The key to running the slalom course at all ability levels is being able to create angle, maintain it as you accelerate through the wakes, and decelerating before the next turn. Here are three of the many strategies offered in the Interactive Guide to Water Skiing which will help you create and hold your angle during acceleration and deceleration.

P a t i e n c e

After you reach towards the boat finish your turn by skiing your outside hip around and up to the handle. Try not to pull in. Be patient and allow yourself to completely finish your turn before you begin to accelerate.

L e v e r a g e

The more leverage you have behind the boat, the more angle you will be able to maintain. By keeping your weight evenly distributed across both feet you will be able to bend your knees more. By bending your knees more you will increase your lean and leverage against the boat.

T i m i n g T h e W a k e

Learn to use the wake as a timing reference. We realize the next turn buoy is on the other side of the wake. With this given we can aim straight across the wake and know to change edge only after passing the second wake. Make sure that the tail of your ski has cleared the second wake before you change edge.