Boating has a language of its own and just like any other language which is foreign it requires practice and repetitious use to master. Fast becoming one of the most popular sports in the nation, water-skiing has certain aspects of danger. It is essential that my students will have an understanding of water-skiing in order to help eliminate many of these risks. To begin with, water-skiing is a team sport. The team players are the skier, the boat driver, and an observer to keep an eye on the skier and relay the messages to the driver.
Many states require that there be a water skier observer and often there are age restrictions.
The boat should also be clear of other boats, docks, and obstacles. Since the tow rope should be at least 75 feet long remember to keep the skier at least twice that distance from potentially dangerous obstacles. The water skier should be able to communicate to the boat with hand signals. A clear understanding in advance of the desires of the skier will lead to a safer sport. Try not to think for the skier, let him or her direct the actions of the boat.