WaterSports
August 18, 2008
Quick Tip
The Handle Pass - Spin Training
Most water-skiers can't get a clean handle pass to complete that 360. Our friends at Action Water Sports gave us these tips to make a better handle pass and ultimately whip around for an extra 180 or 360.
- Find a 5-foot handle and attach a milk jug full of water or sand to the end.
- Grip the handle low and keep it as close to your body as possible.
- Begin spinning the jug slowly around your body, passing the handle from hand to hand.
- As you begin to feel more comfortable, start spinning it a little faster.
- Once you get this dialed in you will be that much closer to adding that extra 180 or spinning your first 360.
Formed to Fit
Radar RS1 Waterski Binding, $215.95
Radar's previous boots, the Source and Rail, are great all-around boots if you're looking for flexibility and support. But if you're an experienced racehorse searching for that molded fit, check out the RS1. The boot joins the ranks of custom-fit, soft shell liners that maintain support with the hard outer shell. It's the best of both worlds; about time. Wakeboarders get all the breaks. Many of the new wakeboard bindings are custom fit and so comfortable, it's like sticking your foot into a cloud, while skiers are left still battling hard shells and rubber. Well, somebody got smart and created the new Radar RS1.
‹ Radar Skis; (425) 369-6850; www.radarskis.com
Speed and Pop
Hyperlite Marek, $700
Get a jump on 2009 with the ultra-sleek Hyperlite Marek. This board is fast, responsive and designed so larger riders like Rusty Malinoski, a pro who stands 6 feet tall and weighs in at over 200 pounds, can get the same pop off a wake just like his lighter, more aerodynamic counterparts. Hyperlite took a unique approach to board-building by actually starting with the largest board (146 cm.) and scaling down. Marek is equipped with a fully machined Nova core, the lightest, snappiest core ever offered by Hyperlite. Plus, the abrupt continuous rocker line helps the board launch well off the wake - pure icing on the cake for those seeking a little extra adrenaline.
‹ Hyperlite Wake Mfg.; (800) 938-4040; www.hyperlite.com
related articles:
WaterSportsCoat Your Deck: Upkeep is essential in order to keep it operating properly and looking good year in and year out, especially older models. I own a 1980 17-foot Boston Whaler that's in pretty good shape, although the weather, lots of use and time have taken their toll.
Gear Locker
Scouting New Territory: Scout president Steve Potts isn't one of those boat company presidents who drop by engineering from time to time to see how a new boat is coming along. Potts is involved with a boat from the first concept sketches to when the final bolt on the real boat is tightened.
Black Chips, Black Drum: New Jersey offers great fishing, boating and some of the prettiest scenery you've never seen.
Formula for Fun: One of the fastest-growing segments of new boat design we've seen recently is bigger bowriders. While some are basically 25-footers on steroids with nothing other than size to distinguish them from the smaller boats, the Formula 310 Bow Rider takes this genre to a new level of sophistication.
