Best way to get ready for the new season?

[skibrain]

Re: Best way to get ready for the new season?

The "deep v" handle referenced above is a single handle with about 4' of distance between the handle and where the ropes join to become one. There is usually a spreader about 1/2 way down. It is different than a standard single jangle were the Ropes meet only about 12" from the handle.

The ideas is that when doing a deep water start, the skier puts the tip of the ski into the "v" if the rope. This keeps the ski centered and helps if skiers are tipping over on the start.

 

[Slide]

Re: Best way to get ready for the new season?

Get on the weights, man! Not necessarily to lose weight (though you probably will if you hit it hard), but to gain strength. Do big compound exercises - squats, deadlifts, presses, bench. Low volume, big weight - 3 sets of 5 rep max. You will gain strength fast, especially if you've been out of the game for a while. The difference in a slalom run between trained and untrained is amazing. You'll enjoy it a lot more!

 

[bmowers]

Re: Best way to get ready for the new season?

The "deep v" handle referenced above is a single handle with about 4' of distance between the handle and where the ropes join to become one. There is usually a spreader about 1/2 way down. It is different than a standard single jangle were the Ropes meet only about 12" from the handle.

The ideas is that when doing a deep water start, the skier puts the tip of the ski into the "v" if the rope. This keeps the ski centered and helps if skiers are tipping over on the start.

Ski Brain,
You ski in cold climates alot so I thought I would ask you about wet suits and such. I live in Michigan, Howell which is probably 250 miles or more south of where you are. The lakes get plenty cold but are 3-4 weeks ahead of your schedule if you are in Minneapolis area. I ski 1 day per year and am going to fix that. I bought a Bayliner last year as well as a GMC Envoy to tow it and want to ski 20-25 times as a goal. I don't mind cold weather and am not a wuss when it comes to temps. Even if the water is said to be cold I just jump in and say oh "what is all the fuss about". But I do want to be comfortable on the skis and why not? I am in the process of outfitting the boat for skiing and just got the Deep V- type rope. I need everything, ropes, Slalom skis, depth finders you name it. I just came back from an all day barefoot ski lesson in Winter Haven Fl and loved it. I was dooing 360 tumble turns by 2:30pm and getting up and down easily on the short line off a boom. I want to do more of that to my wife's chagrin. More to the point, I want to learn about when Heater shirts, Shorty Wetsuits, Longer wet suits and dry suits are needed. I did use a barefoot wetsuit (shorty) with Iron Man shorts for the barefoot lesson. Those were heavily padded and restrictive.

Can you give me a primer as to what I may need? and talk about the suit thicknesses. How is that for an assignment. I like the idea of coming out of a deep water start without the ballooning swim suit. The heaters and wetsuits look cool and I want one.

Thanks in advance.
Brian

 

[skibrain]

Re: Best way to get ready for the new season?

May through Sept is what most woud consider the ski season here in MN. A dry suit is essential if you want to stretch it a month or two on each end. They have snug seals at neck, wrists and ankles to pretty much keep you dry. Layer fleece underneath for added warmth. Bag suits (as opposed to more snug neoprene) are the most common and don't restrict movement. I wear an ONeill Assault Hybrid. Snug neo legs for less water resistance, and a bag top. Neoprene beanie on the head when it's really cool (less than 50 air temp). I've skied as cool as 40 air/40 water and stay cozy. Bring a cooler full of hot water to warm feet and hands after a run. Throw on a jacker and dry hat over suit when driving/riding in boat.

Because you are up and down out of the water, the water you warm up inside a wetsuit drains out as you stand up. Cold water flows back in when you stop. Start fall, start fall. I don't like to be cold.

I don't have a magic number, but as the water is closer to 60 I'm in a wetsuit. Either full or shortie. My shortie is a Body Glove I got on off-season clearance for $39 about 12 yrs ago. Bought an ONeill long sleeve heater shirt that I wore more than the shortie last season. pretty thin, 2mm maybe. Then wear either of those early mornings until mid July and August when water is mid 70s.

 

[bmowers]

Re: Best way to get ready for the new season?

Thanks Skibrain! 3 month to go before I put the boat in (for the very first time) I am training in the gym 5 days per week now getting ready. Will order heater shirt and look for a wet suit for early season. Thanks again.
Brian