As we start another season I am trying to come up with ways to keep my back healthy enough to ski often. I have had 3 surgeries for herniated lumbar discs and, for the most part, am pain free (knock on wood) on a daily basis. That all changes when skiing starts. I am generally forced to use a drop ski to keep my back from getting too sore but this is a real pain with dropping at both ends of the lake, having to retrieve skis at the end of a set and if I fall mid course, it just adds to the aggravation. I would really like to get a ski that will allow for easy deep water starts and allow me to practice form and build muscle with the hope of being able to do deep water starts on my regular ski.
I currently ski on a Senate, which I love, but am looking for a ski that will be easier on my back for deep water starts but still allow me to run the course. I am by no means a short line skier,getting into 34mph 22'off is a decent day for me. The Hovercraft by HO interested me but I don't think that will turn well enough to get any real practice in the course. It looks like the Katana may be a good fit, be able to run the course but easier to get up on. Can someone comment on how the skis is to get up on and ski in the course? Other suggestions for skis to try?