Water Skiing Instructions

Water Skiing Instructions

Water skiing is an awesome sport that anyone can enjoy, from the new beginner to the more advanced pro water skier. There are some water skiing instructions that everyone should be ware of before venturing out onto the water.

Water skiing is a sport that requires much communication with both the skier and the person operating the boat. The skier and driver should agree ahead of time on the general direction of the boat. Any skier that turns in the same direction that the boat is could result in a fall or get the skier entangled in the line.

There are signals that are important for the driver and the skier to both agree on before getting started. When a skier is ready and feels comfortable to get started, he informs the driver by shouting ‘In gear’; the boat will then move slowly forward to take up the slack in the line. When the boat is ready, the skier will then shout, ‘hit it’. This is the signal for the driver to open the throttle for take off.

Once they are moving, the skier can then make signals with one hand. A thumb down motion means for a slower speed, and a thumb up motion means for the driver to gain more speed. Another form of these movements is a palm up or palm down movement. When the speed is perfect, the skier will give a thumb and forefinger sign for ‘OK’.

When a skier has fallen, a skier is to clasp both hands above his head in the water to let the driver know that you have fallen and that you are ok. If there is no signal made, the driver will assume that the skier is in trouble and get help. If you are in a crowded skiing environment, it is best to hold up a ski to make you more visible to other boats and skiers.

An adequate area for water skiing will depend on the configuration of the body of water. If water way is heavily used by skiers, a traffic pattern might need to be started. Patterns are run counter-clockwise and the driver and the skier stick strictly to that pattern. Water skiers should never attempt skiing in swimming areas, and marina channels. Boats that are towing skiers should give right away to fishermen in boats or on the shore and to slow moving boats like sailboats.

The driver of the boat has a lot of responsibility. His job is keeping the skier away from dangerous areas as well as giving him a fun ride. Remember to keep the boat a safe distance from the shore and docks. Be on the look out for other boats that enter the ski area. If this happens, shut down the boat immediately and wait for the path to be clear again. Look both ways before making a turn and keep the skier at a safe speed. You do not need to go fast to have a good ride.

In order to be safe and have a fun ride, the skier and the driver need to use their best judgment. Never stay on the water too long and there should be absolutely no alcohol or any impairing medications used while driving the boat or water skiing. You do not want to deter from having fun with any of these things.

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