correct slalom form

[bill 22]

I have been working on my slalom form and I was given a tip ?get your hips up to the handle.? I know the handle should be down, shoulders should be back and knees slightly bent. My problem is I feel like if I bring my hips up while my shoulders are back. I would be leaning so far back I would just fall backwards.

Maybe this is one of those confidence, control and comfort things. One of those things you just have to do it even if you feel uncomfortable and out of control. Then you get the feel and gain confidence to work on it some more.

Any tips on how you learned to get in to the correct slalom form?

 

[bill 22]

Re: correct slalom form

This is an old article but it looks like it could help.

http://waterskimag.com/how-to/2001/06/14/correct-your-worst-slalom-habits/

 

[skibrain]

Re: correct slalom form

Good stuff in the link.

Without photo or video, don't know what needs "fixing", but I think the first place to start is with your weight even on both feet: Riding straight behind the boat, in the turning, crossing the wakes. Knees slightly bent and centered over the ski. Straight front leg and riding the tail, leaned back is very typical and doesn't work as effectively. Centered and stacked over the ski will keep more ski in the water when turning, and better acceleration and control pulling through the wakes.

Bend knees with ankles flexed forward (moving knees over your feet) rather than bending at waist and dropping your hips.

 

[bill 22]

Re: correct slalom form

skibrain, thank you.

 

[Slide]

Re: correct slalom form

Bill, the handle tip is effective for when you're cutting back into the wake, especially when you hand off. When you change directions, you want to pull the handle back into your hips. In an "ideal" slalom run, you are constantly cutting, so the rope stays at hip height. Of course, in reality, we get tired and just cruise at times.