Dual skiing uses two skis and is the easiest type to learn. This method requires one to put the skis on the feet, usually best performed on the ski platform on the back of the boat. Then the skier will attain the position that aligns him or her facing the boat while 'sitting' on the skis with the tips one to two feet apart protruding one foot above the water surface. Extend the arms completely in front while holding the ski rope handle with both hands.

Starting requires the skiier to maintain the sitting position until adequate speed is obtained producing enough lift to allow the skiier to stand up. Most new skiiers try to stand up too soon, causing the skis to go under.

Slalom skiers use only one ski. This ski has either a rear foot strap or a full rear boot. The strap type ski alows the skiier to start on one foot while dragging the other behind to provide a 'rudder' keeping the skier in line with the boat. Once above the water the skier will carefully insert the rear foot into the strap.

The 'double boot' type slalom ski requires the skier to start with both feet in the boots. Since the skier cannot steer with the rear foot, the ski alignment with the boat and rope is critical. The skier will usually place the rope on the 'weak' side which, in the case of the skier with right foot up front, would be the left. The skier would then attempt to perform a right turn as the boat accelerates thus maintaining a small distance between the rope and the protruding ski tip. The skier would then, upon reaching appropriate speed, stand up.

Slalom skiing is quite a thrill once one develops turning skills. The shorter the rope, the faster the travel across the wake. This wake crossing is the dangerous part as you are reaching the maximum speed (up to twice the boat speed) and you will be leaning over enough to keep the ski 'on edge'. This on edge condition produces a smoother crossing than flat skiing. The turn is performed by extending the arm facing the boat completely providing maximum reach while leaning toward the boat and driving the ski tip toward the water. The ski will bite and bend slightly producing the 'carving turn' that we all desire. The correct turn is accompanied by a dramatic spray produced by the huge stopping force. The skier then grasps the rope tightly in preparation for the acceleration phase. With the ski on edge, the skiier turns completely toward the boat and then toward the wake. While holding on for dear life, the skier pulls hard against the rope to produce rapid acceleration toward the wake. This acceleration and rapid stopping, and then re-acceleration is the exhiliarating part of this sport...nothing compares to a dynamic slalom ski run!