Towed Water Sports
Towed-Water and Wake Board Safety
Towed water sports and wake sports are thrilling activities, but they come with their own set of safety precautions and procedures. Towed water sports include activities such as water skiing, wakeboarding, wake surfing tubing, kneeboarding, and any other method of sport where you are towed behind the boat.
Precautions:
- Consider the path: Always consider the path of the towed participant. As the operator, you are in control and must maintain a safe distance from other boats or fixed objects to prevent accidents.
- Be Aware of Force: Be aware of the tremendous forces exerted upon the towed participants while being towed. Travel at a speed that will not cause physical harm to the participants should they fall or encounter waves. Be mindful of the speed of turns, which can greatly increase these forces.
- Pay Attention to the Towline: Be aware of the length of the towline and the participant’s age and operate the vessel accordingly.
- Know the recommended usage: Towed water sports devices may have recommended tow speeds, participation capacities, age, and weight ranges. Make sure to adhere to these recommendations.
- Be cautious of the slingshot effect: Be extremely mindful of the slingshot effect. This is when the boat suddenly turns, and the towable device continues in the same direction, crosses the wake, and may be subject to hitting objects in the water at high speeds.
Safety Procedures:
- Inspect Your Equipment: Always check your equipment before you use it. The towing cleat or transom eyes on your boat should be tight and secure.
- Read the Owner’s Manual: Read your equipment’s manual for the right way to inflate and other important safety tips.
- Choose a Safe Area: Pick a safe place for towing activities.
- Team Up: Skiing and similar sports should be a team effort. The team players are skiers, boat drivers, and observers. The driver should monitor the water traffic while the observer watches the skier and communicates any important info.
