Maximize Your Water Ski School Experience
World-class coach and skier Seth Stisher (h2osmosis.com) shows you how to get the most out of your water ski coach.
LISTEN and TRUST
From a coach’s standpoint, it takes my heart out of the game when I know someone isn’t listening. Give the coach a chance to get through to you.
COMMUNICATE
Most coaches will ask about your background and your goals before your set begins. If you want to get the most from your lesson, you need to let them know what you hope to gain from the experience. Don’t be afraid to share your thoughts on your own learning style.
NO EXCUSES
If you make mistakes, it’s OK. You don’t need to make excuses. Most coaches know that your first few passes are not going to be your best. A good coach will give you a chance to “settle in,” so just let them assess what he or she sees and work from there.
QUESTIONS
This has always been paramount to learning. If you don’t ask questions, how will you know? Just try to save the questions until the instructor is done with what he or she has to say, and then fire away.
OFF THE WATER
If you don’t completely understand what the coach is trying to communicate, have your coach work with you on the shore.
JOURNAL and VIDEO
Long-term learning requires documentation. Write down your thoughts about what you are being asked to do, your feelings and the words that made it click in your head. Most coaches offer video analysis in addition to on-the-water instruction.
