Start out speed for Slalom

[ga_mason]

What is a good speed to start at when learning Slalom? should you stay in the low 20's or go up as close as possible to 28-30? I have friends tell me differently. Thanks for any feedback.

[Waterski-Rebel]

If you are just learning, I would say 24. That is the speed I tend to pull newbies at. After you get better I'd bump it to 26, then 28, then 30. If you are using a high-end ski, and a very good skier you can go up to 36+

[Costigan]

I think it will depends on the size of the person. A bigger person will have to go a little faster to keep the person up. I would say mid 20s for an average size person.

[ga_mason]

thanks

thanks.... WOW 37 MPH. thats awsome. Im new to the slalom skiing and this helps me out alot. thanks

[rogersbm82]

I have always been told if the skier is not smiling, you are going too fast.

[dogbert]

I'd also recommend hand signals so you can tell the driver to go faster and slower. As a driver, I usually try to go just fast enough so there's no spray coming over the ski tip. That's usually a good stable speed for a newbie.

[zad0030]

Mid 20s for a starter, Speed up if they are getting too much spray.

Once you start going into the course speed up. Max is 36

[ga_mason]

....

thanks, I will try it out this weekend.....

[illiniboarder88]

I'd say 25 for a beginner. That being said, it varies from person to person. Also, DO NOT FLOOR THE BOAT on take off with a newb.

[dogbert]

Also, DO NOT FLOOR THE BOAT on take off with a newb.

This is probably true of any watersport, but great advice nonetheless.

[Waterski-Rebel]

I'd say 25 for a beginner. That being said, it varies from person to person. Also, DO NOT FLOOR THE BOAT on take off with a newb.

I would say this is true for 2 skis, but for slalom I disagree. You need the extra power to get a slalom skier up. And in all reality, I would hope a newb wasn't trying to get up on 1 ski. Hopefully they'll get good on 2 skis first.

[ga_mason]

......

That is is what I thought but I have a few friends who learned how to slalom before they tried two skis. But im with you, I am going the two ski route first.

[bfrank]

As far as the initial pull for a new slalom skier if they are getting up on one go nice and steady. Once up it really depends on the skier and preference. It really depends on weight and ski length and set up. If you have a heavier skier riding a 70 inch board most likely they will feel more comfortable at 26 to 28 MPH, a lighter skier with a 66 inch ski should feel comfortable at 24 to 26 MPH. Main thing is what is the skier comfortable with, once you have that work on cutting across and riding your edge.

What kind of ski are you riding??

[TeamAllen]

I'm with bfrank. Nice and steady on the initial pull.
You waist needless physical energy with a full throttle yank.

[ga_mason]

.....

I have a set of two but one of course has the back slip for slalom. It is 67 inches and I weigh around 185-190 lbs. what should I do? start with the two skis or go ahead and try hitting the slalom? and what speed do you recommend at this lenth and weight? Thank you all very much for all the help. The boards are the connelly extreme 67