Joel Howley

[Brady]

Welcome @JoelHowley to Ball of Spray! Didn't you set a new Australian Record at 2 @41? Your skiing looks awesome and aggresive! It is pretty exciting to see such an incredible group of skiers here on this site, and it just keeps getting better and better!

[Brady]

[Brady]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VG5-ZOtM35A

[JoelHowley]

Thanks Brady...

 

Yeah, Nick Adam's held the Aussie record with 2@41, I ran 2.5@41 however a few weeks later he got it back with 4@41.

 

This link takes you to my YouTube channel... there is some nice footage from the boat under 'training' if you want to have a good look at how I ski.

 

youtube.com/user/shortlineslalom

 

I still have lots to learn but thank you and yeah, BallOfSpray is awesome.

[woolly110]

cool vid. like the graphics. more cool slow mo shots please.

[JoelHowley]

Thanks... We are currently working on a new clip that should be pretty good. Will be sure to use some super slow motion.

[Brady]

Very impressive @JoelHowley !!! I think you should be grabbing the record back very soon!!

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5rkhXRWpeMQ&list=PLyeQ6MOe_XowmqOhAbh-PzOig2QlgbQV-&index=2

[Skoot1123]

@JoelHowley - great skiing! Looking forward to more videos! I noticed one thing that for me really stands out, and something I will try to "copy". Your knee bend is very consistent and it seems like it allows you to absorb what you need to crossing the wakes, but also allows you to get your ski to turn exceptionally well. Do you care to comment? Thanks!

[JoelHowley]

Interesting observation,

 

When I first started running 38 I spent lots of time working on my knees as I had a tendency to extend my legs and push the ski through the finish of the turn (especially in tournaments where I was very eager to feel some load and start accelerating).

 

Being 'patient' at the end of the turn was never really my thing.

 

Approaching the buoy I allow my legs to extend as much as they want however when it is time to turn I engage the front of my ski by dropping my knees down toward the water. After the ski 'bites' and the turn is initiated I try to point my knees in the direction I want to go. I want it to feel like my knees have flicked the ski into position so fast that my ankles have dragged the ski into place, (however that is clearly not actually happening).

 

Focusing on my knees in this way helps keep my ankles supple as the load begins to come on, supple ankles allows the ski to pretty much choose how much angle is necessary for the situation at hand.

 

As I collect the handle and the load comes on I no longer care about what my knees are doing. I try to allow my body to naturally fall into whatever position I feel will allow me to begin levering the handle away from the boat.

 

The only other time I think about my knees would be just before I take my hand off the handle. If I feel that I need some extra width I will slightly point my knees toward the bank. This can sometimes cause me apex too early but if I'm already late it's worth a shot.

 

Hope that gave u some insight and was somewhere near the type of answer you were looking for.

 

I haven't actually worked on my knees for a long time now.

 

Back when I was working on this stuff I sometimes found that it was difficult for me to 'disconnect' from my ski through the turn. Ideally I am trying to get this stuff with my knees to happen around the outside of my upper torso. I feel that when I am stretched out for the ball with only my ankles making it around the buoy I have to be careful not to unnecessarily load the ski before it is back under the line.

[Skoot1123]

@joelhowley - I find myself extending my legs at the end of the turn as well, most likely a cause of wanting to feel the line tension. Getting from that point to allowing the ski to come underneath the line and hook up is what I struggle with. (at least last summer) The trick is being able to know when to be patient and when to be agressive. Thanks for the comments!! I and many other appreciate your participation!!