The Approach:
The proper ski position is the primary concern of the approach. It is also the true key to the simplicity
and safety in jumping! In order for this position to exert a "v.u.f,” then the body position must be one
that is secure while incorporating the Ultra Mega Glide" (News from THE EDGE #14). This is in
direct opposition to a heavy plowing position or a dangerously forward position. I believe that this is
the biggest mistake I see in jumpers of all levels regardless of how long the skier has been
jumping.
As you can see in the picture my knees are safely over my feet with my shins flexed as I keep the ball
of my foot pulled-up as high as my ankle flexibility will provide, my thighs are parallel to the water
(optional: only slightly higher for more advanced skiers), my lower back is arched, shoulders back,
chest out, and my arms are relaxed.
This position must be mastered first directly on the boom (always shoe skis first!), then mastered
on the five-foot extension, and then finally on the long-line before any actual jumping is attempted.
Do not take any short cuts here, as you will only be jeopardizing your own safety and consistency.
This is the biggest mistake that most of the jumpers that come to me for help make.
The raise:
This is actually the scariest part of the process to learn, but if you follow my instructions to the tee,
then it can be the most exciting and fun part of this process. The raise must be perfected directly on
the boom and followed up with massive repetition until it becomes so natural that it is instinctive as
to when and how quickly you rise.
First begin by raising your butt about six inches from the position that you have mastered while
keeping yourself from 1) being pulled forward or 2) by resisting the pull of the boat. Do not try and
visually mark a distance at which you must begin to raise. By simple repetition, video analysis, and
professional help, you will develop timing in your raise that will feel natural. Start with timing the
raise so that fifty percent of it is done before the jump and fifty percent is done on the jump. As you
progress, and your ability to maintain your position while you raise increases, you will be able to do
more of your raise directly on the jump.
As you perfect your six-inch raise, slowly keep increasing the amount that you raise until you are
able to perform a complete raise by the top of the jump. This will take time, patience, and practice. I
highly recommend seeking help from a qualified instructor who has a good track record for teaching
with safety as the main concern. After perfecting this raise on the boom, perfect it on the five-foot
extension by alternating between your feet and shoe skis. The next logical step is the long-line. If you
have done your homework properly, then you will have a reverent respect for the jump while not
feeling petrified as you approach it. If you have any problems on the long-line, then you simply need
to take some more time on the boom, five-foot extension, and on the shoe-skis.
The Landing:
Although many people believe that the landing is the most difficult part, this is usually not the case. A
bad landing is usually the result of a poor take-off (approach or body position). If the raise is the
problem it is most certainly because the correct body position was not maintained throughout the
raise. Assuming that the above procedures were followed, then the mechanics of the landing must
now be studied. Landing, in short, boils down to timing! Proper timing is the result of relaxing in the
air until the very last minute when you must aggressively pull the handle into your hips just as your
feet hit the water. Try to absorb as much of the landing on your feet.
I like to refer to this by the example of jumping out of the top bunk bed. You would never just let your
butt take the full impact. I also believe that you would never land with your feet wide. I believe that by
keeping ‘soft’ knees as your feet hit the water, you will be able to reduce the impact on your spine (by
keeping your butt from taking too much impact) and slide into a forwards deep water position in
which you eventually are gliding on the "slipperiest" part of your wet-suit which is the part of your butt
closest to you tail bone. Stay in this position until you are sure that you have gained control and then
simply stand up!
Problems and answers
Problem: feet slip forward as soon as they touch the ramp.
Lane Dawg: adjust position as described above so that knees are over feet. Work on the Ultra Mega Glide (UMG) separately before returning to jumping.
Problem: handle "pops" out of hands as soon as body touches water.
Lane Dawg: although this could be one of several problems, the basic problem is that more of the
landing must be absorbed in the feet and knees. Then quickly transferred into the slippery forward
deep position. Also make sure that your approach position is maintained throughout the raise. A
poor position will cause an uncontrollable flight that cannot be landed easily. On the boom and the
five-foot rope, practice landing “feet-to-feet” without any part of you butt to hitting the water.
Problem: Feet either split wide or one foot slips more than the other
Lane Dawg: the skier fearfully lowering their position right before reaching the jump almost always
causes feet going wide. The same condition occurs when a position is too low coming into the
jump. The cause of one foot flying upward or outward in a different direction than the other foot is
always because the skier has not kept the weight on their feet equal as they attempted to rise. This
is the responsibility of a good drift. Although you must stay heavier on one foot to cut to the right as
you come into the jump (long-line), you must make sure that your feet are exactly equal in weight as
they touch the ramp.
Question: what speed should I use?
Lane Dawg: comfortable forwards speed. Increase gradually as proficiency increases. Always confirm with a professional.
Question: when should I begin learning to jump?
Lane Dawg: it is safe to begin learning on the boom as soon as all forward tricks have been perfected on the long-line, but never begin a jump program without first seeking the advice of an expert jump instructor. Unlike learning tricks or slalom, jumping could cause severe injury if an experienced instructor does not first teach you!
For additional information and related articles referred to in this article, you can download Lane Dawg Bowers’ FREE E-Book at www.thefootersedge.com |
