Shakeski Posted April 2, 2015 Share Posted April 2, 2015 Hi Ballers, While I am sure there have been many threads around this, I figured I would post this question as my season is a few weeks away from starting up. I am fairly new to slalom and the course, however not new to water sports (been wakeboarding at higher levels for 15 years). At the end of last year I was going through the course at 28mph at 15 off. As I look to progress quickly this season, what should I look to do first... Get the course at 34mph at 15 off (then begin to shorten the line), or get up to 30/32mph and shorten the line (increase speed at 22/28 off)? My ultimate goal is to get all 6 at 35 off at 34mph before I am 30 (I am 24 now). Any chart or advise on this would be greatly appreciated! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Supporting Member Than_Bogan Posted April 2, 2015 Supporting Member Share Posted April 2, 2015 My answer is: Both. Either an increase in speed or a shortening of the rope will increase the difficulty a lot. But the exact new challenges are pretty different, so I think it's valuable to play with shorter lines at a slow enough speed where you can at least turn a few consecutive buoys, and also practice the faster speeds to develop the coordination and reaction time to deal with the speed. In both cases, try to maintain your best possible body position and pay attention to what you have to do to maintain that body position against each of the types of challenges. P.S. Why would you stop at 34mph if you are 24 now? 36 mph is the official tournament speed until 35 years of age, and is much faster than 34. Depending on the day, 36 is even more fun or incredibly aggravating! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shakeski Posted April 2, 2015 Author Share Posted April 2, 2015 @Than_Bogan thank you! 36 it is. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller PT Mike Posted April 3, 2015 Baller Share Posted April 3, 2015 There was an interesting article posted by @Horton a while back about the quickest way to -32. It was all about body position behind the boat. It was a great write up on getting into, and holding that good stacked position. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller pgmoore Posted April 3, 2015 Baller Share Posted April 3, 2015 @Horton / @PT Mike --> do you have a link to that? I'd be super interested to give it a read. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Administrators Horton Posted April 3, 2015 Administrators Share Posted April 3, 2015 @PT Mike Haaaa I do remember writing that. Goode ★ HO Syndicate ★ KD Skis ★ MasterCraft ★ PerfSki Radar ★ Reflex ★ S Lines ★ Stokes ★ Baller Video Coaching System Drop a dime in the can Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Administrators Horton Posted April 3, 2015 Administrators Share Posted April 3, 2015 Wow this article is not too bad. Here it is Goode ★ HO Syndicate ★ KD Skis ★ MasterCraft ★ PerfSki Radar ★ Reflex ★ S Lines ★ Stokes ★ Baller Video Coaching System Drop a dime in the can Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller Deke Posted April 4, 2015 Baller Share Posted April 4, 2015 I like everything in that article except, "3. If your ski is more than 5 years old, it is time for a new one. If you can afford to ski, you can afford a new ski." It should be much further down the list. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller drewski32 Posted April 7, 2015 Baller Share Posted April 7, 2015 skiing at -15 36mph would kill me. I've only skied -22 and shorter at that speed, and even -22 feels too long for the speed. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller Chef23 Posted April 7, 2015 Baller Share Posted April 7, 2015 I was at a clinic with Jaret Llewelyn last year and he recommended doing both with more emphasis on shortening the line at slower speeds then speeding up leading into tournaments. From watching kids move up in speeds it seems that the kids that run 28 off change speeds without much trouble. I don't think you can run 28 off even at slower speeds without good fundamentals. I think mixing it up makes sense. Some sets running shorter lines at slower speeds and some sets working on skiing faster speeds. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Greg Banish Posted April 8, 2015 Members Share Posted April 8, 2015 I'm far from a tournament skier, so I'm not really worried about an official score. So for me, it was far easier to shorten the rope at 30mph than it was to speed it up. -28/30mph feels easier to me than -15/32mph. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller_ MISkier Posted April 8, 2015 Baller_ Share Posted April 8, 2015 Get away from 15 off as soon as possible. If it requires a slower speed to do that, stay there until you run 22 off with high probability and in smooth form. 15 off will let you get away with a lot and still run the pass. The shorter rope will get you to feel the geometry that will require you to focus on good technique and body position. The worst slalom equipment I own is between my ears. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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