off the boom.

70 Chapter 12 Water Toys

There are many additional activities that your students can enjoy on the water behind a towboat. These activities, to list a few, include tubes, sleds, discs and other unique tow items. As in all water ski disciplines the most important aspect to remember when working or letting a student enjoy one of the many water toys is safety first. These toys can be a lot of fun for the student if the right driving techniques and proper safety precautions are followed.

Tubes, Sleds and Discs Tubes, sleds and discs are free sliding objects on the water surface that have no fins. These objects slide across the water surface with the pull of the boat and the boat driver, rather than the rider, in control. It is extremely important when pulling any of these objects to make sure the student does not get caught on a whip outside the boat wake in a turn or any time during the ride. When pulling a sliding object with little or no control, the driver should always be aware of the student’s location. When pulling a water toy, the towboat speed should remain slow, for it is really easy for these toys to slide out of control and endanger a student at faster speeds. With the proper safety precautions, these toys can be a lot of fun for all to enjoy. When riding one of these toys, always wear a proper flotation device. Explain to the first timer the operation of the toy. Although there are many different types of water toys on the market today, in most cases the student will either sit inside the toy or on top. On other toys, the student will lay on his stomach. Usually the rope is tied to the water toy itself and the student holds onto the sides of the toy (see manufacturer’s suggestions for operation of each toy). These toys can be allot of fun for the student that just wants to get wet and experience being towed behind a boat.

71 Acknowledgments

This manual has been produced by USA Water Ski with the assistance of professional coaches and athletes, and volunteers, such as Jim Grew, AWSA's National Coaching Advi- sory committee chair, and it members. Project director was Sue Barnes Smith, USA Water Ski's membership development and athlete program coordinator and the daughter of Reg Barnes the original writer of the Level 1 manual for the Cananadian Water Ski Association and the American Water Ski Association. Sue Barnes Smith compiled the materials and wrote and revised the manual.

USA Water Ski especially acknowledges the Canadian Water Ski Association, whose Level 1 manual served as a model for the original Level 1 manual.

Additional credits: Greg Nixon, manual editor; Sue Barnes Smith and Greg Nixon photogra- phers; Christopher Smith, Sue Barnes Smith, Steven Smith, Robbie Vandruten, James Vandruten, Tyler McDermeit, Bill Peterson, Bret Nill, Mark Ritchhart, and Leah Ritchhart, photo models. Special thank you to O'Brien International for use of equipment.

The publication of this manual was assisted by a grant from the United States Olympic Com- mittee, of which USA Water Ski is recognized as a Pan American sport member organization.