Water sports are a fun activity for the whole family and can add a whole new dimension to your day out on the water. These days can create lasting memories and help you learn new skills. But with water sports, such as towing a skier, there are also a few rules you should follow to ensure everyone is safe. Keep reading to learn everything you should know about towing a skier with your pontoon.
Using the Right Gear
The first requirement for a fun, safe day on the water is using the right equipment. Most importantly, the rope you use. Each type of water sport has its own rope type, with different attachment options. It is important to be aware of this and to understand the best place to connect the rope to your pontoon. Always make sure to attach the rope to a ski pylon or u-bolt at the stern, not a cleat, as cleats are not designed to handle the tension.
Staying Safe While Water Skiing
For a safe water skiing adventure, you should have at least three people on board. This includes the driver, the watcher, and the skier. Everyone on board, and especially those on the skis should be wearing a well-fitted life jacket. This ensures that the skier can stay afloat if they fall off until you can circle back to collect them. You should also ensure that all people on board know the basic rider hand signals. This will ensure you can communicate with the skier throughout their turn on the water.
Finally, whenever someone is out on the skis, you must have a dedicated watcher. This person is responsible for watching the skier and alerting the driver when they fall. They are also responsible for relaying any communication about speed from the skier to the driver.
Towing a Water Skier
The first thing you should be aware of is that the skier will turn wider than the pontoon boat itself. Be sure to stay aware of your surroundings and consider any buoys or other obstacles.
Once you have covered the basic safety rules for the skier, it is time to head out on the water. First, you want to head out from shore to a nice open expanse of water, preferably with little to no boating traffic. Then face the pontoon in the direction you want to head, and turn off the boat engine. Double-check all of the rope connections and have the skier hop out of the boat holding the rope. As the skier floats clear of the stern, start the engine slowly until the rope is taut. Continue at a slow speed until the skier signals that they are ready, then slowly accelerate.
Creating the Ski Path
Whenever possible, a straight line is best for new skiers. However, as the skier becomes more confident, a large figure 8 is optimal. The figure 8 should still feature a long straight section, with a large loop at each end. Ideally, you will cross your own wake before heading straight again. Make sure to signal to the skier when you are planning to turn so they can prepare for the change and additional speed they will get from the turning momentum.
Picking up a Fallen Skier
When picking up a fallen skier, be sure to pull back on the throttle until you come to idle speed. Then, make a slow turn to pick up the skier on the driver’s side of the boat. You may need to move the pontoon in and out of gear as you want to avoid causing a wake. Once close to the skier, change out of gear and float up next to them so they can climb aboard. Good boating etiquette also encourages the use of an orange flag as you collect a fallen skier.
SunCatcher Pontoons
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