Ski Setup

[bridomine99]

First, I appreciate you taking the time to read all of this and lend a hand....

I was wondering if I could get a little help on ski setup. I have a 68" O'Brien Siege with double Bio boots. I am about 5'11", 190lbs, ski left foot forward, am right handed, right leg dominant, and am starting to get a little more serious about slalom sking and am not sure if I'm setup quite right.

I have not moved anything at this point except for playing with the wing a bit (came separate from the ski). I originally tried a 9 degree angle based on a recommendation on another manufacturer's website and the ski was wheeling to the point I could hardly stand on it. Since then I have pulled it off and it has been much better, but if anything I still feel like I'm nose up. Also, I don't feel very comfortable and end up with spray in the face if I'm under 33mph on the Perfect Pass which I calibrated with the GPS this spring.

Question 1: I have read that for full line skiers who are learning and just starting to get onto the course no wing is the way to go. Do you agree?

Question 2: Do you think my boots are setup right? I'll attach a picture of the current / stock setup. I'm wondering if my nose up feeling (could be in my head because of the issues earlier in the year with the wing) is related to boot placement.

Question 3: It seems like 33 is a bit fast for getting started; however as mentioned above I don't feel right much slower than that. Does this seem right?

To give you an idea where I'm at skill wise: the other night we went out to the course for the first time and my friend's recommendation was to skip the entry gates to get started and start with ball 1. I did this and was able to get 3 (one was a gimmie obviously); however I was coming up short after that. He then recommended shadowing and I really liked that for starting to get the hang of it. I focused on trying to get within about 4 feet of the balls and I thought did pretty well. I was thinking of using this technique next time to start to learn about timing.

I'm all ears for any tips, tricks, things to try, etc. I have a buddy that is fairly good skier and gets through the course at full lg regularly who has recommended that I focus on trying to keep the rope at my hip and powering through the flats. This seems like good advice and I have been trying to work on it. However, it seems like I am airborn from left to right and end up with spray in the face. From right to left feels much more comfortable and I feel like I am getting a better cut.

Thanks!!

[Cloaked]

1) Wing won't hurt you. If it's there, leave it. It actually serves a good purpose in most all situations.

2) yes, looks like a good setup, in particular if it came that way. The R&D guys rarely miss a general setup.

3) yes 33 is OK on a long line. I'd look for a speed that is foregiving enough but will also keep you on top of the water and not dragging through it. If 33 feels right, I'd stick with it. For your height, the 68" is fine, however a 67" will allow you aggressiveness when you get more time on the water. I am 5-10 and 215 lbs and I like a 66" quite well. Strength training will help you a lot in the future as you progress.


Skipping the gates is a good way to work into the course. Timing and rythmn is what you want. A good rule of thumb that is always applicable at this point is do not look at the ball (where you want to complete your turn). Look ahead of it or at a horizon object. If you look at the ball, you'll go to it. You want to be there only when you're done with the turn..... timing and rhythm..... the rest will come to you easily.

Powering through the flats is not necessarily the issue. "Edge" through your pulls, square your shoulders to the bopat, and you'll get the power you're looking for. Stop pulling after the second wake, set up for the transition, and let the ski do the work. Finish the turn at the ball and then pull... Timing and rhythm.... :D

Everyone has a good side and a bad side. It will smooth out with practice. If you're skipping or getting up on the water, get back on the edge of the ski.

[BriEOD]

I'd leave the wing off. At this point in your development it isn't doing anything for you.

Where is the water breaking on your ski? Someone will have to look and tell you this. However, based on wear it is breaking will tell you whether you should move the boots forward. Moreover, if you think you are riding to far back on the ski you could always move the boots forward.

Good luck with the course. It can be a lot of fun and also really frustrating!

[bridomine99]

Great stuff guys.....thanks. Next time out I'm going to stick with no wing and 33 as recomended; however no one has ever told me the "square your shoulders with the boat tip" and I'm going to try to keep that one in mind. I've gotta get some video of myself also so I can get a visual on what is going on. Homework of the best kind :)

The only thing I found a little odd about the ski setup is that the front is set at the 2nd from the back and the rear boot is at the 3rd. Maybe this doesn't mean anything??

[BriEOD]

I wouldn't get wrapped around the axle on how the ski comes setup from the manufacturer. Figure out what works for you. There really is no right or wrong way in re: to boot placement.

[WTRSK1R]

I would agree with what has been posted so far. However, I personally would consider dropping the boat speed while getting your bearings in the course, but if you want to keep it where you are that is up to you.

There is lots of information on ski set up here: http://www.schnitzskis.com/skitips/skituning.html

When I started in the course I started at 28 mph 15 off until I could run it. I am about 180lbs, and I will admidt that I felt like I was sinking a bit, but it really helped to get the timing down. I am now skiing it at 32mph, but I still like to start at 28 and run a pass, then 30 and run a pass before hitting 32mph. It helps me build to the higher speed and get my timing and body position down rather then trying to run it 32 on the very first try.

Good Luck !:)

Steve

[ProStar Slalom]

I would also agree that 33 is fast for starting the course. Somewhere around 30 should be a good balance between plowing through the water and having enough time to think about what you're doing.

[ProStar Slalom]

...and unless you've got long toes and your back toes really stick out of the boot, try moving the rear boot forward one hole to tuck it in behind the front boot.