The first ramp in the progression has a 50-foot in-run with a lip that is one meter up from the level of the water. The first runs start from 35-feet up the ramp. Once the skier is comfortable at this distance, they move to the top.

Liftoff is anywhere from 5 to 8 feet, "which is time enough for them to do tricks," said Haslock. "They start with a stand-up landing, then maybe to a 180-degree spin, then a 360. After that, they may try a forward or backward somersault. We've had skiers go through the whole series of tricks in the first class."

Once the mini-ramp has been mastered, the next ramp in the progressive format is the 3-meter, which offers a little more speed and a little more air.

"If they like this and think this is the sport for them, then they can move to the next level, which is the three-day camp. And, if they want to do more, after this, then they can move up in the five-day camp or 'Fly 5.' Some students have progressed all the way to this level. This is where they qualify for national championships and, possibly, get on the U.S. team and try for the Olympics."

The cost of the three-hour introduction is $65, and includes use of equipment and pool and instruction. Jumping sessions are held Wednesday through Sunday. To register call 435-658-2FLY. Those interested can also get information on the programs at www.flyfreestyle.com.

The Utah Olympic facility is one of only two in the country. The second is in Lake Placid, N.Y., site of the 1980 Olympics. The Utah complex, however, is considered one of the finest in the world and, in fact, teams from all over the world come to Utah to train off the jumps and into the pool.

What the Olympic center has found over the years is that most people want to try splashdown . . . at least once. The lure of big air, which can be as much as a few feet in the beginning, has brought a lot of new aerial student into the sport over the years.

One thing that has made the program so popular is that people saw the freestyle in the Olympics, heard about the park and now want the experience.

And, while it may be too late for starters to make the 2006 Olympics, there's time enough to go from the straight-forward jump off the one-meter jump all the way to the "full-double-full-double-full," or three flips and five twists . . . and an Olympic gold.

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