Double boots or not

[alecams]

Seems i have a very hard time getting up with both feet in. Is there a trick? With my fat butt i just can't hang on long enough to get up and end up dragging my foot thus use a slip in for the rear foot. Any advice?

aa
85 PS

[east tx skier]

I'm not aware of any different approach to getting up on slalom with a double boot versus a RTP. With bigger skiers, I go a little easier on the hole shot. Just keep those knees bent with the ski tip up and between you and the boat. Let the boat do the work.

[parks_jr_55]

Get the tip as high out of the water as you can. That made the biggest difference for me. It feels uncomfortable at first but I found the higher up, the less sinking you do.

This is my first year with double boots and it used to take me 4-5 times to get up, now after doing it for a while is one time. I like the double boots better too. It is a huge difference from the RTP. With the RTP i used to be always leaning forward and now with the double boots I sit back on the ski better.

[Upper Michigan Prostar190]

I have never been able to get up on one ski. I still cant. I tried a few times this summer. No dice. To be honest, I really just think its one of those things that I am not cut out to do. I have a buddy I ski with that can do it, and he chooses not to. He starts on two skis, and drops one. He says the energy you use up getting out of the water is wasted and is much better utilized on TOP of the water skiing and having fun. He can ski much longer and better when he starts on two, I have seen it. he says his endurance is shot with the one ski starts....

SO that makes me feel a bit better about it. I wish I could do it, but I am not going to obsess about it. I just drop, and enjoy. :twocents:

edit- I forgot to add that my cousin who is a great slalom skier prefers a RTP ski, and always has. He agrees with my buddy that you waste too much energy getting up on the one ski. and this guy is IN SHAPE. Excellent condition physically. He tried some guys double boot ski a few weeks ago and he was reminded that he didnt like them. Funny..... different strokes for different folks I guess.... :confused:

[smsunman1]

your from upper michigan, to close to Canada, what can I say. 8p

[Ric]

I have never been able to get up on one ski. I still cant. I tried a few times this summer. No dice. To be honest, I really just think its one of those things that I am not cut out to do. I have a buddy I ski with that can do it, and he chooses not to. He starts on two skis, and drops one. He says the energy you use up getting out of the water is wasted and is much better utilized on TOP of the water skiing and having fun. He can ski much longer and better when he starts on two, I have seen it. he says his endurance is shot with the one ski starts....

SO that makes me feel a bit better about it. I wish I could do it, but I am not going to obsess about it. I just drop, and enjoy. :twocents:

edit- I forgot to add that my cousin who is a great slalom skier prefers a RTP ski, and always has. He agrees with my buddy that you waste too much energy getting up on the one ski. and this guy is IN SHAPE. Excellent condition physically. He tried some guys double boot ski a few weeks ago and he was reminded that he didnt like them. Funny..... different strokes for different folks I guess.... :confused:
Mapple skis an open rear toe plate. Set a few world records with it too.
.
.
I don't think he starts up on doubles though ;)

[MarkP]

He says the energy you use up getting out of the water is wasted and is much better utilized on TOP of the water skiing and having fun. He can ski much longer and better when he starts on two, I have seen it. he says his endurance is shot with the one ski starts....

:confused:
That’s absurd!:uglyhamme .. Sorry but truley absurd..
I almost pissed myself

That has got to be like excuse # 620 or something.. I know I’ve never heard it before:purplaugh

[east tx skier]

Agreed. It just doesn't make sense to me. Maybe I've just been doing it for too long. I think jacking with that dropped ski sounds like more of a waste of energy in my case. But whatever works for you and makes your day brighter. It took everything in the boathouse to get me up on one ski (flat bottom wooden ski with long metal fin, double handle rope, empty boat, case of beer and a patient driver who pulled, stopped, repeated, and offered instruction for 2--3 days).

He (my first slalom teacher) passed away earlier this year from lung cancer. May he R.I.P. In his mind, dropping a ski was never an option. I guess I've carried that with me. But once I learned, even though I only skied, at most, once a year from 1985 to 1988 and maybe once from 1989 to 1998 before meeting my ski fanatic wife, I never forgot how to deep water start. I should probably learn to be more open minded I suppose. But then again, nah.

When I teach people slalom, I only teach deep water starts. I am always patient and it is truly one of my most favorite things to do on the boat. I tell always them that we have all the time in the world and that nobody on the boat wants to be doing anything other than what we're doing.

[Crash]

Getting up on one with 2 feet in can be difficult for some and harder for those bigger than average. I always start 2 in and now my wife and son also start 2 in. After practice, I don't think you or your friend would feel any loss of energy starting with two in.

With back foot in most people have their ski too verticle, causing drag and arm strain. Ski at 45 degree angle, bend back leg, handle knot "Y" next to ski and HOLD ON (when you think you can't hold on longer, count to 5). Boat speed slow (get's the body moving) then accelerate quickly.

I too had difficults with 2 in when I went to a comp ski, be patient. PS, my 10 yr. old got it on his 2nd try slaloming ever...wife called him 'a little turd' the rest of the day.

My 2 cents on RTP or double boot.
- Best friend tore hamstring because starting with one foot in and dragging other...two legs are stronger than one.
- When falling, I don't want one foot to come out and twist my foot/knee/ankle/hip/etc. that's still in a binding.
- When skiing, don't want the back foot to slide out and the extra ankle support helps hard pulls and crossing the wake.

[Footin]

I have had both doubles and a rear toe plate.

My current ski, don't laugh, and older EP Stilleto, has doubles.

[jbfootin]

They are harder to get up on and when I do ski with a double boot I have a hard time cutting to the off side. I apparently do not ski flat footed, I raise up on my toe and tilt my knee in when I cut. The 1st time I skied with a double boot I kept just tipping over on my cuts to the left. To the right I was fine. . . I may be doing something wrong :confused: , but I believe in doing what feels natural and have fun with it. :toast:

[3event]

Agree with earlier comments, most important is keeping the tip up in front of you. Crouch near the ski so your center of balance isn't far from it (tipping - leaning). DONT be in a hurry to get your weight forward - keep that tip out there, and have the driver be easy on the throttle. These inboards have a lot more pull than most people will need for 1skier.

I learned on RTP combo ski, went to double boots after an ankle break. Never looked back, but I do think double boots are a little harder to start on. With the back foot in, the ski doesn't plane as quick so the "hold on" factor increases. Once in a while I use a RTP ski to step-off-footn and dragging the leg seems to help balance , pop up much quicker.

Hang in there! Visualize yourself UP. Once you get it, if the driver doesn't yank you too hard (or too little - dragging), you shouldn't be wasting much energy with the start.

[Upper Michigan Prostar190]

beats me....

I dont know. I am just telling you what they said, and they can both get up on one ski. :confused:

I am not trying to make excuses markp, I just am not able to get up on one. I have certainly tried alot too. I figured the advice I got here would do the trick, but no dice. I just keep plowing through the water until my arms cant take it anymore, or I loose balance. I just am not able to do it. I am not trying to blame it on other things. I accept it, I just cant do it, its me thats the problem. Not the ski, the boat, the rope, the water temp, the gas in the boat, the sputtering carb, the swim trunks that are too tight, my gloves, etc.... I dont pass blame. I am the one responsible for the fact that I cannot start on one ski.

Glad you got a laught out of it and I could provide some entertainment for you though. :D :toast:

[Footin]

If you have access to a boom that is a great way to learn.

[east tx skier]

UMP, have you tried a deep v handle? They are the greatest deep water start aids in the world IMO. Stick the ski in the deep v and it keeps it centered and out of the water until you're up (when you come up the v rises off the ski. It's pure genius. We use them to teach people to deep water start.

Also, one of those extra-wide beginner skis are excellent for getting up out of deep water. Of course, they're not very good for skiing once you're up. But good for learning starts. I'd also recommend a good, old, flat bottom ski with a long metal fin on it. They don't tend to want to hunt as much as more modern skis with concave bottoms.

[parks_jr_55]

I like this picture for some reason.

I normally have the ski about that high out of the water when i start and I am pretty much sitting on the back. If that helps

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y163/vw_wr/JTSKI031.jpg

[MarkP]

beats me....

I dont know. I am just telling you what they said, and they can both get up on one ski. :confused:

I am not trying to make excuses markp, I just am not able to get up on one. I have certainly tried alot too. I figured the advice I got here would do the trick, but no dice. I just keep plowing through the water until my arms cant take it anymore, or I loose balance. I just am not able to do it. I am not trying to blame it on other things. I accept it, I just cant do it, its me thats the problem. Not the ski, the boat, the rope, the water temp, the gas in the boat, the sputtering carb, the swim trunks that are too tight, my gloves, etc.... I dont pass blame. I am the one responsible for the fact that I cannot start on one ski.

Glad you got a laught out of it and I could provide some entertainment for you though. :D :toast:
I’m sorry I meant to say what crash said it just didn’t come out right.. And my comment was meant more for your other driver.
No wonder my wife tells me that I am/can be abrasive..


YOU can do it..

Stick with it and don’t let someone tell you you’ll get too tired out if you keep trying. The day I got up with both in it literally took hours of trying. BUT I had someone that was willing to keep coming around and bringing me the rope as long as I would grab it

[X2M]

My husband has doubles. Years ago had RTP but broke his nose at least once (I think twice) when the ski came back and got him after a fall. He prefers the double boot now. Safer that way. :D

I haven't been able to get my big butt up yet. I singled when I was in my teens. Mental block I think. It's gonna happen this year though. I can feel it. :D

[SteveO]

I have had both doubles and a rear toe plate.

My current ski, don't laugh, and older EP Stilleto, has doubles.

Footin, I just got off my EP stilleto last year. I loved that ski. The boot were ripping and it was almost as cheap to buy a new ski than replace the bindings (at least that was my excuse). I had a RTP and went to double boots on a KD 7000 and would never go back to an RTP.

[east tx skier]

YOU can do it..

Stick with it and don’t let someone tell you you’ll get too tired out if you keep trying. The day I got up with both in it literally took hours of trying. BUT I had someone that was willing to keep coming around and bringing me the rope as long as I would grab it



That's it. I've paid my first teacher's patience forward and will continue to do so as long as I have a boat and gasoline.

[BRAZOS 205]

With back foot in most people have their ski too verticle, causing drag and arm strain. Ski at 45 degree angle, bend back leg, handle knot "Y" next to ski and HOLD ON...

I think this is very important. I have taken pulls where I was just plowing the lake with my ski and it took everything I had to get up. And I know 328 Pony will pull me up (190 lbs). It took me awhile to figure out what I was doing. I have double Animal boot on a HO CDX, and now I pull my back foot as close to my bum as possible to get the ski at a 45 degree angle in the water before take off. When the boat starts to pull, push with the front foot and use the back foot to stabilize. This drastically helped me get up with less effort.

[east tx skier]

Quite honestly, I don't even remember what I do anymore. I just keep that ski tip out of the water and when everything starts to come together, I just stomp down on that back foot and pop out of the water. It was the same when I was 198 versus me at 170 today.

I will say this, nothing popped me out of the water like that Mapple. I prefer the CDX once I'm up, but the Mapple came out of the water like nothing I've experienced.

[BRAZOS 205]

I do think my CDX is a bit harder to get up on than other skis I've used. But I have not used many skis. And I am 20 lbs heavier than I was when I bought the ski in '99.

[BriEOD]

My current ski, don't laugh, and older EP Stilleto, has doubles.

I have an old one that is retired in my garage. ;)

[jamisonsbrodie]

I have skied with doubles since my 87 Mach 1, and think the support that you get is unmatched. It is just too easy to slip out of the RTP, and then who knows what can happen. 2 weeks ago my father in law was on his combo slalom ski, and while crossing the wake his rear foot came out and then while doing the spilts, tore his hamstring. He is still limping. For me, doubles are the only option, but there are a handful of pros that still use RTP's. Mike McCormick from McCormick's ski school also swears by the RTP.

[rspiecha]

I have found the wider I get, the wider the ski I buy for the year:)

I prefer double high wraps.

Rob

[Crash]

I haven't been able to get up yet. Mental block I think. It's gonna happen this year though. I can feel it. :D
Once my wife convinced herself, come hell, high water, or all day, she would get up...she did.

Again, like the saying goes in our boat (Yoda Quote) "There is no Try, there is only Do or Do Not!" And our new favorite saying from TT "Don't let go until your face hits the water!"

[X2M]

And our new favorite saying from TT "Don't let go until your face hits the water!"

That's the problem right there. I just let go to soon. :D :D We are going out tonight. Maybe I'll try. I haven't tried this year yet. Been trying to work on my boarding.

[Ric]

That's the problem right there. I just let go to soon. :D :D We are going out tonight. Maybe I'll try. I haven't tried this year yet. Been trying to work on my boarding.

People I try to teach grasp this idea when I tell them that if their knees are spread at all, they will catch the sides of the trough of water the ski creates & knock you side to side til you fall over.
The ski can do all the work for you if you stay tucked in behind it and let it make a groove in the water.
It's easy to say, but any adult learning to ski needs to think about the term "keep your knees TOGETHER, knees up to your chest & your arms straight." If you feel that pull once, it's ALMOST as redundant as riding a bike after that.

[Tom Wortham]

Once you go double boot... you can't go back. :D Cutting will never be the same. Little story... I picked up one of those "big easy" wide ski.... just to try it and use for my friends trying to learn how to get up on one... very easy to get up on... and it is a double boot... but don't you try and cut on it.... :uglyhamme That board is slicker than snot. :eek3: I have an old old Kidder that I bought from the guy I bought my boat from. It's great. I can only imagine what the new ones run like. :rolleyes:

[betsy&david Harrison]

Great advise...but one thing I know holds you boys down in the water...your long shorts! Snug your shorts up so you don't get water drag and once you are up...using all this helpful advise from the TMC group...pull your shorts down! ;) B

[MarkP]

Great advise...but one thing I know holds you boys down in the water...your long shorts! Snug your shorts up so you don't get water drag and once you are up...using all this helpful advise from the TMC group...pull your shorts down! ;) BBETSY!:eek: !!!!

[betsy&david Harrison]

You know you want to ski and party with me! :friday:

[Jerseydave]

KEEP TRYING!!!

Like said before:

Practice on a boom if possible
Use a wider, flatter ski (old wood Dick Pope's work well)
Deep-V handle rope

Once you ride double boots, you'll never go back to a RTP.
(my wife learned with both feet in right from the beginning, she was having trouble dragging a foot)

One other thing to try, get up your way and then slow the boat down until you just start to sink into the water, then have the driver accelerate as if he were getting you up like a deep water start.
With a good driver, this should help you learn the deep water start.
Try it!

[USC8791]

I agree definitely with the 45 degree angle advice. You may also want to roll your shoulders forward to ensure you are keeping your arms straight. As soon as you pull your arms in you shift your weight back and create more drag. Stay forward on the ski, over your front foot until you are on plane.

Also, O'neil Superfreak board shorts don't hold water!

[BriEOD]

I don't know guys, I literally get lined up, and ride the back of my ski for a split second til I'm on plane and pop right up. Becareful getting to far forward or trying to stand up to fast you'll come over the ski. If anything I would say more weight on the back foot. Just my :twocents:

[MarkP]

You know you want to ski and party with me! :friday:Ah, OK!!!!:friday:

[jimmer2880]

I think this is very important. I have taken pulls where I was just plowing the lake with my ski and it took everything I had to get up. And I know 328 Pony will pull me up (190 lbs). It took me awhile to figure out what I was doing. I have double Animal boot on a HO CDX, and now I pull my back foot as close to my bum as possible to get the ski at a 45 degree angle in the water before take off. When the boat starts to pull, push with the front foot and use the back foot to stabilize. This drastically helped me get up with less effort.

I totally agree.

And - after being forced to ski behind a lesser powered boat for the past couple weeks (mine is having fuel pump issues), I remembered something very important I used to do when learning. 1st - keep both feet on your bum like Brazos said. 2nd - once you feel the boat start to pull, count 1 onethousand, 2 onethousand, 3 onethousand, then straighten both legs (push really hard) and stand up.

If you do that, your body won't be catching all the drag from the water & you'll be good to go.

Try that & the Deep V handle. I guarantee you you'll be up (if your driver doesn't mess it up for you).

[MarkP]

Somone needs to make a road trip to get ump up..

[wakesport]

All good advice here. If you have an extension pole for wake boarding put your rope up high. Also shorten the line length a bit. The steeper angle of rope will help get you up.

[MarkP]

The weekend is coming. Let me start it,



UMP, UMP, UMP, UMP!!!

[Upper Michigan Prostar190]

Thanks for all the advice and encouragment everyone. I dont know what it is for me, really. I have tried to get up on one ski many times, but it just dont work. I have kinda just learned to accept it. Ya know, like some people just arent meant to do certain things. I would LOVE to be able to start on one ski so I could try the double boot. I have always wanted to do that. I know lots of skiers prefer the double boot and I would like to see what its all about. There must be a reason you all use double boots. I have always skied RTP skis. my buddies that can start on one, but start on two and prefer RTPs, well maybe they are thwarting my efforts to get up on one. WAIT, thats an excuse! :eek: cant do that. I will see.....maybe I can try it again this weekend. I do have an old Kidder cruiser thats a bigger, wider ski. Its made for bigger skiers, or training slalom skiers. I suppose I could try that. But I dont want to get dependant on it either. Maybe I should just bit the bullet and keep trying on my Siege.....?? I dont know.

I am not trying to pass the buck onto my driver here, but what are the proper boat driver techniques so I am not fighting a losing battle?? I will try a slower start as several recommended.

I guess I will give it another try, just want to make sure I eliminate all the problems I can so I have the best chance of succeding.

I will take all that I have read here with me to the lake next trip an try again.
any more ideas? I am ALL ears. :o

[MarkP]

I don’t think it would hurt you to use a bigger ski, but WHEN you start getting up with both in get right back on your reg ski. Even at that point you may struggle a little with the smaller ski but you will have had some experience

[Granite_33]

I do have an old Kidder cruiser thats a bigger, wider ski. Its made for bigger skiers, or training slalom skiers. I suppose I could try that. But I dont want to get dependant on it either. Maybe I should just bit the bullet and keep trying on my Siege.....?? I dont know.

I say give the Kidder a try. If it is bigger and easier to get up on, then go for it.

The point being with the Kidder is that once you get comfortable and used to the techniques you need to employ while getting up on one, you can transfer that to the O'Brien.

Going from my old EP to the CDX.......I spent slightly more time dragging.....however, the technique I use did not change.

So use a bigger ski......develop your technique for getting up. Do it several times so you are used to getting up. Then jump on the Siege and give it a go.

I really don't think that you will become dependent upon the Kidder.

Its all about progression.

my crooked :twocents:

[stevo137]

Upper, just keep trying. Yes, it makes a big difference how the driver pulls you up. A half throttle up usually works well for beginners.
Most of the time the main issue is that they don't keep the ski up high enough in front of them in the correct position.
Definately try the larger ski. It will have less drag.
I sold my Siege to my wifes nephew a few years ago and still has a tough time getting up on it mainly because he drags and keeps his weight too far back instead of just standing up on the ski.

[Upper Michigan Prostar190]

You know, I just realized two things:

1. I TOTALLY hijacked this thread with my inability to start on one ski.....Sorry :o

2. Since this thread is already seriously derailed, I will add that I always ski with a wetsuit. I know, here comes excuse #628 ;) but The water here is soo cold that I need to wear the wetsuit. Is that going to be a big problem learning to start on one ski? or am I better to wait until later in the season when the water warms up enough to go without a wetsuit?? :confused:

anymore ideas?? :)

[stevo137]

I don't see how the wetsuit would matter.
Just get out on the water as much as you can and keep trying until you do it.
Definately use the larger ski while learning to get up.
Granite made a great point, it's about progression.

[stevo137]

I say give the Kidder a try. If it is bigger and easier to get up on, then go for it.

The point being with the Kidder is that once you get comfortable and used to the techniques you need to employ while getting up on one, you can transfer that to the O'Brien.

Going from my old EP to the CDX.......I spent slightly more time dragging.....however, the technique I use did not change.

So use a bigger ski......develop your technique for getting up. Do it several times so you are used to getting up. Then jump on the Siege and give it a go.

I really don't think that you will become dependent upon the Kidder.

Its all about progression.

my crooked :twocents:
Funny that you mentioned the EP Granite.
I still have my EP Comp from about 25 years ago and it's in great shape.
My brother in law still uses it because it's easy to get up on.

[east tx skier]

The wetsuit absolutely creates more drag. If you can go without it, lose it until you become proficient getting up on one.

Don't accept that you can't do it. You can do it. It's just muscle memory. Once you get up once, you'll have it forever. Get a deep-v handle. They are the best teaching tool to come along for deep water starts ever.

[Upper Michigan Prostar190]

Ok, I will keep trying it. I will let you know how it goes. I havent tried in about a month now. I had decided to let it go and be happy with a RTP. I would love to go with double boots. I really wanna see what its all about. I will give it my best.

I think I just need to find the right technique that works for me. Its like when I dieted and lost all the weight, I needed to find the solution that worked for ME. so I will keep searching for the answer to me getting up on one ski so I can actually live my long time dream of skiing with double boots. Its been a long 17 years......

Thanks again to all for your advice on this.

Wish me luck :)

[stevo137]

And for the original question, it's still RTP for me.
I'm too lazy to change.
I like the ease of just slipping into my ski with one foot and "hit it"!
Many tough falls over many years and only broken ribs a few times.
I did try it a few years ago and might give it another try this year.
My nephew left a nice HO with dbls at the cottage that I might try.
He can't use it anymore because of a back injury.

[Tom Wortham]

The wetsuit absolutely creates more drag. If you can go without it, lose it until you become proficient getting up on one.

Don't accept that you can't do it. You can do it. It's just muscle memory. Once you get up once, you'll have it forever. Get a deep-v handle. They are the best teaching tool to come along for deep water starts ever.

Second that Doug. Get the muscle memory working with that wider ski, once you get that feeling down... move over to the skinny ski. You will be cutt'in in a double boot before the summer is out... Then check out the threads about the fellas with the "new equipment". Mo Money, Mo Money, Mo Money. :D

[Upper Michigan Prostar190]

Well, I will PROMISE you fellas this, if I do get to get up repeatedly on one ski (my siege) with both feet in, where I can do it right every time, I will gladly buy myself a brand spankin' new ski with double bindings!!!! :D :D Now there is an incentive to get a new HO CDX!!! It will be a nice victory gift to myself after years of struggling and trying.

OK, the kidder cruise is coming out of retirement to get me on the right track. I will start with that.

[gene dobies]

beats me....

I dont know. I am just telling you what they said, and they can both get up on one ski. :confused:

I am not trying to make excuses markp, I just am not able to get up on one. I have certainly tried alot too. I figured the advice I got here would do the trick, but no dice. I just keep plowing through the water until my arms cant take it anymore, or I loose balance. I just am not able to do it. I am not trying to blame it on other things. I accept it, I just cant do it, its me thats the problem. Not the ski, the boat, the rope, the water temp, the gas in the boat, the sputtering carb, the swim trunks that are too tight, my gloves, etc.... I dont pass blame. I am the one responsible for the fact that I cannot start on one ski.

Glad you got a laught out of it and I could provide some entertainment for you though. :D :toast: You should find out if any friends have a "shaped" ski or also called a radius ski. They are wide at the tip and give more surface area, very forgiving. They are great for beginners or people who just have trouble getting out of the water.

good luck,,, see if you can buy one if you can't find a friend with one,,,, you'll be pleasantly surprised

[stevo137]

UPM, too bad you're not located closer to me. I would gladly help you and we wouldn't quit till' you do it! ;)

[Upper Michigan Prostar190]

Read above.....I have one. Its a Kidder Cruiser. Big ski. 72" and wide. made for teaching beginners and larger skiers.

[Granite_33]

Funny that you mentioned the EP Granite.
I still have my EP Comp from about 25 years ago and it's in great shape.
My brother in law still uses it because it's easy to get up on.

They definitely made good skis in their time. I never knew what happened to them.

Anyone know??

[Upper Michigan Prostar190]

UPM, too bad you're not located closer to me. I would gladly help you and we wouldn't quit till' you do it! ;)

Thanks Steve :wavey: I appreciate that. thats one thing that *** about living here, its SOO FAR from anywhere!! ITs like 8 hrs to Chicago, 9-10 hrs to Detroit, 6-7 hrs to Minneapolis. its just too far to make a road trip to go anywhere where someone can teach me in a weekend.

Your thought is much appreciated man, really!! :toast:

you guys are giving me the courage to keep going. :) thanks!

[Granite_33]

The Wetsuit will create drag......just going from my experience. Much tougher to get up with that on.

Nekked is the best way to ski........or a speedo :D

Seriously, though. The wetsuit holds alot of water and creates alot of drag.

With the temps being what they are, give it a go without the wetsuit. You will feel the difference.

[Granite_33]

Thanks Steve :wavey: I appreciate that. thats one thing that *** about living here, its SOO FAR from anywhere!! ITs like 8 hrs to Chicago, 9-10 hrs to Detroit, 6-7 hrs to Minneapolis. its just too far to make a road trip to go anywhere where someone can teach me in a weekend.

Your thought is much appreciated man, really!! :toast:

you guys are giving me the courage to keep going. :) thanks!


I think his idea was to tie the rope around your waist :purplaugh

[stevo137]

Thanks Steve :wavey: I appreciate that. thats one thing that *** about living here, its SOO FAR from anywhere!! ITs like 8 hrs to Chicago, 9-10 hrs to Detroit, 6-7 hrs to Minneapolis. its just too far to make a road trip to go anywhere where someone can teach me in a weekend.

Your thought is much appreciated man, really!! :toast:

you guys are giving me the courage to keep going. :) thanks!

Just fly in to Midway or O-Hare. You could probably get a great deal now. Both of those are no more than an hour from me. It's been in the 90's everyday here and the lake temp is beautiful.
I have all of the gear that you would need and I'm tellin' ya', you will get up!
(And I even have a 67" Siege) ;)

[MarkP]

Thanks Steve :wavey: I appreciate that. thats one thing that *** about living here, its SOO FAR from anywhere!! ITs like 8 hrs to Chicago, 9-10 hrs to Detroit, 6-7 hrs to Minneapolis. its just too far to make a road trip to go anywhere where someone can teach me in a weekend.

Your thought is much appreciated man, really!! :toast:

you guys are giving me the courage to keep going. :) thanks!
How about a road trip and meet at a lake half way??

[Upper Michigan Prostar190]

I tell you what there Steve, I am gonna keep trying on my own, but if I cant make it by the end of summer I may very well may take you up on your offer if your serious about it. I really, really wanna do this. I want to get up on one ski, and ski in double boots. I wanna make this happen!!!

[stevo137]

I tell you what there Steve, I am gonna keep trying on my own, but if I cant make it by the end of summer I may very well may take you up on your offer if your serious about it. I really, really wanna do this. I want to get up on one ski, and ski in double boots. I wanna make this happen!!!
I am serious. The offer stands. ;)
Give it until the second week of August or so.
I'm sure that if you use the wide ski you will do it.

[MarkP]

That’s the spirit!:toast:

[Upper Michigan Prostar190]

markp, thats a possiblity too, good idea.

Steve, I will let you know if I need your assistance.

Thanks! :)

[shepherd]

With the temps being what they are, give it a go without the wetsuit. You will feel the difference.

Lake Superior is pretty dang cold... even in August. But then, that freezing water may give you the incentive to get up into that warm air :smile:

[Upper Michigan Prostar190]

D*M straight this lake is cold!!! Out in the big lake, under the warmer surface water, the temps never get above the 40's in summer time. Most of the year they are in the higher 30's. I know even where I ski in the bays, the water 5 ft down where my feet are is still in the 50's How ya like them apples??? :)

I may have to keep the wetsuit for about 3 more weeks yet....

[bkblaida]

Several pointers I have learned over the years teaching others to get up on one ski.


First the skier must know how to slalom. I have had several people try to get up one one when they can't stay up on one. Drop and ski until you get the feel of skiing on one. Also have them drop one ski as they are getting up. As soon as they are 1/2 way out of the water let the one ski go. This gives a quick start and if you are near shore, you don't have to look for a ski.

The V handle works very well, eliminates the decision of what side of the ski do I put the rope and gives the skier confidence.

Pulling from a Fly-High or a tower is a huge plus. Most ski schools use this technique with young first timers.

MOST IMPORTANT The ski goes where your eyes go. LOOK UP!!! 99% of first timers are looking at the ski. The ski goes left to right or stays low in the water they watch it and follow it down. If you do not have a fly-high or tower tell them to look ten feet above the boat and do not look anywhere else until they are up and going.

Body position has been discussed earlier.

I use a RTP. Just tried bouble boots and sorry people I was so uncomfortable, do not understand how you can ski in them. But I have used a RTP for over 40 years and I think my style is set. Sure wanted it to work but back to Overton's the rear boot goes.

:dance:

[Kevin 89MC]

Great thread! I have forever skied with a RTP, and dragged my back foot getting up. I have a few friends that were taught to get up with both feet in (even with a RTP), and they can't get up dragging a foot! It must be all about how you learn. I tried a double boot ski about 15 years ago - took about 10 times to get up! Loved it though. A few years back I tried getting up with the back foot in the RTP, and it sucked! I finally got up though. I think I would love a double boot, but I will need to get better at getting up first.
Regarding energy to get up: I feel it is a huge drain on my strength & energy. But maybe that's because it is less efficient dragging a foot. I recently skied with a very good double booter, he wanted to be dropped at the end of EACH pass in the course! He said it was harder for him to stay up than it is to get up. After reading the tips here, maybe I'll practice it again. I did have a recent scare with the RTP. When I fall in the course, it is almost always at the wake (off side) and I go out the front. I always get launched out of my ski. I've feared that with a DB, I might not slip out, and it may hurt worse. Maybe not though? Anyways, we were trying 22 off, and while I didn't fall at the wake, hitting the rooster tail (which sucks!) did jar my back foot loose. It didn't slip out, but it almost did, and if I fell, I suddenly realized how dangerous that could be. Maybe more incentive for the DB.
UMP, regarding getting up, there's some great advice on here. I would suggest trying a wide tip or "shaped" ski or whatever they're called. I tried one a few years ago. While it sucked in the course (couldn't cut hard with it if my life depended on it), it was super easy to get up on. More surface area so you don't drag hardly at all. Once you get that down, so you know how it feels, then ty it on your regular ski.
The biggest factor I think is the pull. Not too hard, not to soft, but a nice progressive pull up can really make it much easier for me. Too hard and I get yanked and sore muscles, too soft, and it takes too much energy.
Funny story-my uncle had never skied behind a ski boat (he had a Larson with a 115 HP outboard - the boat I learned on too), and I got the chance to pull him. I asked him how hard of a starting pull he wanted, and he kept saying "floor it!" After warning him a few times to no avail, I gunned it. He went out the top hard the first few times. I backed off the last time and he got up. He went to the doctor the next day with badly bruised ribs. I felt bad, but I did warn him! The point is these boats have a ton of power, and a good pull up taked practice for the driver and skier.

Good luck, sorry so long winded.
Kevin
P.S. My bro-in-law still skies on his EP Stilletto - he tried my KD 7000 and hated it! He can ski the course better than me. It's all in what we're used to, but often times the change is worth it!

[Upper Michigan Prostar190]

thanks Kevin, I am getting up on one ski now and have been for nearly a month. I am also skiing in double boots too and I love them!!!! :toast: :D

[Kevin 89MC]

Sweet! That's what I get for responding to old posts! A neighbor has a new Goode double boot that I'll hopefully get to try in a few weeks. Hope I can get up!
Kevin