In various towsports, body position is a critical element that is often overlooked by recreational enthusiasts who are more focused on having fun. However, proper body position is essential for learning and improving in any towsport, and it is the foundation of consistent performance and rapid advancement. Four key areas of the body are critical to optimal body position in most towsports, including wakeboarding and waterskiing: feet, ankles, hips/seat, back, and head, and shoulders, arms, and hands.
The lower body is responsible for balance, stability, and power, and the feet are the foundation of the lower body. Thus, in towsports, body position starts with the feet, which should be used to support all of the body weight evenly, from heel to toe and from side to side, just like in snow skiing, ice skating, or golf. In barefoot skiing, where the surface area is small, using the feet effectively is critical for consistency, particularly when learning more difficult tricks.
When recreational skiers and wakeboarders try to bend their knees, they often drop their hips and seat away from the boat, which throws them off balance. Flexing the ankles, on the other hand, distributes body weight evenly over the feet, providing optimal balance and better control of the ski or wakeboard. Flexing the ankles also automatically results in knee bending and proper hip alignment over the feet.
A stacked body position, where the head is in a vertical line with the hips and feet, is desirable for optimal balance and reduced likelihood of falling. This upright posture keeps the upper body over the feet, making balance optimal. The shoulders, arms, and hands should be kept in a specific position to absorb the pull from the towboat. This involves keeping the shoulders in and down, the elbows slightly bent and close to the hips, and the hands at the waist. The grip on the handle should be relaxed, and the position of the body should never change, even when performing advanced tricks or crossing the wake.
Good body position is essential for success in any towsport. By maintaining proper alignment of the feet, ankles, hips/seat, back, head, shoulders, arms, and hands, you can enjoy an effortless pull down the water and rapid advancement in your favorite tow sport.
