Going South?

It's that time again: time for the annual migration of Waterskii 
Canadensis to warmer climes for the winter season. Those not 
fortunate enough to have their own (or a friends') private 
Florida ski lake- as well as those smart enough to realize what 
professional instruction can do- will have been flipping though 
ads for those U.S. ski schools. But which one to choose?

If you're going to get your money's worth out of that ski school 
vacation, there are a few things to think about. Here's a quick 
guide:

Know what you need. Different schools cater to different skiiers. 
There are speciality schools for barefoot, trick and kneeboard; 
there are schools for tournament skiiers trying to get to the top 
and schools for skiers trying to drop a ski for the first time.
Start by figuring out what you want out of the trip, then try to 
find a school to match. Set some goals, too: it'll be easier for 
you to ask, and for the school staff to advise, if you start out 
by telling them exactly what you want to achieve.

Know what you like. Do you like to work with a coach who is laid 
back and easy going, or does your best come out if you're pushed 
a little? Do you want to focus on serious skiing for a week, or 
do you want to be close to Disneyland for a few side trips? A 
school which advertises its proximity to tourist attractions or 
its off-water or alternate fun activities is giving you one 
message- a school that sounds like a boot camp for future World 
Champions is giving you another.

Know what you can afford. Accomodations and food at ski schools 
range from minimal to deluxe, and you pay for the difference, 
although it's generally a better deal to stay at the school than 
to find a hotel off-site and just visit the school to ski. Expect 
to pay US $ 500-650 per week at most schools. Another question: 
must you pay for an entire week or can you "pay as you go"? Some 
schools offer flexibility if you take a day off to go sightseeing 
or ski less than the maximum number of runs.

Know who you'll be working with. Call to find out who will be in 
the boat with you- don't expect the big name who owns the school 
to be there all the time. What are your instructors' credentials?

Be a smart shopper. Ask for references of skiiers in your area 
who've visited the school- a good school should be happy to 
provide them. Ask skiers you know what places they would 
recommend. 

Then, when you've made your decision...

Get fit. A week of skiing in March sounds great, but if you've 
spent January and February in front of the tube you're going to 
hurt. Make sure your fitness program keeps you in reasonable 
shape, or you'll be hobbling around the ski school and paying for 
the privilege.


Start slow. Everyone wants to ski twelve hours the first day. 
Remember, you can't learn if you're sore or exhausted, and you're 
paying to learn every day, not just Monday. If you need time out, 
tell the instructor; if you need to skip a session to recharge, 
do it. Trying to push in an overtired condition is asking for an 
injury.

Be open. You're going to learn, not to prove yourself to the 
instructors or fellow students. If you don't understand an 
instruction, ask to hear it again. Expect to spend a little time 
unlearning bad habits, perhaps going backwards a step or two from 
your objective so you can get the fundamentals right. 

Don't forget: Gloves to protect your hands; sunglasses and 
sunscreen; your wetsuit (don't get caught out by cool weather). 
Look out for too much sun- a burn can be just effective in 
shortening your ski vacation as an injury.

And most of all, have fun!