Getting up on water skis is a fundamental skill that every aspiring water skier must master to enjoy the sport fully. It requires a combination of proper body positioning, timing, and technique to smoothly transition from floating in the water to gliding on the surface. This article provides a detailed, step-by-step guide on how to get up while water skiing, covering essential tips and common mistakes to avoid.
Understanding the Basics of Getting Up on Water Skis
Before you even enter the water, it’s important to understand that water skiing is primarily a lower-body sport. Your legs provide the power to lift you out of the water, while your upper body remains relaxed to maintain balance and control. The boat’s pull is what helps you rise, so your job is to position yourself correctly and let the boat do the work.
Preparing for the Start: Positioning in the Water
Start in a deep-water position with your skis parallel and tips above the water surface.
Draw your knees toward your chest, flexing your ankles inward to bring the skis close to your body. This “cannonball” position reduces drag and prepares you for the pull.
Keep your arms straight and extended forward, holding the handle with palms down. Avoid bending your elbows, as this can cause loss of balance.
Relax your upper body—tension in your arms, shoulders, or chest will hinder your ability to use your legs effectively.
Look straight ahead at the horizon, not down at the water, to maintain proper posture and confidence.
The Three Golden Rules of Getting Up on Water Skis
1. Keep Your Arms Straight
Bending your arms is a common mistake among beginners. It instinctively feels like the right thing to do, but it actually destabilizes your position and increases the chance of falling. Keeping your arms straight allows the boat’s pull to transfer efficiently through your body to your legs, which do the heavy lifting.
2. Keep Your Knees Bent
Straight legs reduce your ability to absorb the water’s resistance and maintain balance. Keeping your knees bent acts as a shock absorber and helps you stay in a compact, controlled position as the boat pulls you up. Avoid standing up too quickly; instead, let the boat gradually lift you while you maintain a bent-knee posture.
3. Use Your Legs to Power Up
Your legs are the engine of your start. As the boat accelerates, push down through your feet and extend your hips upward, as if standing up from a chair. This motion lifts your body out of the water. Keep your ski tips above the water by applying pressure on the balls of your feet and pushing through your heels slightly to maintain control.
Step-by-Step Guide to Getting Up on Water Skis
Step 1: Position Yourself Correctly in the Water
Sit in the water with your skis parallel and tips above the surface.
Pull your knees to your chest and keep your arms straight holding the handle.
Keep your shoulders back and chest up, maintaining a strong, balanced posture.
Step 2: Signal the Driver and Prepare for the Pull
Communicate with the boat driver to ensure a smooth, gradual acceleration.
The driver should start the boat in idle gear, allowing the rope to stretch out without jerking.
Take a deep breath and exhale to release tension in your upper body.
Step 3: Let the Boat Pull You Up
As the boat accelerates, keep your knees tucked and arms straight.
Allow the boat’s pull to lift you gradually; do not try to stand up too soon.
Push down through your feet and extend your hips upward, keeping your knees bent.
Keep your ski tips above the water to avoid digging in and falling.
Step 4: Achieve the Upright Skiing Position
Once you are lifted out of the water, maintain a slight bend in your knees.
Keep your arms straight and relaxed, holding the handle close to your hips.
Look forward, focusing on the horizon to maintain balance.
Use your legs to steer and absorb any bumps or wakes.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Getting Up
| Mistake | Description | Consequence | How to Fix It |
| Bending Arms | Bending elbows during the pull | Loss of balance, falling backward | Keep arms straight and relaxed |
| Standing Up Too Early | Straightening legs too soon | Loss of control, falling forward | Keep knees bent until fully lifted |
| Leaning on the Rope | Using the handle to support body weight | Instability and poor balance | Use legs for support, rope only to tow |
| Looking Down at Water | Focusing on water instead of horizon | Poor posture, increased fear | Keep chin up and eyes on horizon |
| Heavy on Heels | Pushing heels toward the boat | Slippery feeling, loss of control | Center weight over feet, slight forward pressure |
Tips for Faster Learning and Practice
Practice the start position on land: simulate the crouched position with straight arms to build muscle memory.
Have a spotter or experienced skier assist you in shallow water to hold you steady as you get used to the position.
Start with two skis before progressing to slalom (one ski) to build confidence and balance.
Use gradual acceleration from the boat driver to avoid sudden jerks.
Relax and breathe: tension in your upper body will make it harder to get up.
Keep your eyes on the horizon to maintain balance and reduce fear.
Advanced Tips for Slalom Skiing Starts
Position your single ski slightly to the side of the rope, with your right foot forward if the rope is on your left.
Keep your knees bent and tucked close to your chest.
Push hard on your back foot to keep the ski tip up and maintain balance.
Maintain straight arms and a square shoulder position facing forward.
Practice crossing wakes by bending your knees more and approaching at a sharp angle to absorb shocks.
Conclusion
Getting up on water skis is a skill that combines proper body positioning, timing, and relaxation. By following the three golden rules—keeping your arms straight, knees bent, and using your legs to power up—you can make your start smooth and successful. Avoid common mistakes like leaning on the rope or looking down at the water, and practice regularly with a supportive driver and spotter. With patience and persistence, you’ll be gliding confidently across the water in no time.
Mastering the start is the gateway to enjoying all the thrills water skiing has to offer, from cruising on two skis to advanced slalom runs. Remember, the boat does the pulling—your job is to position yourself correctly and let your legs do the work. Happy skiing!