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Different Types Of Water Skiing

February 4, 2011 By admin

Slalom Skiing

Water skiing is a very interesting and popular sport. But don’t you know that water skiing has different types? Types of water skiing vary on difficulty, and on the equipment used. Not all types are suitable for new learners as well.

Generally, the principle of water skiing involves the skier being pulled by the boat in two ways: behind the speedboat, or being along with the drag line.  However, it has variations namely slalom skiing, show skiing, ski racing and jump water skiing.

Slalom Skiing

This is the most popular type of water skiing because this could be enjoyed by everyone- beginner or expert. The course in this water skiing discipline is made of 6 fixed buoys. There are two standard buoy colours: red and yellow for the end gates, skier buoys and boat guide buoys respectively. The fixed buoys are situated on each side of the boat guide buoys in an alternate manner. The first skier buoys are located on the right side.

Tournament Slalom Skiing

The concept is similar with slalom skiing, but will be scored according to the buoys cleared successfully.

Show Skiing

This type of skiing is otherwise known as trick water skiing. In this course, the skier will perform tricks like a gymnast while the boat drags them along. Show skiing involves swivelling, jumps, straps, pyramid and several others. This could be done individually or in a group. Usually, skiers here wear sophisticated costumes. Gears that will be used in this type of water skiing discipline is same with slalom skiing. In order to do this type of skiing, the skier should develop good balance. Thus, show skiing is not for beginners.

Ski Racing

This game would compose of a team having two skiers, an observer and a boat driver. As the name suggests, there would be several skiers that will compete and will race around a course.

Jump Water Skiing

Unlike slalom water skiing, this type of water skiing discipline maintains a constant boat speed. Jump water skiing is also known as ski jump. The rule in this game is for the skier to reach the longest distance to win. When the skier reaches a 1.65 to 1.80 m high ramp, he throws himself in the air and will get the highest distance he could. This is not for beginners, but only for experts who want to put their water skiing skills to another level.

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Know The Difference Between Wakeboarding vs. Water Skiing

January 28, 2011 By admin

Both of these water sports are a sought after among enthusiasts. However, when asked about the similarities and differences between the two, it becomes very difficult to tell.

Firstly, before going further to the comparison of wakeboarding and water skiing, let’s first define each of these water sports:

Wakeboarding

This water sport is a combination of the principles of snow boarding, surfing and water skiing. It involves getting on board a wakeboard on the water’s surface. Wakeboards are just similar to surfing boards. The rider here is dragged by a motorboat, or a jet ski which normally runs at around 20-25 miles within an hour. Aside from water crafts, riders could also be dragged using winches or closed-course cables (for man-made wakeboarding havens).

Water Skiing

The rider here is dragged using a boat (for beaches and other natural waters) or a cable ski installation (for man-made water skiing havens). Riders will then glide on the surface of the water. It has three basic types: slalom skiing, show skiing and ski jump.

Similarities Of Wakeboarding And Water Skiing

Both of these water sports require a motor-driven watercraft such as speedboat or jet ski. If the sport is held on a man made environment, then both of these sports would require cables to drag the rider.

In terms of equipment, the ski and board are both made of carbon fibre. Sometimes, people even think that a ski is just a wakeboard split to two.

Wakeboarding vs. Water Skiing In Terms Of Ease

Many people say that water skiing is easier to learn compared to wakeboarding, as beginners could maintain balance in the water by keeping their arms straight and knees slightly bent. Wakeboarding is a bit difficult to balance than water skiing. However, many say that it is more interesting as it is more technical in nature.

Wakeboarding has a variety of tricks compared to water skiing, as it involves 360s and other tricks rather than mere gliding on the water. As mentioned earlier, it is a mixture of snowboarding, water skiing and surfing because of using a motorboat to drag the rider, also with the materials similar to that of a surfer and a snowboarder. Thus, if you are looking for more challenging tricks, then wakeboarding might be a good sport.

Until now, the distinction between the two is being debated. However, it cannot be denied that both of these sports provide fun and challenge for the water sport enthusiasts.

Filed Under: Wake boarding, Water Skiing, Water Skiing General, Water Skiing Q&A, Water sports Tagged With: , , ,

Top Water Skiing Destinations In The UK

January 24, 2011 By admin

Water skiing is one of the sought after water activities, particularly during summer time. It is a very fun and thrilling sport at the same time.

UK is one of the countries with many enthusiasts when it comes to water skiing and any other water sports. If you are a water skiing enthusiast outside UK, or someone in the country who is about to set for any water sports, then you might want to check out some of the top water ski venues in UK. The list is in no particular order, though.

1) Tor Bay, South Devon

Known as a jet ski-friendly resort, it has become a popular place for jet skiers. This place could be reached passing by the Paignton, Brixham, River Dart, Teign Estuary or Torquay harbours. But before using the facilities, registration with the Harbour Authority is required. In this place, skiers below 18 are not allowed to handle and drive any personal watercraft.

2) Pembrokeshire, West Wales

There are two places within this city that could be visited for a skiing session. Try PWC club, or Monkstone Jet Ski. Beginners could also practise here, as there are many friendly instructors in this facility. They could also help you out to earn a Royal Yachting Association Personal Watercraft Proficiency Certificate so that you could enjoy wake boarding, water skiing, and coastal cruising with more privileges.

3) Middlemoor Water Park, Woolavington, Somerset

This water skiing facility is located at a setting away from the hustles and bustles of the city. They offer jet skiing, wake boarding, water skiing and wind surfing lessons, and they also let their skis out for rent. At 25p, you could use your personal jet skis and add 5p for every person added. However, usage of all safety equipment and wet suits would be free of charge.

4) Church Wilne Jet Ski Centre, Sawley Road, Draycott, Derby

This destination is famous for its exceptionally clean waters. Aside from that, it is accessible, as this facility is situated just a few metres away from the M1 motorway. A very good place for relaxation with family or friends. Jet skis for hire are available for use within 25 minutes for just £35. Usage of all safety equipment and wet suits would be free of charge.

So the next time you think about where to water ski in UK, think about the top destinations. There are still more place within the country to explore to.

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Equipment Used For Water Skiing

January 22, 2011 By admin

Water skiing is a very interesting water sport, but it requires time for training and patience. Aside from those factors, you also need the right water ski equipment to get started.

Before jumping off to the beach to learn water skiing, make sure that you have these equipments and clothing handy:

Wetsuits

These clothing is the most appropriate when doing any water sports. Wetsuits are meant to go with the body’s contour and is highly recommended for water sports enthusiasts for maximum comfort.

Machine-Operated Boat

A speed boat is most preferred for this water sport, as this would be used to tow the skier in his desired speed.

Ski Rope

This is very essential for the sport. Water skiing would not be possible without this equipment. The rope should be highly flexible as well, so that it would provide great assistance to the skier, particularly when the speed changes. Preferably, the rope should be around 75 feet and the size of the grip should be up to the hand of the skier. A good grip or handle for the rope should be made of plastic or rubber.

Skis

This equipment is of variety, and it should be chosen accordingly for the skier. Some might be doing the water sport for the first time, and some might be doing it for years. Choosing this equipment should be careful, and should suit the skier that will use it. Choose from the three: slalom skis, trick skis or the skis having both characteristic (combination). Combination skis are the best for beginners.

Life Jacket

This should not be forgotten, even for those who ski for a long time. Falls are inevitable, and so this is very essential, particularly for those who cannot swim. Moreover, this should not be a mere life jacket, but should be approved by the US coast guard for maximum safety in case of inevitable events.

Orange Flag

This might be very small, but it is very essential for the safety of the skier. This is used to signify that the skier fell down the water. It is the observer’s duty to raise this flag once the skier is on danger.

Do not start without securing these equipments. These should be complete, and should be fit to the skier for maximum comfort during the game, and safety as well. Equipments should be customised to ensure an injury free game. Of course, equipments are nothing without you as a skier, a boat driver and an observer. These people make the whole water sport possible.

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Water Skiing Competitions, Categories And Winners

January 7, 2011 By admin

Water skiing originated in the year 1922, and became famous almost instantly among lovers of extreme sport. Until this very time, the sport is still adored by many that series of water ski competitions have been organised dedicated to the said water sport.

Water ski competitions were held in several parts of the world, mostly in the US and the UK. Categories are: barefoot water skiing, ski racing, slalom and tournament slalom skiing and ski jump (otherwise known as jump skiing). Mostly, there are two divisions in each category- the men and women division. World water ski championships has been taking place since the mid ‘70s, and it has been recorded until this present time.  Know some names of the achievers in the world of water skiing- for the World tournament and the World U21 (for athletes aged 21 and below).

 World Tournament Championship

On 2007, Thomas Degasperi of Austria made it to the first place at 3.00 10.25/58 in Slalom men’s division. Emma Sheers of the USA got the first place on 2009 Slalom Women’s division at the score 3.50 10.75/55.

 For the show skiing, or the trick skiing, Nicolas Reforestier of Austria got the first place for the Men Trick Division, and Clementine Lucine, still from Austria bagged the first place for the Women Trick division in 2007.

 On Men’s Division for Ski Jump, Freddy Krueger placed 1st at 72.4 metres , while Angeliki Andriopoulou made it at 54.9 metres. This record is for the year 2007.

World U21 Championship

World U21 is for those athletes aged 21 years old and below.

William Asher of the USA made it to the first place at 3.00 10.25/58 for Slalom Men’s division in the year 2003. In the same year, Regina Jacques, still from USA, made it to the Slalom Women’s division at 3.00 11.25/55.

For the trick skiing or show skiing division, Jimmy Siemers won the first place in the year 2003 under the trick skiing men’s division. In the same year, Tarah Benzel made it first to the trick skiing women’s division.

Jimmy Siemers, for the Ski Jump men’s division made it to the first place in the year 2003 at 69.0 metres. He is from Chicago. Kelly Bowen, still from Chicago,  bagged the first place in the same year at 49.5 metres.

Filed Under: Water Skiing, Water Skiing Categories, Water Skiing Championships, Water Skiing Competitions, Water Skiing General Tagged With: , ,

Water Skiing Tips

January 4, 2011 By admin

Water skiing has become one of the sought after water sports in this recent time. With its growing popularity, more and more people dream of learning how to water ski.

 To those who are into water ski lessons, enjoy the sport by learning these water skiing tips:

 - Secure a life jacket for yourself. Make sure it fits properly, and is approved by the coast guard for maximum safety.

- Put on the skis before going to the water. Normally, it is worn on water, but beginners could do this before they swim until they become used to the water.

- The bindings attached in the ski should be properly fit to the person. It should be as tight as possible (yet comfortable), to have secure grip during the action on water.

 - Next thing after securing the skis is to grip the towrope’s handle. It is also important to float on your back using the life jacket and relax.

 - The boat driver will release the rope’s slack in this moment and will put the boat to neutral until you are ready for action. Let the boat driver know that you are by fully bending your knees and completely extending your arms- with your elbows outside the knees. You should be facing the boat now with your head in a vertical position.

 - This time, you should be able to stay standing on the skis while the boat is in motion pulling you. One useful tip is to keep the knees bent to make you stable. Aside from bending the knees, keep your back straight as well to help you become more balanced. Instead of hunching, try to keep your back straight to prevent from straining it.

 - Extend your arms in full. This will help prevent you from falling backwards by giving your space to pull your arms into the chest. Most skiers have the tendency to place their hands near the chest, giving them no space to counterbalance. Thus they fall easily backwards.

 - Keep your weight on the ski’s centre to help you go straight. Otherwise, it will make you turn and eventually lose your balance.

 There are yet more tips to get familiar with to enjoy the most out of your skiing experience on water. It is not enough to be familiar with water ski instructions alone- you have to learn the art of keeping yourself balanced during the action.

Filed Under: Aqua Skiing, Aqua Skiing Lessons, Aqua Skiing Q&A, Water Skiing, Water Skiing General, Water Skiing Lessons, Water Skiing Q&A Tagged With:

Have you ever tried water skiing?

December 22, 2010 By admin


Question by skycat: Have you ever tried water skiing?

Best answer:

Answer by g
Loved it! Mono skiing is even better and it’s easy to progress from 2 ski’s to 1 after a short time. Enjoy!

Add your own answer in the comments!

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Poll :– Water skiing or.?

December 19, 2010 By admin


Question by little p: Poll :– Water skiing or.?
Skiing on the piste?

Best answer:

Answer by PAUL C
water skiing

Add your own answer in the comments!

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Do they allow water skiing on the River Styx…………?

December 16, 2010 By admin


Question by PINKY: Do they allow water skiing on the River Styx…………?

Best answer:

Answer by wayfaroutthere
Charon’s boat doesn’t move that fast, and he doesn’t let any other boats on the river, so I guess that’s a no. I think the closest you’ll get to that is waterskiing on a river while listening to “come sail away” on headphones.

Add your own answer in the comments!

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Water Skiing Lessons

December 15, 2010 By admin


Water Skiing Lessons

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