A beginner’s guide to waterskiing

21 Jan 2017

Waterskiing might seem like a daunting sport at first, but once you’ve learnt the basics, you’re in for a thrilling ride.

It’s the perfect time of year to get outdoors and try something new – and what better way to enjoy those long summer days than by getting out onto the water and learning how to ride the currents on your own two feet?

Practise on land

Don’t worry, you won’t be thrown straight into the deep end with this sport. Instructors will teach you key body positions while you’re standing on solid ground, allowing you to get a feel for it before you head out on to the water. The proper starting body position is a cannonball. While sitting, pull your knees tightly into your chest and stretch your arms forward either side of each leg to hold the handle. Have a partner pull on the rope slightly to help pull you up – this will give you the feeling of being pulled up by the boat.

While practising, make sure your knees are together at all times and stay in the cannonball placement. The proper skiing body position is the chair position. To begin with, remain in the chair position then stretch your arms out straight in front of you, keeping your shoulders up and Instructors will teach you key body positions while you’re standing on solid ground, allowing you to get a feel for it. Knees flexible. Once you’re comfortable, bring your hips underneath your shoulders.

Know the signals

Before setting off, you’ll also learn the seven skier hand signals:

» Speed up: The ‘thumbs-up’ gesture indicates that the skier would like to speed up.

» Slow down: The ‘thumps-down’ gesture indicates that the skier would like to slow down.

» OK: If the set speed or boat path is good, the skier uses the OK signal.

» Turn: When either the skier or driver wants the boat turned, a circle motion with the arms over the head with one finger in the air is used, followed by pointing in the direction of the turn.

» Back to the dock: A pat on the head indicates the skier would like to return to the dock.

» Cut motor/stop: A slashing motion with the hand across the neck indicates the boat is to stop immediately. This can be used by either the skier, driver or observer.

» I’m OK (after a fall): This important signal indicates that a skier is OK after a fall. It consists of both hands clasped over the head and should be used every time the skier falls.

Safety first

Once you’ve mastered the key body positions and safety signals, you’re ready to hit the water. Remember to keep your head up, arms straight and knees bent, while putting some downward pressure on the handle. This will help you to maintain balance and good posture. But most importantly, enjoy the ride!