How to Water Ski

There's no better way to spend a hot summer day than on the water with the breeze in your hair and water spray on your face. Following are some tips for enjoying time on the water being pulled around by a rope on water skis.

Difficulty: Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Personal flotation device
• Skis and towline
• Ski boat
• Waterproof sunscreen

1. Grab the towline firmly and place it between your skis. Hold it near your body with a palm-down grip.

2. Position your skis vertically with the front tips sticking out of the water in front of you.

3. Bend your knees and straighten your back. The back of your skis should be under your body, as if you're squatting on the skis.

4. Signal the driver of the boat that you're ready to go. Shout "hit it" or bob your head.

5. Keep your skis in front of you and your back straight as the boat accelerates. This is very difficult at first, but it will get easier as you start to rise out of the water.

6. Hold the towline with one hand and use the other to signal the boat. You may want to learn the standard hand signals for requests such as speed changes and turns.

7. Move to the side by leaning on one ski. Keep your knees bent when you go over the boat's wake so you don't fall.

8. Stop by signaling the boat. Don't let go of the towline; as the boat slows you will sink into the water until you return to the starting position.

Tips & Warnings

• Always wear a personal flotation device approved for skiers.
• Insist that at least two people be in the boat while you're skiing. The driver should watch the water ahead and a second person should watch you.
• Skiing is something that can be done by beginners, but pulling a skier isn't. Make sure the driver of the boat is experienced.
• Be aware that falling from water skis can be painful, even though you hit nothing but water.

Who Can Help:

• Tired of Being Tired? Fight Fatigue and Try FRS for FREE!

Resources

• The U.S. Coast Guard offers safety tips for skiers and boaters