Slalom Deep Water Start
OK. So what's a "How to?" for the slalom deep water start doing in a "Barefoot How To?" discussion? Well, if you're going to learn to barefoot by stepping off a slalom ski, then you need to know how to do the slalom deep water start!
Of course, you don't need to know how to ski (slalom or otherwise) to learn to barefoot; take a look at the Tumble-Up Start tutorial to see what I mean. Learning a deep water slalom start is one of the more difficult aspects of water skiing but it seems most everyone wants to learn how when they progress to slalom skiing from two skis. Here's how:
- First off, should you have your rear foot in or out of the binding? Well, that depends on what type of binding you have and the power of your boat. For purposes of this tutorial, let's assume you have a high-wrap, fixed binding on the rear meaning you must start with both feet in (I feel it's best to learn with both feet in regardless; it's easier to maintain your balance). NOTE: Of course, when doing the Step-Off your step off ski will most likely have just the front binding or maybe even no bindings at all! I still prefer having both feet in/on the ski.
- With your knees bent tight to your chest and your arms around your knees, instruct the driver to tighten the rope and drag you ever so slowly through the water (with my boat, the driver is in and out of gear so as not to go too fast). This will give you the initial feel of the pull and how the ski balances in the water. Keep the ski tip above the water a few inches!
- When you're ready, yell "Hit It!" and begin applying lots of pressure to the back foot - probably at least 75% of your weight should be applied to the back foot.
- At this point, in addition to applying pressure to the back foot, you should be leaning back and letting the boat do the work. Don't try to stand up before the boat has come up to speed or you'll go out the front door!
- Gradually straighten your legs as the boat begins to pull you faster (in essence, this is how you stand up).
- Congratulations! You've accomplished a slalom deep water start!
