Too Much Speed at Shorter Lines? / Pro Ski Coach Water Ski Forum

shepherd · #1 Wed, Jun 18, 2008 2:11 PM

Hey guys,
I've been trying to get into 32 off (34 mph) this year. Every time I'm coming out of the 1 ball, I'm popping a "wheelie" and getting a lot of slack in the line. I think I'm coming into the 1 ball too fast and "flat" (i.e., heading down course). Any suggestions? My gates seem to be working pretty good, and I've been applying what Wade taught me when I was there -- nice, easy, wide pullout, let the boat pull you across the wakes, etc...

thanks!

ChrisRossi · #2 Fri, Jun 20, 2008 12:30 PM

Shep,
Your evaluation is spot on. For the overall arc that you are establishing, you are trying to make too tight of a turn at 1 ball. That is the cause of a wheelie. To fix this you must turn in without the rope so tight so that you can establish a little more direction without load. Starting your edge out slightly later (1ft) AND/OR being lighter on the line during your initial edge out AND/OR focusing on skiing out to the end of the rope in your pre-turn are possibilities that can help solve your issues. Also, make sure that you are not fighting to get early to one through your edge through the gates. Just turn in and go with whatever you can take without loading the rope.

Chris

slalomdude · #3 Fri, Jun 20, 2008 2:51 PM

Chris,
do you have any dates available with you at Skitek,thanks

shepherd · #4 Fri, Jun 20, 2008 6:41 PM

ChrisRossi wrote:
Also, make sure that you are not fighting to get early to one through your edge through the gates. Just turn in and go with whatever you can take without loading the rope.

I suspect this may be my problem. I 'm thinking about ignoring the gates for a while and concentrating on a nice "easy" pull to 1 -- worry about timing for the gates later. Good/bad idea?