Keith St. Onge's Corner

Question:
Can you please explain the best method for learning a Back-to-Front on your feet?

Keith's Answer:

There are five easy steps to learning a back to front!

If you can concentrate, hold position and carry out these four steps You Will complete a back to front!  I like to start from the groundwork up!  Also, I like the skier to have a checklist or grocery list with them for the set up of his or her maneuver.  When attempting this trick for the first time you must exaggerate every step!  Some instructors will say, as an example, “Pull your feet together a little more.”  A little more isn’t the case while doing technical maneuvers on the water.  Pulling your feet together eight inches to you is only two inches on the water.  So, if you understand what I’m explaining, you’ll bring your feet together twelve inches!  What feels correct is never enough.  Don’t do what is comfortable, do what is correct! 

1.    Pull your feet as close as possible like someone has just duct taped them together.  That means that there practically touching each other, one inch apart! 

2.    Make sure you have an exaggerated knee bend!

3.    Pull the handle into the small of your back.  As much as you can! (More than you think)

4.    Head and shoulders as high as you can possibly get them.

5.    Do not try to turn!  Let go of the rope and resist the turn while allowing the boat to pull you to the front.  You should be skiing backwards with one hand off the handle for a full second or two before you make the turn.  

-Now, as you turn your feet should stay duct taped together!
-Your knees should stay bent.
-Make sure your arms do not come out.  Just hold your arm into your waist but do not pull the handle in.
-Keep eyes on the horizon throughout the turn.
-Make sure your shoulders turn with your hips and stay level.

Trouble shooting:
    Question: Why did I catch sideways and/or not complete the trick?
    Answer: You tried to make the turn happen, your feet came apart and/or your arm came completely out.

A back to front is all about position and most skiers can’t hold position throughout the turn.  It is important to video yourself so you can understand and see your own body position.  Someone can tell you what your doing wrong from inside the boat all day but until you can see yourself then you can fully understand.  

Good luck!
KSO 

Visit Keith's web site at www.glidingsoles.com