How to Hard Cut in Slalom Waterskiing

Lean way out as you reach the outer limits of your turn before pulling back on the rope and leaning back for a fast, momentum-building slalom turn.

Things You'll Need

  • Safety Flags
  • Life Vests
  • Ski Boats
  • Water Ski Ropes
  • Water Skis
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Get up and comfortable on your slalom ski. Instruct your driver to drive straight.

    • 2

      Ski carefully to the outside of the wake, 35 to 40 feet from the midpoint of the wake. Avoid letting the rope go slack at all.

    • 3

      Bend and lean slightly forward, transferring more of your weight onto your front foot.

    • 4

      Pull back on the handle toward your chest, focusing the pull on your inside arm.

    • 5

      Lean your upper torso back as you continue pulling, and turn your ski slightly inward. This will cause you to cut hard and fast toward the wake.

    • 6

      Continue pulling back and cutting until just before you reach the wake.

    • 7

      Stop cutting as you reach the wake and allow your momentum to carry you across it. Absorb the bumps by bending your knees.

    • 8

      Glide on your momentum until you are the same distance from the midpoint of the wake as you started, only now on the other side.

    • 9

      Begin another turn.