Do you understand how basic water ski equipment works as well as the fundamentals of the sport of water skiing? Take the following “True or False” quiz and find out. At least you have a 50-50 chance of being right.
(1) The skier yells, “Let’s go!” when you are ready to start skiing.
Answer: False. The skier yells, “Hit him!” when you are ready to start skiing. The signal “Go!” used to tell the boat operator to grab the tow rope before starting to ski.
(2) The ski boat is powered by an outboard motor to produce minimal tremor in the water so the skier can move fast.
Answer: False. Water ski boats are built with inboard engines for the above reason.
(3) Before you start skiing, you should check that the water is clear of debris or obstructions and that the depth is at least three to four feet.
Answer: False. The water must be clear of obstructions and at least six to seven feet deep so that the skier’s skis do not drag along the bottom when the skier is starting the course.
(4) Water skiing without the benefit of skis is called barefoot.
Real. Without the use of any type of skis or this piece of water ski equipment, an expert skier is assisted in skiing barefoot through the use of a barefoot boom, which is a long aluminum pole that extends from the center of the ski boat.
(5) A skier giving the thumbs-down sign while waterskiing signals the operator to return to the starting point.
Answer: False. The thumbs down sign means slow down. Alternatively, the thumbs up sign means speed up.
(6) Slalom skiing uses one ski and allows skiing to make wider turns.
Answer: False. Although slalom skiing uses a ski, the ski is designed so that the skier can make tighter turns at higher speeds.
(7) Jumping skis are lightweight and made of a high-strength composite material so they can be used to jump ramps with minimal impact.
Answer: True. These skis help a skier jump over 200 feet!
(8) During show skiing, trick skiers have 30 seconds to perform as many tricks as they can and two runs.
Answer: False. The allotted time is 20 seconds for two runs.
(9) Generally, three people is the minimum number of participants involved in water skiing. They include the skier, the driver and the observer.
Answer: True: All three participants play key roles while skiing. The observer, especially, is fundamental to the sport, since he is the intermediary between the driver and the skier, so that communication is transmitted clearly.
10) Some water ski equipment supplies provide ropes with open ends so that two water skiers can be towed at the same time.
Answer: True. The ropes are made for this purpose.
How would you do? Did you “speed” through the test? You can get a lot more information about water skis by searching the Internet. Many retailers can help you find the right water skiing gear and provide additional information about the sport itself.