Leading VS Trailing arm

[501Brandon]

I thought I knew what it was but I am confused again having read a few different threads... Passing thru the gate the lead arm would be my right and the trailing arm would be my left? I am just getting comfortable at 28' off and ran my first 32' yesterday and want more! What I contribute my success to on the 32' pass was I made an effort to NOT stare at the buoy... It wasnt pretty but I ran it, the 35 attempt ended just around 1 with a ton of slack... Reading alot of the advice in other posts makes tons of sense except where I am now which is a little confused with Lead/Trail...

[Ed_Johnson]

Klondike,

 

You are correct. Going through the gate, open to the boat, your Left arm is your trailing arm. Think of the trailing arm, as the back arm that is off the handle, apex to hook-up. Ski it to the handle, don't reach and grab with it.

[Horton]

Ditto. Going to 1/3/5 your trailing arm is your left. The more power you can transfer to your trailing arm (without bicep excretion [Exertion]) the better . Many skiers think about squeezing the left hand or pulling the left shoulder back. Do not over exaggerate this. This is simply a subtle way to adjust your alignment with the boat and get the load on the arm that will not be letting go.

[501Brandon]

OK thanks! I thought I understood it correctly... Ultimatley this should "square" my shoulders to the boat creating a more leveraged position?

Its simply amazing how many body adjustments even so very slight can make such an huge difference... Thanks for the input fellas!

[skibug]

I have really concentrated on this aspect of skiing for the last 2 months or so. I think that it has made the biggest difference in my consistancy. I usually try and concentrate on two things as I ski; and this has been one of them. Also, I found it important to think about it right from the start; from the pull out at the gates and transfering pressure from right arm to left at the turn in for the gates. For another aspect on what to think about; i try to drive my trailing arm elbow into my hip bone. If I can feel my elbow on my hip, I know I am in good position.

[jimbrake]

What the (heck) is a "bicep excretion", John? That sounds incredibly painful and disgusting. I agree it should be avoided. I also agree that trailing arm pressure through the edge change and into the preturn is key.

[Horton]

You know what I mean and by now you know that I can not spell for shit.

[Onside135]

@Chuck_Dickey

 

I thought I remembered this discussion previously...You might find this thread helpful...