Here are seven tips to avoid injury from a water ski crash.

Falling-out-the-front slalom crashes are scary because it’s easy to get caught up in the handle/rope – especially when you’re traveling fast and narrow into the turn. Once you realize you’re doomed and a crash is unavoidable, the key is to keep the handle in your hand until it’s safe to let go. Things happen quickly, but just being aware of where the rope is can keep you out of harm’s way.

1. In a jump crash, the handle is your lifeline. It’s the only thing you have to control the crash, so it’s important that you hold onto the handle until just before impact. This will help you know where you are throughout the crash. If possible, try to have your skis enter the water last.
2. Whether you’re eating crap off the jump ramp or crashing and burning on your slalom ski, the tuck and roll method seems to work wonders for avoiding injury. Simply tuck your head, roll to your shoulders and slide to safety (in theory, at least).
3. Perhaps the easiest way to prevent an unnecessary crash is to check your equipment. Inspect everything: fin box, fin, wing, bindings, handle and rope. Also, don’t forget to look for cracks in your ski.
4. As hard as it may be when you’re crashing, try to relax your body and avoid rigid muscle contraction. If you take a hard stack and start wigging out in the water, focus on breathing. Deep, long breaths will help you relax and ease the pain.
5. Although it might add a little more weight when you’re skiing, a well-padded vest goes a long way toward avoiding cracked ribs. This is a common injury in slalom as the skier edges toward the first wake and their grip is compromised. A good pair of gloves will also greatly help the cause.
6. If you’re a course skier, avoid hitting the buoy at all costs. Going for it when things are questionable isn’t smart. The bones and ligaments in your ankles will thank you later.