B4 - Wednesday, Sept. 9, 1981 - North Shore News

H

WE Sport

ON THE WATER

Hints for safer s

Water skiing i is tons of f fun;
not to. mention good
exercise, and proof of that.is
its increasing popularity with
families who enjoy water-
oriented activities. Part. of
the reason for its success is
that water lovers of all ages
and ability can do it. And
considering that it’s prac-
tically tailor-made _ for
families, the -starting-up
costs for a water ski rig can
be very modest.

For those who are jum-
ping into the sport for the
first time, here are some
driving tips from the Allied
Boating Association of
Canada that will help you

and your skiers look like

experts the first time out.

Getting a skier up on the
water and skiing requires
teamwork and coordination.
The boat driver should
slowly take the slack out of
the tow rope. The observer
should help keep the rope
untangled. When the skier is
ready, he yells “Hit it!”

The driver then applies

THE SEASON for

water-skiing may almost

be over for another
year, but safety tips are
good for any time.

MAVE A BALL BOWLING

YOUTH
LEAGUES

National Program
For Youths 5 to 17
*« Juniors *

Ages 12to 14
Sat. 9 a.m.
For farther information cof

NORTH SHORE
BOWL

141 West 3rd St.
NORTH VANCOUVER

985-1212

ample power to pull the skier
up quickly, then quickly
throttles back to a speed
compatible with the skier's
ability. For beginners, this
will be about 18-25 miles per
hour.

Make gentle turns, at least
until the skier has learned to
handle the increased speed
he'll feel if he should go
outside the wake. Alter-
nately, if the skier is on the
inside of the wake, a fast
turn will cause slack in the
rope and then he'll be jerked
suddenly when the rope
straightens out.

If the skier should fall, the
observer should keep track
of his location and have the
driver circle slowly, bringing
the tow rope to the skier. If
the skier is coming aboard,
turn off the motor and have
the skier board over
the bow or stern, but not the
sides.

Do not rely on vocal
signals. They may be
unheard or misunderstood
over the noise of your boat

and motor. Make suré your
skiers wear approved
personal flotation devices
and that they (and your
observers) know the official
hand signals.

OFFICIAL HAND
SIGNALS FOR
WATER SKIERS

© When the skier wants to
go slower, he motions with
his palm down, repeating the
downward motion.

e If he wants more speed,
the signal is just the opposite
- paim up and repeated up-
ward motions.

e If the speed is correct for
the skier, he can signal the
OK sign - the thumb and
forefinger forming a circle.

¢ An immediate stop is
signalled with a flat palm and
outstretched arm pointed
towards the boat. To have
the motor cut, the skier
moves his fingers across his
throat in a cutting motion.

¢ To change directions,

the skier Motions with out-
stretched arm in the
direction he desires to go.

e Should the skier fall, he
should signal that he’s OK by
clasping his hands over his
head. Also, he should hold a
ski up to warn other boats of
his presence.

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