RAISING THE BAR

Five steps to watersports success.

In my nearly half-century as an enthusiast, coach, and competitive water-ski and wake-sports athlete, I have observed firsthand how recreational and competitive athletes evolve and excel.

Smart approaches lead to success on the water, while missteps can land you in a frustrating rut with unnecessary falls and potential injuries. rough decades of observation, I have developed a

ve-step strategy for success.

1. SEEK GUIDANCE FROM THE START

“Just do it” might be an excellent marketing slogan for Nike, but it’s not the ideal strategy for learning and making progress. Instead of adopting a “let me try it” approach, which o en results in trial and error, opt for coaching from the outset. Learning through trial and error prolongs your path to success and increases the risk of acquiring bad habits. When you receive guidance, you not only grasp the basics and mechanics of tow sports, but also gain a better understanding of how each maneuver is done. is knowledge enables you to replicate success consistently.

2. FIND A POSITIVE ROLE MODEL

When aspiring to master a speci c maneuver, look for a positive role model who excels in executing the maneuver ƒawlessly with optimal technique. is role model can be a live, in-person mentor or even someone featured in videos. You can recognize optimal technique when someone executes a maneuver e†ortlessly and consistently. Watch this pro perform the maneuver repeatedly to instill a positive image in your mind, a‡rming that you can achieve the same level. Watching people with poor technique can create bad habits.

3. EQUIP YOURSELF FOR SUC CESS

Your choice of equipment plays a key role in your progress. Proper equipment can accelerate your learning curve signi cantly. For example, lighter skis and boards o†er ease of use, while comfortable, supportive and lightweight bindings enhance your control over the board or skis. Furthermore, the type of line you select is speci c to your tow sport of choice. Low-stretch lines excel in wakeboarding and barefooting, while lines with some stretch are ideal for slalom skiing.

4. UTILIZE GOALS FOR DIREC TION

Goals should guide you, not consume you. Instead of xating on the end result, use goals to set your course. An exclusive focus on the goal can lead to an impatient mindset, making you believe you should master the maneuver quickly. is impatience can trigger muscle tension, wasting your energy and directing e†ort in the wrong areas.

To overcome this, employ goals to establish your direction. Discipline your thinking to focus on the basics to achieving the goal. Every maneuver has its basics and mechanical nuances for optimal technique. Developing this disciplined mindset will not only accelerate your progress but also increase your understanding of each maneuver’s mechanics.

5. EXPAND YOUR HORIZONS

While many enthusiasts stick with their rst tow sport, venturing into other tow sports can enhance your enjoyment and overall understanding. Embracing variety within tow sports not only ampli

es the fun but also improves your awareness of key fundamentals, such as body position. Each tow sport shares similarities yet o†ers subtle di†erences. For instance, wakesur ng eliminates the need for a towline, allowing you to learn how to control the board by applying pressure through speci c points in your feet. Wakeboarding and trick skiing teach you how to do rotations, while slalom skiing teaches you how to use the ski’s edge to cross boat wakes and make turns. Barefooting hones your precision and body positioning due to the limited surface area of your feet.

With a strategic approach to learning, coupled with increased body awareness and technical

nesse, your progress in waterskiing and wake sports will be faster and immensely gratifying.

is added layer of satisfaction deepens the already exhilarating experience of participating in tow sports.

GOOD ADVICE Getting quality instruction can help flatten your learning curve and prevent developing bad habits.