Learning Curve for a stand up?

[SXIPro]

Learning and improving is half the fun!! If you wanted something you could master in a day (or in 15 minutes) you'd have gotten a couch. You made the right choice. :Banane01:

 

[Big Kahuna]

ne1 got any tips to get started? itll b a week or two before i get a ski and get out there but never hurts to premeditate

as far as turns go. the best way is to put out two bouys, one to turn around and the other as your focus point for where you want to head when you come out of the turn. Making blind turns (just a turn where you do not have intended direction) is not as easy. when you have something to aim at really helps.

As you approach the first bouy, start to lean into it and then look towards the next bouy. as you pass the bouy, then start to straighten up and have it where you are heading right at the second bouy.
practice practice practice.

 

[Snackem]

The throttle is your friend. If you are not going fast enough it is almost impossible to balance.

 

[Wolf Child]

There is no straight answer on this....depends on your natural aptitude
for balance and your level of determination...everyone is different.

I've seen people struggle for an hour and never fully stand up,
and I've seen people making turns with ease 20 minutes into their first ride.

The important thing is.....just get one and start riding! You will love it.

perfect answer.

X2

 

[ger87410]

I'm convinced prior experience with a motorcycle will help with balancing on skis.

 

[Wolf Child]

I'm convinced prior experience with a motorcycle will help with balancing on skis.

you may be on to something. I was whipping tight figure eights within 10 minutes of my first stand up ride ever. I kept my elbows up and road in an attack position. but having prior surfing/skiing eperience helps too since you have a good grasp of how the water moves under you.

At least thats what I think.

 

[GReenANt]

I'm convinced prior experience with a motorcycle will help with balancing on skis.

helps the other way too only 3 rides ever and i passed the riding tests easily

 

[jetskee]

The throttle is your friend. If you are not going fast enough it is almost impossible to balance.

Yes, 100% agree.

From my observations watching my friends and family on my skis,
these are the two big mistakes:

1. Going TOO slow when they try to stand for the first time.

2. Letting off the gas completely the second they start to lose balance.


When learning, you need to go a little faster than you really feel comfortable going. NOT that you have to go full throttle, but the ski gets more stable with more speed....you have much more balance and control at 15mph than you do at 5mph. But 15mph to a beginner might as well be 100mph, it seems.

Also, if you do start to fall, turn the ski the opposite direction from your fall
and give it some gas. EX: If you are falling to your left, turn right and give
it some gas. This will straighten you back up. If you let off the gas completely every time you start to lose balance, you will be falling A LOT.
Let the ski do the work, with a combination of steering and throttle.
Beginners tend to try to throw their body weight around to correct
balance and such...it's hard to explain, but just let the ski do the work
for you.

That's all the advice I have.