Section 3
3-10
• Let the handle go as soon as you sense you're about to fall. Falling is better
than dragging.
• Roll with it. Bow your head, bend your knees, tuck in your arms and make like a
beach ball.
• Signal the observer to let them know you are OK after a fall.
• After you fall, lift your ski or board above the water so other boaters can see
you.
• When learning advanced maneuvers, it's best to seek training from a
professional.
• A little advice will cut down on falls, shorten your learning time and reduce the
chances of an injury.
Driver - Best Practices
BE AWARE
Many water sports boats are at home in calmer waters due to the design of
the hull. Avoid large bodies of open water with the risk of severe chop in
water sports boats.
The boat driver plays a critical role in the enjoyment and safety of all towed water
sports participants. Do not allow inexperienced drivers to drive for skiers/riders
without thorough instruction and training. We encourage all boat operators to take
a boater's education course. See your state's boating authority for available
courses or other operating requirements.
• Wait for a clear boat path ahead of you before accelerating.
• Make sure to use the proper rope for the sport. A rope designed to pull a skier is
not the recommended rope for towing a tube.
• If skiing, boarding or tubing with more than one person, make sure all tow ropes
are the same length.
• Keep a 100-foot buffer zone on all sides of the boat and stay in water that is safe
for the skier/rider and draft of your boat.
• Make sure the tow line unwinds smoothly without getting snagged on anyone or
anything.
• Idle forward to make the rope tight.
• Accelerate only when the tow rope is completely tight and the skier/rider has
given the “hit it” signal. The words GO and NO can be easily confused with
wind, water and engine noise all around you. It is best to find another signal
other than GO to tell the driver to power up. HIT IT or BOAT DRIVER are better
options.
• Always approach fallen skiers/riders in the water from the driver's side, so the
driver does not lose sight of them.
• TURN OFF ENGINE when a skier/rider is near the boat, rather than running the
engine in NEUTRAL. An accidental bump of the throttle when the engine is
running could put the boat in gear.
Supreme_2018.book Page 10 Wednesday, January 31, 2018 9:30 AM
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