skibrain
Senior Chief Petty Officer
- Joined
- Jun 17, 2004
- Messages
- 766
Quick tip for the weekend while I'm waiting for a buddy to call with a wind report at the lake:
Unlike tubing, where the ride pretty much depends on the creativity of the boat driver, waterskiing is all about the skier. Here is a little diagram that might help explain.
1. Constant speed of the skier's choosing.
If the skier cares enough to suggest a speed, match that. Then at the first opportunity, ask: "How was that speed" Adjust if necessary.
2. Drive in a straight line.
A tour of the lake, or circling past the dock (two of my dad's favorite moves when I was growing up) or pretending you are pulling a tube are not recommended. Just find a straight line on the flatest piece of water around, and go. Since boat wakes spread out from the center of the boat path, coming back in your own path will eliminate hitting your own rollers. By repeating a pattern like this, other boats (may) get the idea of what you're up to and stay out of your way. Or other skiing boats can take turns with you in this boat path rotation. We have this mostly worked out with the regulars on the small lake where we ski.
If the skier falls, continue straight, bring the boat to no wake speed, THEN turn 180 degrees, idle back, or get up on-plane and retrace your path back to the dropped skier. No big circle at WOT stirring things up. It also gives you the chance to chat with the skier, tell them how awesome that last wipeout was, and ask them about your driving.
If there are too many boats out for flat water for a straight boat path, it is time to wake up earlier or find a new lake.
Unlike tubing, where the ride pretty much depends on the creativity of the boat driver, waterskiing is all about the skier. Here is a little diagram that might help explain.
1. Constant speed of the skier's choosing.
If the skier cares enough to suggest a speed, match that. Then at the first opportunity, ask: "How was that speed" Adjust if necessary.
2. Drive in a straight line.
A tour of the lake, or circling past the dock (two of my dad's favorite moves when I was growing up) or pretending you are pulling a tube are not recommended. Just find a straight line on the flatest piece of water around, and go. Since boat wakes spread out from the center of the boat path, coming back in your own path will eliminate hitting your own rollers. By repeating a pattern like this, other boats (may) get the idea of what you're up to and stay out of your way. Or other skiing boats can take turns with you in this boat path rotation. We have this mostly worked out with the regulars on the small lake where we ski.
If the skier falls, continue straight, bring the boat to no wake speed, THEN turn 180 degrees, idle back, or get up on-plane and retrace your path back to the dropped skier. No big circle at WOT stirring things up. It also gives you the chance to chat with the skier, tell them how awesome that last wipeout was, and ask them about your driving.
If there are too many boats out for flat water for a straight boat path, it is time to wake up earlier or find a new lake.
