@Jchernyak You didn't mention if you're starting with your back foot in or out of the pocket. If you have an RTP, you have the option of trying it either way. If you have double boots, you've got to go with both feet in which is harder to master compared to starting with one foot out, especially when you're just learning to ski.
Here's what really works for me for deep water starting with the back foot in. Just before the start, when the boat is trolling me at idle speed, I suck the knee of my front leg in as close to my chest as possible. The back leg is tucked in as much as possible too. I guess you could say I'm getting into the lowest crouch I can get into. Then all I focus on mentally is telling myself to push down as hard as I can with both legs after the boat starts to pull and then I tell the driver to hit it. As soon as I feel the boat start to pull my upper body forward, I push hard down with both legs (originally I was taught just to push down hard with the back leg). Pushing down on the ski like this helps to pop you up quickly and also helps you keep the ski on track and not go off to the side. You also don't have to pull as hard with your arms to get your shoulders out because your legs are doing most of the work. Just remember to always keep your eyes open, even if you get some spray in the face because one tends to lose their balance quickly when their eyes are closed.