How to Teach a 2-Ski Beginner: Mastering the Deep Water Start

Jun 13

Learning to waterski can feel intimidating at first, but once you’ve mastered the Deep Water Start (DWS), the rest becomes way more fun. Whether you’re brand new or helping someone else learn, this guide breaks the process down into simple, confidence-building steps—starting on land and moving into the water.

Step 1: Dry Land Training

Before getting wet, it's important to understand body position and movement. Dry land training sets the foundation for everything that happens on the water.

Skier Position

Stand tall with your feet shoulder-width apart, knees slightly bent over your toes, and arms straight out in front holding the handle.

Reverse DWS

From the skier position, slowly sit your butt to your heels with a tall chest and straight arms—let the handle "pull" you into a low squat. This simulates the feeling of being pulled from the water.

Starting Position (Cannonball Position)

Sit with arms straight, chest tall, knees tight to your chest, and heels near your butt. This is your launch position in the water.

Step 2: Simulate the Pull

Balance Drill

Have a friend gently pull you from the cannonball position into a deep squat. Keep your arms straight, chest tall, and knees tight. Focus on feeling your weight in your toes and finding balance in the squat. Repeat a few times until you feel steady—this mimics how the boat will pull you on the water.

Slow Stand-Up

From your squat, stand up slowly, like you're moving in slow motion. Keep your chest up and arms straight. This helps you rise with balance and control into the full skier stance.

Step 3: Water Time!

Once you’ve mastered dry land drills, it’s time to hit the lake. Take a few moments to float in the water with your skis and lifejacket—this helps regulate any nerves and lets your body adjust.

On-Water Progressions

The Boom

This solid bar attached to the side of the boat is an ideal teaching tool. It gives beginners more stability and control while getting used to the DWS process. Mistakes are easier to correct, and confidence builds faster.

5-Foot Extension

This is a ski handle attached to the boom, creating the next level of difficulty. Without the rigidity of the boom, balance becomes more important. Stay low, feel your toes dig in, and only stand once you feel solid.

Behind the Boat

This is the real deal! But even here, we take a gradual approach to set you up for success.

Start with a raised tow point, like a tower or extended pylon. This gives you more upward pull, making it easier to get out of the water.
Use a 14m (28 off / yellow loop) rope length to increase the upward angle of the pull.
As you gain confidence, lengthen the rope to the 18m (15 off / red loop).
Once you’re consistent, you can move back to 14m on a standard pylon for your final progression.

Tip: Every time you lower or lengthen the rope, the difficulty increases. Always wait until you feel pressure in your toes before standing. Patience is key!

Final Advice

Each stage is designed to build your skills and confidence. Don’t rush it—every rep on land or water helps you succeed faster. If you stick to the process, you’ll be cruising confidently and waving at your cheering squad on shore in no time!