Content

• Steps
• Part 1 of 4: Getting Ready for Water Skiing
• Part 2 of 4: Proper boat handling
• Part 3 of 4: Water Skiing
• Part 4 of 4: Water Skiing
• Tips
• Warnings

Have you ever seen water skiing? Admire how athletes glide effortlessly on the water and think: "I want that too!" Whether you study on your own or teach your children, a few tips and the right preparation will help you learn to ride without any problems. We will talk about pair skiing.

Steps

Part 1 of 4: Getting Ready for Water Skiing

1. 1 Wear a life jacket. You need a life jacket that covers your chest, abdomen and back. It needs to be sized and worn correctly so that if you fall, it stays in place and does not slide up.
   • The vest should fit snugly around the body, but not cause discomfort.
   • Check the factory markings for the size and maximum weight of the vest.
2. 2 Buy jet skis. You need a classic pair ski suitable for beginners. On one of the skis in such a pair, behind the usual bindings, there is a rear attachment-loop (so that in the future, having mastered water-skiing skills, you can ski on one ski). Beginner skis are usually wider and therefore more stable on the water. They vary depending on the weight of the athlete, so it is important to choose the right size.
   • Pay attention to the manufacturer's instructions for how much weight a particular pair is designed for.
   • Kids' skis are smaller and easier to control. They usually provide a "training" option, that is, the ability to connect two skis together. This helps to maintain balance and prevents the legs from moving apart.
   • Typically, water skis are fitted with adjustable bindings to fit any size of skier's foot.
3. 3 Consider stapling your skis together. Instructional skis for kids can often be stitched together to keep your child's legs from moving apart. Children usually find it difficult to handle and hold their skis together, so this connection will be of immense benefit in the first step.
4. 4 Use the correct cable. The water ski tow rope (halyard) stretches only slightly and is 22.5 m long from the handle to the opposite end. Do not use the rope for wakeboarding as it is too stiff or very elastic.
   • The tow rope must be marked as specifically for water skiing.
5. 5 Learn the necessary signals. There are seven different signs that every water skier should be aware of. They are important for signaling the boat driver while water skiing.
   • Thumb up means "speed up", while thumb down means "slow down". It is very important to keep this in mind while driving so that you do not accidentally ask the boat driver to accelerate.
   • The thumb and forefinger, connected in the shape of the letter "O" ("ok"), tell the driver that the speed and trajectory are right for you.
   • To rotate, lift your finger, make a circular motion with it and indicate the direction in which you want to turn.This sign is used both by the skier himself to ask the driver of the boat to move in a certain direction, and by the driver to warn the skier about the turn.
   • Patting yourself on the head means you want to get back to shore. Use this signal if you are tired and want to quit skating.
   • A cutting motion with the hand in front of the neck signals the boat to stop immediately. This sign can be given by a skier, driver or observer in case of an emergency.
   • A clap of your hands over your head after a fall signals that you are all right. This should be done after every fall.
6. 6 Equip a jet ski flag for safety. The towing boat must have a special flag. It is usually bright (orange) in color and serves as a signal to other boats that a skier is in the water. Whenever a skier is in the water but not skiing, the flag must be hoisted to be seen from other boats.
   • This is an important safety measure and most boats must have an observer to keep an eye on the skier and hold the flag.
7. 7 Learn the correct position, for a start on the shore. The correct starting position in water skiing is the grouping while sitting on skis ("bomb").
   • While standing on the ground, put on your jet skis.
   • Grasp the handle and bend your knees to sit on the skis. In this case, you must group, as when jumping into the water with a "bomb".
   • Have someone pull gently on the other end of the cable to help you stand on your bent legs. You should take this position as if you are sitting on a chair.
   • Keep your knees together at all times and keep your arms straight so you can be pulled on the cable.

Part 2 of 4: Proper boat handling

1. 1 Start quickly. The most important aspect when towing a skier is a quick start and acceleration. This means that you need a sufficiently powerful boat that can accelerate very quickly from scratch. The athlete will then be able to smoothly ski up.
2. 2 Drive at a constant speed. It is important that the driver of the towing boat does not change speed so that the skier can move smoothly. If there is a sudden change in speed or turn, it will be very difficult for a beginner athlete to maintain balance.
3. 3 Choose a time when the water is calm. It is good to water ski in the early morning when it is completely calm. The water can become choppy later in the day due to heavy traffic.
   • If you do find yourself in a slight roughness or wake, cross them at a 90 degree angle to minimize the impact on the skier.
   • Water skiing should be a joy for children, so choose a time that is convenient for the whole family.
4. 4 Observe the correct speed. The towing speed will vary depending on the weight of the skier and the level of skiing, but there are general guidelines. Children should be towed at the lowest speed sufficient to prevent them from submerging in water. The speeds listed below are recommended for pair skiing.
   • With an athlete weighing less than 23 kg, the boat must move at a speed of about 21 km / h.
   • With an athlete weighing from 23 to 45 kg, the boat should move at a speed of about 26 km / h.
   • With an athlete weighing from 45 to 68 kg, the boat should move at a speed of about 29 km / h.
   • With an athlete weighing from 68 to 82 kg, the boat should move at a speed of about 34 km / h.
   • If an athlete weighs more than 82 kg, the boat must move at a speed of about 38 km / h.
   • Adjust the speed when cornering. If the skier is on the inside of the loop, he may slow down, so you need to increase your speed. If it is on the outside, it can accelerate, so the speed must be reduced.
5. 5 Stay away from docks and shore. When turning, the athlete can be thrown back sharply, so it is important to stay at a sufficient distance from the dock and other obstacles.Also, if the skier releases the cable, it can fly quite far before diving into the input, so keep that in mind.
   • Do not drive into shallow water or where there may be obstacles protruding or hidden in the water.
   • Most water skiing accidents occur when hitting a pier or other large object, so be careful and stay out in open water.
6. 6 Make sure the athlete is in your field of vision at all times. Usually there should be an observer on the boat to watch the skier in case he falls or gives a signal. It is difficult for the driver himself to drive the boat and observe the athlete at the same time.
   • The observer will raise the flag if necessary and transmit signals to the boat driver.
7. 7 Stop the propeller completely when picking up a fallen skier. It is wiser and safer to always stop the propeller when there is a person nearby in the water. When you get close, turn off the engine and let the boat continue on impulse until it is level with the skier.
   • Be very careful that the athlete is not injured when you approach him in the boat. Do not get too close and always stop the propeller.

Part 3 of 4: Water Skiing

1. 1 Use the EZ skis to help your child get up to speed on water skiing. Such a simulator (original name - "EZ ski trainer") will help the child get used to towing before getting on real water skis. This device is similar to an inflatable jet ski that can be pulled by a cable. On it, the child will be able to gain confidence, learn how to properly hold the handle and maintain balance.
   • Children can ride sitting or standing, whichever is more comfortable, learning to maintain balance and getting used to being towed.
   • Be patient with your child and let him learn at his own pace. This simulator will help to overcome the fears that a child may have about water skiing.
2. 2 Put on your jet skis. Board the boat or dock and put on your skis. They need to be adjusted to fit your foot, and you just need to slide your foot into the harness. The mount should wrap tightly around the foot, so you may have to wiggle your leg back and forth to push it all the way through.
   • Wet your skis before putting them on to help your foot slip into the bindings more easily.
   • Children may find it difficult to put on skis on their own, so help them if needed.
3. 3 Grasp the rope firmly with your hands. Grasp the cable handle with both hands, holding them close to each other. When skiing with a pair of skis, the palms of both hands should be facing down. The grip must be firm. Stretch your arms straight out in front of you.
4. 4 Bring your knees to your chest, keeping your hands at the sides of your knees, and the cable between the skis. Let a lifejacket keep you in the water. Lean back. Pull your knees up to your chest, wrap your arms around them from the outside, as if hugging.
   • Place the cable between the skis and the handle between your body and the ends of the skis.
5. 5 Point the skis straight ahead, keeping them together and with the ends up. While in the position described in the previous step (leaning back, knees pulled up to the chest), direct the skis so that their ends protrude out of the water. Skis should be facing forward and close to each other. The distance between them should not exceed the width of your thigh.
   • Kids' skis often have a cable or bar to hold them together. Thanks to this, the skis do not go to the sides, and they are easier to handle.
6. 6 Stretch your arms forward so that the taut rope lifts you out of the water. The cable should be located between the skis. Stretch your arms out in front of you, firmly holding the handle with both hands between your torso and the ends of the skis. This moment is of great importance for the start of water skiing.
   • It is very important that you get out of the water and onto the jet skis by pulling the cable while the boat is moving.
   • If you try to bend your arms or pull yourself up to stand up, you are likely to lose your balance and fall.
7. 7 You can ask someone to help you until you achieve balance. If you are close to the shore, someone can hold you to help keep the skis together and balance while you are in the starting position described above.
   • This tip is especially useful for children who may find it difficult to maintain balance and posture while waiting for the boat to move.
8. 8 Make sure the rope is tight before starting. When the boat starts moving, the cable should not sag, otherwise the water skier will be strongly pulled forward and he will lose his balance. Once the athlete has grasped the line, the boat may retreat at low speed until the tow line is taut.
   • While the cable is being pulled, the skier can move forward slightly. Be careful to keep your balance and starting position.
9. 9 Tell the boat driver “ready!"to start moving. Shout “ready!” To the driver, signaling that you are ready to start. The boat starts quickly. Stay grouped and remain calm and confident. To get up on water skiing with ease, it is important to relax and be confident.
   • The ability of a boat to accelerate quickly from a standstill is much more important than its ability to reach high speeds.
10. 10 Lean back and let the boat pull you. Maintain your original tuck by leaning back slightly and extending your arms straight in front of you, and let the boat lift you to your feet. The skis should be directly below you, although you lean back slightly. Don't get up right away.
    • If you bend your arms to pull yourself up, it will only lead to a loss of balance, so keep them straight.
    • Look straight ahead. If you hold your head high to keep the spray out of your eyes, you can lose your balance, and if you lower your head down, you are more likely to fall.
11. 11 Keep your knees bent. Bent knees are required both before the start and when you get to your feet on water skis. This will help you maintain proper balance and better ski control.
    • Even if the water is calm, you will be thrown up, and bent knees will help cushion it.
12. 12 Lift only when you feel confident and balanced. If, following the boat in tow, you feel confident and do not lose your balance, try to stand up. Your feet with skis should remain directly below you; just straighten your legs, continuing to lean back slightly and keeping your arms straight in front of you.
    • It is best for children to try the first one or two rides this way and stay in a grouped position. This will help them get used to water skiing and learn how to handle and balance.
13. 13 If you fall on the first try, try again. While you are just learning to water ski, it can be difficult to keep your balance. Be patient and believe in yourself. If you start to feel frustrated, you can rest and then try again.
    • As you float back to the surface, cover your face with your hands: this will help avoid hitting the face with the ski you lost.
    • While the boat turns around and returns to pick you up, raise your hand or ski so that other boats notice and dodge you.

Part 4 of 4: Water Skiing

1. 1 Keep your knees bent at all times. Bent knees help absorb any shock when the boat crosses waves or breakers, keep your balance and stay on your feet.
2. 2 Keep your arms straight and let the boat pull you forward. Do not try to pull forward or maintain balance while pulling on the tow rope. You should simply let the boat pull you along the line.
3. 3 Lean back constantly to stay in the correct position. Lean back slightly so that your hips and shoulders form a straight line.You can lift your hips slightly forward and up towards the handle, but make sure the skis remain directly below you.
   • If you let the skis slide forward, you will fall on your back.
   • If you lean forward, the skis will move backward and you will fall facedown.
4. 4 Breathe normally. Many water skiers tend to hold their breath while skiing, but it's important not to. Breathing normally will reduce fatigue and prevent unnecessary fatigue.
5. 5 Once you are comfortable with riding in a straight line, try small turns. Try to turn slightly by applying force from the inside edge of the ski opposite the side you want to turn. Stay in the wake for now.
   • For example, you press down on the inside edge of the ski with your left foot and lean slightly to the right and away from the boat to turn right. At the same time, you can raise your right leg slightly to aid the turn.
   • During the turn, do not forget to maintain the correct position: knees bent, arms outstretched in front of you.
6. 6 When you are comfortable turning in the wake, try to go beyond it. Turn to either side and cross the waves, turning the skis at an acute angle to them. Apply force on the ski closest to the boat until you are completely out of the wake.
   • Keep your knees bent to absorb impacts.
   • If you try to cross a wave with one ski at a time, you will fall. Make sure to cross it at a sharp angle with both skis at the same time.
   • Move quickly through the wake. If you try to do it slowly, you will fall.
   • Keep your arms straight in front of you as you turn. A common beginner mistake is to pull the handle, which can lead to loss of balance and fall.

Tips

• Keep your arms straight. If you, as a beginner skier, try to bend your arms, you will most likely lose control and fall. The more experienced you are, the easier it is for you to bend your arms and maintain a standing position.
• Be patient and have fun! The most important thing in water skiing is to experience the fun of skiing. This will help you stay confident and comfortable.
• Sometimes you will not be towed on the cable from the very first ride. Instead, an "arrow" will be used - a structure like a pipe protruding over the side of the boat. You will start rolling with this "arrow" as it is easier to hold onto. After this simulator, you will be able to move on to the cable.
• If you are tired, you should take a break and try again later. Never water ski until you are overworked.

Warnings

• Always wear a life jacket and check if your equipment is in good condition.
• Stay away from piers and other large objects while riding.
• When a skier is boarding or exiting the boat, the engine must be turned off.
• Never water ski in front of the boat.
• In the event of an athlete falling or important signals in his direction, there should always be an observer in the boat.