Topic: Water Skiing Laws/Safety/Equipment
Concept: Basic Knowledge of laws/safety procedures/equipment
understanding
Skill:
1. Identify Basic Laws to be put into Portfolio
2. Identity Safety Procedures
3. Understanding of Equipment ~ know how to personally get equipment
Objective: Students will have a basic understanding of the water skiing laws, safety issues involved in the sport, and how equipment is sized and used.
Lesson Activity:
Identify Water Skiing Laws for students:
Q. Are you required to have a spotter/observer?
A: You are required to have a spotter or a wide-angle rear view mirror
Q: How old must the spotter be?
A: Often the minimum age is 12-14 years
Q: What is the maximum length of rope you can use?
A: 75 feet
Q: What hours can you water ski?
A: From Sunrise to Sunset
Q: Are you required to display a ski flag for any reason?
A: Flag is required when a skier is down
Q: Must two ropes be immediately pulled in after use?
A: Yes, to prevent a hazard
Q: What is the speed limit?
A: Most rivers/lakes/seas will have speed limits posted ~ generally
do not operate boat in a reckless manner.
More questions and answers can be found at The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary site.
Assignment: Students need to search and find three more laws to put into their portfolio.
SAFETY TIPS
Water skiing is an exciting and challenging sport. However like all
fast action sports that are fun, it does posses an element of risk.
* The Ski Area
The size of the ski area in which you intend to ski determines the
number of boats and skiers that can operate within it at the same time.
Each boat should be able to maintain a 200 foot wide "ski corridor" ( 100
feet on either side of the boat). The entire skiing course should be at
least 2, 000 - 3,000 feet long to avoid constant turning and risking maneuvering.
* Depth
A minimum depth of five to six feet of obstacle free water is suggested
for safe skiing to:
1. Keep the skis from dragging bottom during starts.
2. Allow for a margin of safety against hitting bottom or submerged
obstacles during a fall.
* Fixed Objects
Serious injuries can occur from hitting fixed objects such as docks,
pilings, or stumps. While many obstacles are marked by warning buoys or
signs, it is up to the boat operator, observer and skier to be alert to
any potential hazards in the skiing area.
CHOOSING THE RIGHT SKI TYPE:
Teacher will identify equipment procedures and types then students
will have the opportunity to try on various skis.
There are a number of factors involved in choosing the right size ski. Weight is the predominant factor, but skiing speed may also be important.
Speed / Inches Speed /Inches Speed / Inches
| Speed ----------------------- | 26-30mph | 30-34mph | 34-66mph |
| Weight 80-110lbs | 63-64'' | 62-64'' | -------- |
| 95-120 | 65-66'' | 63-64'' | 63-64'' |
| 115-140 | 55-66'' | 65-66'' | 63-64'' |
| 135-160 | 67-68'' | 65-66'' | 65-66'' |
| 155-180 | 69'' | 67-68'' | 67-68'' |
| 175-200 | 69'' | 69'' | 67-68'' |
| 195-220 | 72'' | 69'' | 69'' |
| 220 -up | 72'' | 72'' | 72'' |
The Rope:
The tow rope should be at least 75 feet long ~ remember that the skier
should be at least twice that distance from potentially dangerous obstacles.
The longer the rope the less wake the boat is going to put out to the skier.
As you become more advanced you can decrease the length of the rope to
create more waves.
The following are general purpose recreation grade ski lines suitable for a variety of skiing styles and conditions:
Economy 75' Single 8 -Strand
Great light duty ski rope for kids and lightweight adults on
double skis.
Sport 75 ' Single
Great recreational handle with the best 16-Strand, super strong
floating ski line.
Sport Plus 75' Double
Double handle version for easier deep water starts