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.