What is Ski Racing?

Water ski racing consists of a number of water skiers who race around or along a set course for a period of time or a set distance.  This is the fastest type of water skiing on the planet.

A Ski racing team consists of a driver, an observer and one or two skiers depending on the type of race. The driver will tow the skier behind the race boat, varying the speed as different water conditions are encountered, according to the driver's knowledge of the skier, the observer's ability to read the skier and the signals which the skier gives to the observer.

A "race ski" is normally between 7'0 and 8'0 in length with 2 full boot bindings keeping you stuck to the ski.

The length of the rope can depend on the race boat you are skiing behind, the water conditions and the kind of speed you anticipate racing at on that particular day. a typical length is around. The aim is for the skier to be skiing on the "best water" there is behind the boat, whilst avoiding the rope dipping into the water or becoming slack. Ski racer use the "wrapped" position, which involves the skier using two handles which go around each side of the body, to be held together with one hand at the top of the backside. The skier leans back and reaches forward with the other hand, to hold a third handle or rope knot, positioned at arm’s length away. This technique transfers the strain from the arms and lower back, to the upper legs.

Water ski races can take place over a set distance of up to 120 kms or a period of time like 1 hour plus a lap. Boats and skiers start at the same time when doing lake racing in waves of up to 10 boats, or single boats at intervals ranging from 10 to 30 seconds apart for river racing.

The skier has to be physically fit enough to compete successfully in his or her category. Observers need excellent concentration and will relay signals from the skier to the driver, "read" the skier in order to optimize his/her performance and keep the driver informed of other boats and skiers which may be approaching or close by. The driver will take the team around the course, listening to the observer and using his own judgment on speed a line of direction.