How to Take-Off in Water Ski?

The Take-Off

The best start for the beginner is the deep-water start, which means in water that is 3 feet or more deep. The operator will bring the boat around and drag the rope near you so that you can get the handle and grip it. Get in the skiing position, knees high, almost against your chest. When you are set and ready, call “Gear” to the boat. That is the operator’s signal to move slowly ahead at idling speed until the slack is out of the rope. When you feel tension in the rope, shout “Hit it!” and the boat will accelerate rapidly, pulling you up on the water. Do not pull back on the rope. As you feel the pull grow stronger, stand up slowly, keeping your weight on your heels, not leaning forward or backward. Try to keep your skis parallel and about 18 inches apart. If your ski tips head for each other or spread apart, it is a sign that your ankles are turned. If you keep your knees about 18 inches apart and your feet pointed ahead, the skis will behave!

There are two sensations you must get used to on water skis. You will feel your skis wobble and think you are going to fall, but a little fight to keep your balance will probably correct this wobbling. Hold onto the handle of the tow until you are sure you are really going over. A little shift in weight will usually keep you on top of your skis. The other new sensation comes when you feel a bit of slack in the line. The natural reaction is to pull back on the handle, which will result in pulling you forward. Then, when the boat picks up the slack and the line tautens, you will be pulled off balance and go over. If you relax for a moment and give the boat a chance, the slack will be taken up and you will again have the support of the line.

In a shallow water take-off, you sit on the trailing ends of your skis, with knees bent. As the boat speeds up, get into proper skiing position with knees bent.

In many places the start is from a dock. Knowing how to take off from a dock is therefore important, and not too difficult. Also the dock start is good to know, as it is a means of “dry” water skiing with no need to get more than your toes wet-unless you take a fall. Sit at the edge of the dock, facing the transom of the boat with the tips of your skis out of water and your knees raised slightly from the dock. Place 7 or 8 feet of the line on the dock near you where you can watch it, and where it can run out without catching on anything. Or you may find it easier to hold the coiled rope in your hand.

Hold the tow handle. When you are heady to go, call out “Gear.” As the boat starts, watch the portion of rope you have placed on the dock, and as it plays out, call “Hit it!” and transfer your weight to the skis. At this point avoid leaning back or your skis may slip out from under you, and do not lean forward or you may be pitched ahead into the water. The crouch should be fairly deep and the handle should be held low to give you better balance at the start. It may take a few attempts to develop the right timing for this start. Wait for the boat to pull you. Do not jump off too soon.

Tags: water sports

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