Slalom by Lisa Adams Ladies World Champion

and World Slalom record holder

'a good standard' tips and hints sponsors email your question to lisa

This is a very rewarding discipline of the sport, although a lot of time has to be spent practising on the water to achieve a 'good standard'

In the beginning competency of a mono ski is the key, once managing to ski in a straight line, the skier should try one or two gentle turns, to learn control of the ski. The slalom course should be attempted by negotiating bouy one and then bouy six, all other bouys should be ignored. Slow turns and leans should be accomplished midway in the course and built up as the ability of the skier increases. (The normal speed to start is about 37 KPH for women and 40 KPH for men but this should be adjusted depending on age and weight.)

Once all six bouys of the course are completed the speed can be increased by 3 KPH, eventually to a maximum speed of 55 KPH for women and 58 KPH for men.

Technique is a very significant factor in being a successful slalom skier, it is very important to learn correctly from the beginning.

Whatever your ability, it is important to ask a coach or a squad skier to watch you at regular intervals so they can give you help and advice on how you are progressing and make you aware of any bad habits that you are starting to develop.

Above all else make sure you have FUN !

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Tips and hints

• Question

Why do I get slack rope when I've turned around the bouy ?

• Answer

If you are getting slack rope, this is because you have too much speed. Instead of skiing at the bouy and then trying to make a turn, when leaning maintain your direction slightly longer. When the same width as the bouy, start to change your edge (by the time you complete this you will be wide enough) and bend your knees forward from your ankles, (making sure you maintain a straight back) as this will slow the ski down and should eliminate any slack rope.

 

• Question

When negotiating the last tower before the start of the slalom course, I get pulled forward am therefore in a bad position, how do I stop this ?

 

• Answer

The first thing to do is look up at the carrier so you can be prepared for it to pull you. You should approach the corner with arms and legs both slightly bent and the handle out in front at chest height. About half a second before the carrier hits the corner you should squat right down so your bum is almost touching the ski and at the same time, the handle should be pulled right down to the stomach.

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If anyone has any other questions you can email me at

lisa@waterskiweb.com and I will do my best to answer !

 

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