How to Waterski for Beginners

Millions of Americans water ski and find it an exhilarating way to enjoy a day at the lake or on the ocean. The sport is popular with families because it accommodates different skill levels and allows every member to join in. For beginning skiers, getting up and staying up on skis may seem challenging, but the waters are visited by many advanced skiers who were once novices. Trying and trying again will take the beginning skier from "in" the water to "on" the water.

Things You'll Need

  • Boat
  • Rope
  • Water skis
  • Life jacket
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Instructions

    • 1

      Wear a properly fitting life jacket even if you're a good swimmer. An injury many render you unable to stay afloat. The jacket will also help boaters spot you in the water. Choose skis that fit securely but comfortably. Skis are often put on while in the water.

    • 2

      Grab the rope handle and float on your back while the driver maneuvers the boat to remove slack from the rope. Conserve energy by not trying to stay aligned with the boat and keep your skis straight at this point. Once the slack is gone, the driver will put the boat in neutral and await your signal to go.

    • 3

      Bend your legs fully and position your elbows on the outside of your knees. Your arms should be almost fully extended. Keep the skis between you and the boat and the rope between the skis. Your body should be curled into a ball but your head lifted towards the boat.

    • 4

      Signal the driver that you're in position by calling out "Gear." This is his cue to idle the boat to remove any remaining rope slack and begin pulling you forward. Watch for all slack to leave the rope, and call "Go Boat," instructing the driver to slowly pull you to a standing position. It is impossible to pull up a new skier too gradually, so tell the driver if his speed makes you uncomfortable.

    • 5

      Resist the urge to unbend your knees. The pull of the boat will immediately pressure you to straighten your legs, but the boat must gain enough speed for you stay above water. Remain curled in the ball position and avoid trying to stand too quickly. Wait three or four seconds after the boat starts moving before trying to stand. Push evenly with both legs into a standing position.

    • 6

      Bend your knees, but keep them loose. They serve as shock absorbers; if you keep your legs straight, your waist will absorb the shock of any waves you hit and knock you unstable. Extend your arms to maintain stability and manage slack that finds its way into the rope. Though you do pull your arms in to remedy slack, you won't be able to if skiing with your hands already close to your chest.

    • 7

      Keep your skis together, but not so close that they touch. Although splits are impressive in gymnastics, they aren't in water skiing, so spread your feet no more than shoulder-width apart. Center your weight over both skis to travel straight. Shift your weight to the right ski to turn right and to the left ski to turn left. Turning, also called cutting and carving, takes practice, but you'll soon be skilled enough to try slalom skiing, also known as skiing on one ski.