Face the Wake and Keep your Weight on the Balls of your Feet

If you are an avid water skier, one of thecan be a good position, and it helps to keep your
scariest things to try is slalom. The slalom skierknees slightly bent and together. Always point the
has to cross what seems like a huge mound ofskis and your body toward the direction you want
water behind the boat, which is commonlyto go and face the wake head on. When
referred to as the wake. Bumps are a part ofapproaching a wake, try to force your lower
water skiing and having a smooth comfortablebody and ski through with both feet first. Keep
ride is sometimes difficult to achieve. In order toyour weight on the balls of your feet and not on
be successful as a slalom skier you must learn toyour heels. Even though you put your feet first, it
tackle the wake head on. If you are learning todoesn't necessarily mean you have to lean back
slalom, or attempting a slalom run, a few helpfulwith your upper body.This technique will come
techniques to get you safely across the wakesmore as you practice, and your ultimate goal is to
may be in order. Since Power boats come inhave your ski go through the water on its edge.
many shapes and sizes, make sure your towingWith more practice, you will be able to cut
boat has lots of power, as inadequate power canthrough the wake at sharper angles and faster
make slalom difficult. Even rigid zodiac boats canspeeds. Remember that your skis will go through
tow slalom skiers if they are adequatelythe water much faster on their edges rather than
powered!The key in this sport is balance! The wayflat. Take it slow in the beginning and as your
to achieve balance is to make sure your bodyconfidence level increases, your ability to tackle
weight is evenly distributed on your ski. You knowthe waves will also get better. A good ski boat or
you have reached the right balance when you caneven power boats such as a bow rider make
comfortably remain in the same position for anexcellent towboats.By Terry Price- Remember to
extended period of time. When your body weightvisit- Slalom skiing is more fun with a Malibu ski
is supported on the inside balls of your feet, thisboat!