5 Tips to Start Your Season Off Right
The start of the season is right around the corner, and Canadian water skiers are itching to get back on the water. But after a long winter break, those first sets back can be intimidating and feel tough! Jason’s 5 tips will help you ease into the season safely and efficiently, so you can maximize your enjoyment on the water all summer long.
Start Easy: As Canadian water skiers we know that a long winter off the water means those first sets back can be a challenge! With this in mind, you should take it slow your first time out. Focus on getting comfortable on the water again by prioritizing balance and technique. Ideally, you should do a run or two free skiing (without buoys) to refamiliarize yourself with the feeling. If you don’t usually ski in the course then you should keep your intensity lower than you typically ski. Once you've regained your confidence, you can add buoys (or intensity) back in while you build back to your normal in season skiing.
Stay Consistent: After a long winter off the water, we are all eager to get back on the water. But we need to listen to our bodies! Start with 2-3 sets for the first two weeks. This will help you ease into the season by managing soreness, and getting you back to enjoying your skiing safely. On these early season sets the conditions don’t actually matter as much. Our focus is to get behind the boat while consistently getting our bodies used to the pull and forces we will be dealing with all summer long!
Get Instruction: Don't wait to get instruction! Many skiers think they need to wait until their skills improve before taking lessons. But why wait for your bad habits to set back in for the season? Early-season lessons can help you identify and correct mistakes right from the start, leading to faster gains and a more enjoyable season on the water.
Be Prepare for the Weather: Don't let chilly weather slow you down! The right gear for air and water temperatures makes a big difference. Warm muscles are happy muscles, and happy muscles mean better performance and less risk of injury. The cooler water can quickly counteract your pre-ski warm up. Check the forecast before booking your session and dress accordingly. Need a wetsuit? Radar's got you covered (literally)! We have wetsuits in stock to keep you warm and comfortable on the water.
Warming Up & Cooling Down: What’s the difference? It's not just about timing! Here's a breakdown:
Warm Up (Before you ski): Get your blood flowing and prepare your muscles. A light jog, walking lunges, shoulder movements, and air squats are a few great choices. If you're tight, focus on dynamic stretches (moving in and out of positions) instead of static holds.
Cool Down (After you ski, before bed): Light movement like your warm-up routine feels good initially. Then, prioritize static stretches (holding positions for 1-3 minutes) and self-massage techniques (foam rolling, etc.) on sore areas. Breathe easily and focus on relaxation to maximize recovery.
