How to Get Up on One Water Ski

Drag behind the boat with one foot in the ski and the other dragging behind it. Freeze as the boat speeds up, and let the boat pull you up. Put your back foot in the ski, and you're up and riding on one ski.

Things You'll Need

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

Instructions

    • 1

      Put on your slalom ski with the foot of your slalom leg (your strong one) forward and snug in the binding.

    • 2

      Pull the knee of your slalom leg up to your chest so that the tip of your ski is pointing up out of the water in front of you. Let your other leg hang down behind you with toes pointed out.

    • 3

      Grip the ski rope with the baseball-bat grip (knuckles on opposite sides).

    • 4

      Have the driver pull you at a slow idle to get the feel of being pulled forward.

    • 5

      Yell, "Hit it," to have the driver accelerate to regular speed (correct speed depends on skiers weight and skill, see "How to Drive a Ski Boat"). Freeze in your present position as the boat is accelerating. Make no unnecessary movements.

    • 6

      Keep your rear foot dragging behind you until your ski is planing and you are out of the water. Avoid trying to stand up. Let the boat do the work.

    • 7

      Straighten your back, and place your rear foot in the back binding.

    • 8

      Relax your arms, and lean back on the rope.

    • 9

      Release your grip on the rope, and sit back into the water to stop.