For Winter Waterskiing click here
For Waterskiing Video Reviews click here
For Waterskiing Links click here
For My Tournament Review 2002 click here
OK so anyone who can slalom can tell from the above picture that I was still on the learning curve but let me assure you that I was having the time of my life doing it. I first learnt to ski on the Jolly Boys Outing 99(See JBO99 on Andy's Leisure Site for details) but one year on I am well and truly hooked. I just wish I'd started years ago.
The next pic was taken 3 years later...check out the style
Here I am towards the end of 2000 season with my very own brand new monoski. It is an 65" HO Venture. This is a hybrid type ski which means that it is slightly wider than a normal slalom ski but it has a similar tunnel and tailcut
to a traditional slalom ski. For someone at my level that's a bit like having your cake and eating it.The picture is taken along side Andy's 1974 Glastron GT150. (More details again at Andy's site.)
Our days out skiing aren't always plain sailing as can be seen
from this picture taken from the reservoir where we ski. This tornado which occured in Sept 2000 caused quite a stir locally as they are fairly rare in this area.
Quite an awesome sight that thankfully passed us by.
Here we are in the lakes trying wakeboarding. Good fun but at the moment learning the slalom course
has my full attention. During the last session of the year I managed all 6 buoys on the mini-course plus the gates at 24mph
at 15 off. OK so not very inspiring but just watch me next year!
- Always wear a buoyancy aid. A couple of the guys I ski with hit their heads
in falls this year but their buoyancy aids took care of righting them while they got themselves together again!
- Check out the book "Complete Guide to Water Skiing" by Favret & Benzel (ISBN 088011522X)
It has some excellent advice about all aspects of waterskiing and particularly slalom.
The exercise to be done on dry land for practicing your leaning has made a world of difference.
- Take some lessons-THIS IS SOUND ADVICE-We usually go to Hazelwoods Ski World in Lincoln(UK) Tel. 01522 688887. You'll learn more in one session
with an expert than half a dozen trying to wing it.
- Try to see the experts in action on television or video and check out some of the skiing links
at the bottom of this page. - Try to get as much advice from different people before throwing your hard-earned cash at the first ski
that you see. Try before you buy-lots of the Pro Shops have facilities.
Check out the end of season bargains. If you don't mind last seasons graphics on your ski
you will often get some good discounts. (I saved over £70 on mine)
- Have fun but watch out-it's an addictive sport!
