School me on slalom

[Mike88]

Thanks for all your advices! Wasn't thinking so much people still does slalom haha.
I will try my best!
For all your questions :
-teamAllen, yes i have RTP
- for the rope I wasn't planning to get another one.. I have my airhead 70ft. I can separate a 10ft. Maybe that's better for slalom?
- and for stand up I already do wakeski (dual waterski) and that's what push me to try slalom. Already very familiar with ski. I think I will try to stand up with only one.
Probably cheat a little bit couple first time and start direct at the dock haha.
Thanks again everybody!

[Mike88]

Thinking about the rope.. I was wondering what's an EZ rope, checked on google and I have one! My first rope now tube rope had that square handing. Gonna search for it this week, should be somewhere hidden in my storage room haha. If it really help for stand up I will use it.

[TeamAllen]

You don't need an entire new rope. You can purchase just the bridle (handle section) and attach it to your existing rope, if needed. It does help on a deep water start. My wife uses it every time. I found a picture of one. The ski tip fits in the V part of the rope to stabilize the front of the ski and keep it going from side to side.
https://www.waterskis.com/HO-Skis-El...p_v_handle.htm

Good Luck! Let us know how it goes.

[Bakes5]

Regarding 2 skis.....I never do them. I don't think it translates well to slalom anyways and it sets you up for harder falls when your lifting and dropping. I did learn that way but that was back in the early 80s. I always teach new folks with our fat ski (Connelly pilot), super short line and off the tower. If you have access to a barefoot boom that's really the best way. Most people, after going through the progression on the boom get up 1st or second pull behind the boat....but, I sold the boom when I sold my other boat.

As a rule, heavier you are the harder it is to learn.

It's good to see people branching out and doing the good stuff. Frankly, I hate that all the innovation is surf these days. I'd love a 23 footer that was a killer slalom boat....maybe the GS22?

[NICKYPOO]

Some good advice already. My advise would be to go over and talk to the slalom guys you see out ripping it up at sunset. Ask them if they would be willing to go out on your boat and maybe give you some advice on getting up. There's nothing like some personal training.

So far as the state of slalom in the water sports world, it's still kicking and seems like it's on the rise. We already added a first timer slalom guy to our group this year. He definitely caught the bug. I'm skiing more these days and I see more and more people skiing every year.

[malmz]

Couple more that apply.

- strong foot is generally forward. If you want to know which to put forward (this usually works better when they don't expect it), have the skier stand with both feet together, stand in front of them and push them evenly on their shoulders. What ever foot they step backwards with will generally also be their back foot.
- Use the EZ up handle if you have it, otherwise if you have your left foot forward, but the rope on the right, if you put your right foot forward, put the rope on the left, that is the normal way the push will make you turn, so the rope helps correct that.
- I second and third the barefoot boom. That is one thing we miss from our old boat, we would teach everybody the feel of riding anything on the boom, then they would get right up behind the boat. With the height and V-drive of our 24V, a boom would be much harder to work with.
- The tower and a short line will help you get up the first time, once you have the feel go to the ski pole and long line (75 foot rope), it is where you should be to slalom. The long rope gets you out of the wake more and make everything react slower. The shorter the rope, the faster stuff happens which you don't want right away.

I think I dreamed of skiing last night....

[Bakes5]

Hey Mike....while you trying new stuff, don't forget to try and SkySki. Used ones can be had for 1500 or less and can be sold for about the same price. Seriously fun and wipe outs are no big deal until later.

[Dan C]

Can't wait to get back on my ski!
About a month [emoji42]




Envoyé de mon iPhone en utilisant Tapatalk

[bsreid]

This is some awesome advice you guys!

I definitely enjoy trying new things, surfing gets boring after a while. Tried barefooting last year and wasn't too successful, could barely walk the next day. Between slalom and possibly and sky ski or airchair I should have some variety.

[JLG]

Love this thread as I prefer slalom over any water sport also

Plenty of tips on here and as mentioned I would look into the cheater slalom ropes or at least the bridle to get you started. You may not need it as you can already ski, but a very helpful tool for beginners and will work for future training of skiers. Stay tucked and get comfortable before boat operator hits throttle. Most beginners will struggle with staying upright and having the tip out the right amount before throttling. Very important steps before throttling and don't try to stand up to early, let the boat bring you up.

On my 15 Z3 which will be similar but heavier with larger slalom wake then your Z1, I add 20% ballast to front bags only, taps on 1 and speed usually 33-34 range. You will want to ski 28-32 range as a beginner or even 26. I've played with ballast and no ballast and I prefer a little weight in front as it brings boat front onto plane a little quicker and levels boat to where I like it. Again just my preference so play with a little weight in front before getting into water and see what looks best.

Having the correct foot forward is key also. If going without the cheater rope you will need to learn what side you prefer the rope on. I'm right foot forward and rope on right side which most would have rope on left side with a right foot forward. It's just something I've done since a kid and can't seem to brake the habit, but it works for me.

Wouldn't go full throttle with that Z1 as it will yank rope out of your hands or fold you over the tip of ski or even throw you sideways while learning. Think that is the biggest mistake I see on our lake when ppl are teaching others. They think they need full throttle when their beginning form is crap so focus on that instead. You may drag a little in beginning but its better then yanking you over the ski or sideways and you getting frustrated right off. Best thing you can do is play around with hole shots before getting in water and see what you think will work. 1/4 initial throttle may be plentiful as these newer boats accelerate rapidly if more throttle is needed.

Enjoy and post up pics and video once you get it!!

[Bakes5]

I have a 3 phased hole hole shot

1) tension the rope - idle speed. Once tension in place, hold 1/2 second
2) set the skier- about 1/4-1/2 throttle for about 1/2 - 1 second.
3) punch it - full throttle.

***all done as smoothly as possible**

Sometimes I back off a little if it seems like I'm about to pull them over during phase 3.

Occasionally I screw it up and the fall is my fault, but for the most part it works pretty well. Better skier get about 1/4 second in each phase

[Mike88]

Wow. Can't thank you more than that!
I own you one guys. With this tread I can't say I don't know what I'm going to do haha..
i think every possible technique and tips being told.
It's great to have different point of view too!

[bsreid]

After about 4 tries I was up and skiiing, not really knowing what to do. Next day I decided to head over to the ski club and get an ez up rope, a good driver, and some tips. With all that it was almost like I knew what I was doing, first time up every time. Definitely a lot more work than surfing, but trying new things is always a blast.

Any luck mike?

[TeamAllen]

Wow, that's fantastic. I'm glad it went so well for you. The best part is you don't have to choose between surfing and skiing. You can do them both.
By the end of the season you could be ripping it up like Dan C.
Give us some pictures of the success

[malmz]

After about 4 tries I was up and skiiing, not really knowing what to do. Next day I decided to head over to the ski club and get an ez up rope, a good driver, and some tips. With all that it was almost like I knew what I was doing, first time up every time. Definitely a lot more work than surfing, but trying new things is always a blast.

Any luck mike?

Awesome! Welcome to the slalom club!