Slalom Grip Crisis

I haven't been through it but I've heard from several people that it's well worth the effort. One person I talked to picked up a whole pass by doing it.

Really? I never thought about it. I just did what felt more natural, right foot forward, right palm up. You're all saying that is better form to have right foot forward right palm down? Sitting here at my desk it feels awkward....I guess, until you shift the top of the handle from point to 2:00 to pointing to 10:00. Hm!...guess I'll give it a shot. I can use any help I can get.

Well when I read this I hoped I was doing it "wrong" looking for an excuse for my lifelong failure to get past being a mediocre slalom skier. I really aught to get a video or something, anyone got a recommendation?

BK, I concur 100% on the analysis. On my dry land pull training I can really feel the difference with the propoer grip. The palm up on my off side rotates my body better.

Behind the rope at 32 MPH last night it was another story. On my second set I was able to start letting go of the rope and one-hand turning. The Pull through the wakes is good, but when I let go of the rope and my loose had goes to find the handle, it defaults to the old grip.

2 of my sources for this issue was a mid-winter Waterski article with Andy Mapple. He said there is a preferred way, as we are discussing, but he has competed against pros that have an "incorrect" grip. The other source is in this month's Waterski in an article called "Analyze That" where pros comment on people's form. The lady pro mentioned the grip preference.

I go back 15 years as a rookie skier when a friend told me to adopt the over-under grip. When I aked him which one on top he said whatever feels comfortable. And that was that.

People who have there hands reversed will also tend to go sideways on their start. That is, with RFF and RH on top, you will tend to fall over the the left on the start.

When we walk, our left hand swing forward when our right foot steps forward. It is the body's natural way of maintaining balance on the rotation. Similarly, it is the most balanced position when skiing.

BKH

So that's been my problem for the last 31 years! Thanks guys.
The pro tour is in Fenton, Mi this weekend, 20 miles from my house. I think I'll sign up.
Steve

I would suggest you ease into it. If you have trouble starting use your old grip and once your up switch your grip. If your a course skier stay out of the course. Free ski and just take it easy. Ski straight if you have to. Gradually cut back and forth until it feels natural. As you feel better get more aggressive.

last 4 years out near UCF. (east Orlando) prior 37 south Orlando near SECC. The 99 is my current boat the 90 and 80 were previous. No pics I'll work on that. Negative on MM.