| Back Toe-ups the Easy Way! by Jon Coretti |
Ed. note: The back toe-up start method is one of the most
difficult starts to master for most competitors. This spring
(2003) I saw Jon Coretti perform this start with apparent
ease by starting off as he was doing a front toe-up.
Imagine my surprise when I saw him roll over and stand up
backwards with his foot still in the strap! I was very
impressed with the relative ease with which he performed
this difficult start and asked him to share the secrets.
Before attempting the back toe up start long line, I
recommend you try it on the boom. Although long line is
more difficult, on the boom you can learn how to come up
out of the water using your outstretched hands and arms
to balance yourself on the spray made by your foot in the
water.
On the boom you can start on your stomach and once the
boat has reached about 20 mph you can plant your foot
and begin the slow rise to the standing position
(Concentrate on looking out on the horizon and using
your hands on the spray for balance). In order to simulate
the long line start, you should be able to perform the back
toe up start on the boom with at least a medium, fast, fast
start. After you have mastered the back toe up start on
the boom, you are ready to try it long line
First Step, photo #1, start with the toe hold as you would
with a front toe up start. I prefer a bear trap handle, but
for safety I would recommend a conventional toe hold
handle.
Second Step, photo #2, after you come out of the water,
cheek over to whichever side of the wake you prefer. I
have always preferred the driver side and I start with my
right foot in the toe strap. Do not sit up; but rather, ride
as demonstrated in this photo. I use my hands on the
water to steady myself in the curl. Once I am steady, I pull
my elbows in and keep my hands above my chest to set
up for the roll onto my stomach.
Third Step, photo #3, with elbows in, hands above your
chest, and free foot above the handle, quickly roll over
towards your plant foot (I have found that by rolling
towards the wake you are less likely to drift one way or the
other). As you turn to your stomach let your arms go
behind you so they are outstretched above/behind your
head. It is crucial that you flex your toes in the toe hold
towards your shin as you roll to make sure the handle
does not slip off.
Keep in mind that if you fail to roll over with enough force,
you will ride on your side and drift out of the curl. For
some reason, which I have not figured out, as soon as you
roll over to your stomach, your plant foot will plant (I think
maybe that once toes touch the water they catch and the
plant is on!).
Fourth Step, photo #4, from this point the back toe up
start is identical to the back toe up on the boom. Use your
outstretched arms and hands on the spray for balance.
The boat will pull you up and all you have to do is maintain
your side to side balance.
Fifth Step, photo #5, take your time and let your fingertips
be the last body part to leave the spray. Slowly straighten
up to the standing position and get your hands above the
spray (You will not get credit if the boat judges can't see
your hands).
Sixth Step, photo #6, credit 450 points for the back toe up
start. As you ride you can continue to keep your hands
on the top of the spray for balance.
Seventh Step, photo #7, with the trick scored, if you are
not at a tournament, smile at the camera.
At tournaments I do a toe front set up turn before time and
simply reach forward and pull the handle of my foot (I of
course tell the boat judges this before I start) and ski into
the course frontwards. Once I learn a feet to feet toe front
I will do the turn in time, but for now it takes too much time
to go to my butt and then stand up (plus it is only 350
points).
You can also place your hands on the water and slowly
lower yourself onto your stomach and roll back over onto
your back to get to the front position, but beware, the
handle often pops off your foot when you go to your
stomach and then roll to your back. Good luck!
Jon Coretti
