How to Retrieve the Rope for a Fallen Skier When Driving the Boat

If you circle back after a skier falls and idle past, the ski rope ends up right back in his or her hands.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Safety Flags
• Life Vests
• Ski Boats
• Water Ski Ropes
• Water Skis

1. When your observer informs you your skier has fallen, maintain your speed and turn 180 degrees to drive in the opposite direction. Turn toward your side of the boat.

2. Cut speed as you near the skier.

3. Idle past the skier, keeping the skier several feet from the boat and on your side.

4. Confirm that the skier wishes to continue skiing as you pass.

5. Pass the skier and turn slightly toward the side the skier was on, then continue idling straight forward. This will cause the rope to pull over the skier.

6. Allow the skier to walk hand over hand down the rope until back on the handle.

7. Give the skier time to get ready and give you the go-ahead signal before accelerating again.

Tips & Warnings

• Always have a boarding ladder with you. When is skier is done, he or she is usually exhausted and can't climb easily into the boat.
• Be very careful when passing by the fallen skier. Always keep the skier on your side of the boat, about 10 feet away at the closest point.
• If the skier misses the rope, repeat all the steps as if the skier just fell.
• Be very careful passing the fallen skier in the water.
• Always turn off the engine when a skier is climbing back into the boat. Have the observer help the skier in.
• Always observe boating safety rules.
• Always wear life vests.
• Waterskiing is an inherently dangerous activity that can result in serious injury or death. We recommend that you seek proper training and equipment before attempting this activity.

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