You can learn how to slalom water ski in less than one hour, and you can do it without falling, and without a lot of expensive water ski lessons. Many people try to waterski without proper preparation, and it is no surprise that they have a tough time. But if you understand and practice the proper form and technique, you will conquer waterskiing without stress.

Proper body position is key in water skiing. Fortunately, this is something you can practice on dry land. By the time you get out on the water, your body will know what to do. First, roll your shoulders. Move them back and forth, from front to back. Now roll them all the way back and keep them in this position, which will feel as if your shoulder blades are pinching together. Next, take a deep breath, expanding your chest, and arch your back. This is the correct position for your upper body during slalom skiing.

Hold a short bar, like a cane or a short broomstick, or better still, a water ski handle, as you practice. Now that your upper body is in the correct position, let’s get your hips to the right place. Pull back with your shoulders until your upper body is leaning back about 45 degrees or so.

As you lean, move your hips upward without pulling in on your arms or losing your shoulder position. You should feel the rope pulling through your hips. Now, make sure that your knees are in the right spot a” you want your ankles slightly behind the front of your knees. Picture yourself crouching, with your shins angled forward over your feet a bit.

Practice this positioning until you are very comfortable with it. Next, you can practice getting into the sitting position. This position give you control while slalom skiing. To practice the sitting position out of the water, keep the handle to the front of your knees, hold your knees together, and place your feet out a little wider than your hips.

Now that you’ve practiced these positions, you are ready to hit the water for some slalom skiing. Get the driver to start at a very slow speed. When the boat is just moving forward, you can get the feel of the water under your ski. Relax into the correct sitting position.

Keep working on this position until you can hold it comfortably, without wavering, for at least 5 seconds. You are now ready to stand up. The driver will speed up to the slowest speed at which standing up is possible. Practice by moving from the sitting to the standing position and vice versa.

Get comfortable sitting, standing and moving on the ski. Once you’re comfortable, you can begin to experiment with movement. For now, stay within the wake of the tow boat. Congratulations! You are slalom water skiing! Carving within the wake requires a little more practice. Start slowly – don’t be too ambitious. Control you form and body position at all times, and you will remain safe and in control.