Tailwind Help, it's been a while

[2tracmind]

We have been lucky over the last 4 or so years with very little wind at our lake, however this year is different. For the life of me I can not remember what adjustments to make.

What are your 1-3 key points for skiing the tailwind ? Feel free to share headwind secrets too !

[KcSwerver]

1.) Pull out a split second earlier in a tail wind for the gate

2.) Be sure to slow the ski down in the preturn

3.) Change edge a split second earlier. With wind at your back you don't need to pull as long to the ball.

[KcSwerver]

For the most part, I practice #2 in a head, tail, cross, or no wind.

 

This is just my thought.

[A_B]

I always try to stay early, so I actually use the tailwind to achieve more angle and speed than normal, so I then can get off my pulling edge sooner and have more room at the buoy to turn when it feels good.

 

I tried taking it easy and found too often when I am running "on time", I end up late out of the buoy.

[liquid d]

a little more aggressive edge change helps keep you earlier. Don't wait out there on a flat ski.

[Chef23]

I was also told to make sure to stand tall on the ski this helps get more weight on your front foot which will slow the ski down better.

[ForrestGump]

Roll up out of your pullout in a tailwind. Snap the ski up out of the pullout in a headwind.

[Than_Bogan]

Agree with all of the above. Patience and frankly faith are also important in a tail. Never try to force a turn onto a slack line. Wait for tension, and then put your faith in your next pull. The tailwind helps you build speed across, so you can make the time back.

 

But you'll never get the chance if you force a turn into a slack line.

[Horton]

No adjustments. Just try to be more technical on everything. Just hit your marks.

[Razorskier1]

Agree with @Horton. I skied the first significant head/tails of the year this morning. Ran two sets and just kept the line at -32. Into and with the wind the key is to "ski right". In the old days I would have pulled harder and longer into the wind, really loading the line. Today I just skied to the wake, maintained good handle pressure after the wake, and was wide and early. Did the same thing in the tailwind with the exception of a slightly earlier pull out. Ski to the wake, maintain handle pressure, ski the pass. I find when I can convince myself to just ski technically correct and ignore the wind, the tail pass is a breeze.

[6balls]

I consciously do pull lighter in the tail. All else same other than pull out slightly earlier knowing the glide will extend a bit. Sometimes the light tail is my best pass cuz I ski it lighter.

[Dusty]

I was coached to try to stay 'on the handle' longer (not pull longer)- it made head and tail winds little different except for the pre-gate set up.

[Horton]

@Dusty you should do that all the time... again ski more technical but not different