|
The amount of time a small child might stay on trainers varies, of
course. Depending on age and size, it won't be long before they are
ready to move onto the combo pair stage. While experience on trainer
helps a child, it is not really necessary. An average five-year-old with
normal strength and coordination should have few problems getting up and
skiing around the lake on the first lesson. what I do see at this stage
are adaptable and eager kids who suddenly become frustrated. Combo skis
are more difficult at first but with proper land instruction and
preparation, they can quickly be mastered. Some suggestions at this
stage:
1. Don't skimp on the land instruction even if you think the
child is old enough to do without it. Remember, this is where
"active instruction" is so important, especially for this age
group. The basis: arms straight, knees bent, keep the skis together -
they still have not changed and they must be communicated. Better to
practice on the dock to minimize frightening falls.
2. Let your skier go into the water and practice putting his or
her skis on and taking them off. It may be necessary for the instructor
to enter the water and assist the student at this point.
3. In the event that your "active instruction" fails
and your student has problems getting up after a few attempts, I suggest
an older skier get into the water and ski alongside, offering physical
assistance and verbal coaching as needed. Often this requires a strong
person who can hold the student up.
 |
4. If you have one available, I suggest you use a boom to teach
kids to ski. They are able to establish stability rather quickly this
way and usually move right on to a 75 foot rope. With a boom, the
student skier is much closer to the driver and observer and
all-important communication is much easier.
|
5. You may find that the 75-foot rope is too long for young
students - it can tend to sag and drag in the water when the lightweight
skier gets up, causing unnecessary problems. I prefer to use a slalom
rope with takeoff loops and shorten it to 47 feet (28 off).
After your student learns to get up on two skis and as soon as he
shows stability and balance, it is time for him to start moving back and
forth across the wakes. Show your child how to alternately move his skis
back and forth, edging to the wake and back to the other side. This will
be the point in his learning when he finds out about "good side and
bad side." That is, that one side of the wake is easier to pull
from than the other.
Emphasize the importance of good body position at this point,
Have the student work on keeping his knees bent, his arms in and back
straight. In my opinion, this is a very important time in the
development of a skier as he is learning basics that are crucial for
learning other skills.
Once the skier can cross both wakes and pull all the way through,
encourage him to pull up wider on the boat. This will serve as a
beginning for his slalom turns later.
I can't emphasize the importance of learning to ski well on two
skis. While recreational skiers may not find it very challenging, you
will find that many of the top tournament champions practice their
pulling and edging on two skis, especially when working toward shortline
slalom.
|
