SPEED & Outbound Swing // FREDDIE WINTER - FPM Podcast #6

[@timl239]

Great analysis. I think the physics of this is simple. A blend of two factors are in play: 1) pendulum swing and 2) pre turn edging the ski. 1) Pendulum swing is super efficient. It uses centrifugal force to change direction with no loss of speed. 2) Edging the ski transfers kinetic energy from the skier to the water slowing the skier and causing spray To maintain maximum speed through the pre turn one would maintain a flat trimmed out ski and use the pull of the rope and centrifugal force to swing up on the boat. Edging and loosing rope tension early in the pre turn causes early loss of speed minimizing ability to move out and up on the boat. I would speculate that using all pendulum swing and no edging in the pre turn would get you out and up very effectively but would bring you in to the ball with too much speed. Slowing down some before the apex of the turn may make it more manageable and allow a tighter turn. Thus a balance of these two factors is optimal. Racing motocross I learned that you can only carry so much speed through a turn. The best lap times are achieved by braking hard as late as possible just before the turn and then accelerating hard out of the turn. This maximizes speed at each point on the track. I think the concept of waiting to hit the brakes translates to the pre turn. Keep the speed early in the pre turn by maintaining rope tension and a trimmed ski as you swing out and up to get ahead early, then edge late in the pre turn to start slowing down before the apex. This explains why everyone says you must hold onto the rope longer and maintain rope tension to run shorter line lengths. Hit me back if you think I’m on the right track. Tim linger.tim@gmail

[@damonbundy852]

Really appreciate your time and effort in making these very instructional videos.

[@georgeweaver8428]

Really good informative episode! The Nate vs Freddy video really clarifies the dialogue about the body movement over the ski at/after the 2nd wake. Video’s are truly worth a 1000 words. I also REALLY liked the “short” drone video of 22’ vs 39.5’ showing the skier path and the rope angle difference right at the bouy. Thanks for all your efforts in trying to demystifying the slalom course!

[@ROLLER-52]

That was totally awesome!! Thank you

[@robquetschke1144]

Great video, love the topic. I think one aspect of swing that is key, is whether or not the skier has created the "correct relationship" with the boat before hand. Is the skier free to naturally swing up on the boat and not get peeled in off the second wake. I feel like if the skier is not free then the skier will be pulled to the inside at every ball and ski ball to ball with no space or line tension. Pro skiers create the relationship with the boat so easily and every single gate turn in. So how does a skier consistently "get free" so they can continue outbound off the second wake?