To turn on a water ski, you don't "turn it on" like a machine, but rather initiate a turn while water skiing by using your body and the ski's edge. You create drag by digging the tail of the ski into the water.
Here's a breakdown of how to turn on a water ski (and effectively turn while water skiing):
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Edge Control: The key is to use the edge of the ski. To turn to the left, lean slightly to your left and apply pressure to the left edge of the ski. The opposite applies to turning right.
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Body Position: Your body position significantly impacts your ability to turn. Keep your core engaged and your knees slightly bent to absorb bumps.
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Attack Angle: As you initiate the turn, increase the "attack angle." This means allowing the ski to cut more aggressively into the water. The more angle, the more the ski acts like a wall, creating drag and turning you.
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Weight Distribution: Shift your weight towards the front of the ski during the turn to maintain control and prevent the ski from sliding out.
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Dig the Tail: The reference video mentions digging the tail of the ski in to manage speed and turn. This can be achieved by leaning slightly back and applying more pressure to the rear of the ski as you increase the attack angle.
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Practice: Turning effectively takes practice. Start with gentle turns and gradually increase the angle as you become more comfortable.
In summary, turning on a water ski involves skillfully applying edge control, proper body positioning, weight distribution, and understanding how the "attack angle" and digging in the tail create the necessary drag for a successful turn.
