5 Tips to Start Your Season Off Right
After months of frozen lakes and indoor daydreams, Canadian water skiers are more than ready to get back out there. But jumping in full throttle after a long winter off can leave you stiff, sore, or even frustrated.
We asked Jason for his top early-season tips—and these five reminders will help you ease into the season with less risk, better recovery, and more fun from day one.
1. Start Easy
Your first sets back shouldn’t be about performance—they should be about getting comfortable on the water again. After a long break, even seasoned skiers need time to reconnect with their balance, timing, and technique.
Whether you’re a course skier or a recreational ripper, take your first few sets slower than usual. Free skiing (without buoys) is a great way to loosen up and feel things out before turning up the intensity.
💡 Pro Tip: Fewer buoys, more freedom. Add intensity gradually once your confidence returns.
2. Stay Consistent (But Don’t Overdo It)
We get it—after a long winter, you’re fired up to ski every day. But early-season overuse is one of the most common causes of burnout and injury.
Start with 2–3 sets per week for the first couple of weeks to let your body adapt. At this stage, it’s not about perfect water or perfect form—it’s about getting behind the boat consistently and waking up the muscles you haven’t used since fall.
💡 Pro Tip: The best early-season session is the one that keeps you coming back tomorrow.
3. Don’t Wait to Get Coaching
One of the biggest mistakes skiers make? Waiting until mid-season to take a lesson. If you're returning with old habits, now's the best time to get coaching before they settle in.
An early-season check-in with a coach can help you fix technique flaws before they become patterns—leading to quicker progress, smoother sets, and a more enjoyable summer overall.
💡 Pro Tip: Book a session early, even if you feel “rusty.” We’ll help shake off the dust and set you up for success.
4. Dress for the Weather
Early-season skiing in Canada usually means cold water and unpredictable temps. The right gear keeps you warm, loose, and injury-free—because cold, stiff muscles don’t perform (or recover) well.
Always check the forecast, layer accordingly, and don’t underestimate how fast the lake can sap your heat. A quality wetsuit goes a long way toward keeping your early sessions comfortable and productive.
💡 Need gear? We carry Radar wetsuits to keep you warm and ready to roll.
5. Warm Up and Cool Down Like a Pro
Pre-ski warm-ups and post-ski cool-downs aren’t just extras—they’re essential for performance and recovery.
Warm-Up (Before You Ski)
Get your body moving with light cardio (jog, jumping jacks), dynamic stretches, or bodyweight movements like air squats and walking lunges. This improves blood flow and preps your muscles for the unique demands of skiing.
Cool Down (After Skiing or Before Bed)
Focus on static stretches (holding positions for 1–3 minutes) and self-massage like foam rolling. Breathe deeply and let your nervous system relax—this helps reduce soreness and supports long-term recovery.
💡 Pro Tip: Recovery starts the moment you step off the dock.
Ready for a Great Season?
Start smart, stay consistent, and don’t be afraid to ask for help. Waterskiing is meant to be fun—and the best way to enjoy it long-term is to ease in with intention and support.
If you’re looking to jump-start your season the right way, our coaching team is here to help.
👉 Book a Lesson Now and let’s make this your best season yet.
