toneeees
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[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Lucida Grande, Arial, sans-serif]No matter which tow sports you enjoy (wakeboarding, water skiing, kneeboarding or barefooting), a boat driver who understands your needs as a rider or water skier plays a major role in your fun and success on the water. A great driver does much more than hold the wheel and adjust the throttle. In wakeboard contests, [/FONT]I rely on having an accurate pull, and this is the same for competitive water skiers. But everyone, not just the pros, can benefit from good driving. And becoming a good driver is not difficult; it just requires focus on a few key tips.
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[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Lucida Grande, Arial, sans-serif]Make a Plan
Check the weather forecast for any stormy weather conditions. If everything is a go, check wind speed and direction. This will tell you which section or side of your preferred site should offer the calmest water conditions. Also think about which areas may have less boat traffic. This will be both safer and will provide better water conditions. Fewer boats equals fewer distractions, and also fewer annoying boat wakes.[/FONT]
[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Lucida Grande, Arial, sans-serif]Communicate with your Rider/Skier
As the driver, you are a collaborator with the person being towed. Ask the rider or skier about the type of start they prefer. Some people like slow, smooth starts while others, perhaps heavier slalom skiers, prefer more pickup on the initial pullout. The quality of the initial pull can make a start easy or more difficult. It affects your body position on your board, ski or feet. Take into consideration the amount of power your boat is capable of delivering. Remember, a great start leads to a great pass. When the set is complete, ask for feedback from the rider or skier. For example, ask about the pullout, the boat speed, the boat path. Remember that suggestions are meant to be constructive, and will help you to improve your driving skills.[/FONT]
[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Lucida Grande, Arial, sans-serif]Accurate Speed
Many families, like mine, enjoy doing multiple tow sports. As a driver, you need to be aware of the range of speeds typical for each discipline. A general guideline might be the following:[/FONT]
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[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Lucida Grande, Arial, sans-serif]10 mph for wake surfing, 15-20 mph for kneeboarding, 19 to 24 mph for wakeboarding, 26 to 32 mph for recreational slalom, and 35-40 mph for barefooting. This can vary based on the size and ability level of the individual being towed. Work at refining the above guidelines to arrive at a specific speed where the person feels comfortable and that provides consistent, desirable wake characteristics.[/FONT]
[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Lucida Grande, Arial, sans-serif]Specialized inboard ski tow boats may offer speed control to make holding a speed much simpler.
My Nautique G23 features Zero Off, which uses information from GPS satellites to provide an exact speed to within 1/10 of a mph.[/FONT]
[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Lucida Grande, Arial, sans-serif]Straight Ahead
Choose a section of the waterway where you can provide a straight tow. Turning off course even a little, perhaps to follow the shoreline, changes the shape of the wake. This affects riders jumping the wake or slalom skiers crossing the wake, and trick skiers do not want the boat to deviate while they are in the middle of a trick. Before you start the pass, discuss with your rider or skier whether you will stop the boat at each end, or whether you will turn around. By coming to a stop, you can idle around and come back in the same path, which will keep the water calm. If you do decide to make a turn, make a fairly tight turn and go down that same straight path, following the wake from the previous pass. Circling around the lake provides nothing but constant boat wakes and a disappointing ride.[/FONT]
[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Lucida Grande, Arial, sans-serif]Stay Focused on Driving
This gives the person being towed the best possible ride. Be aware of other boats, both for safety and to provide the best water. Use your rear view mirror. Keep your eyes moving from ahead to the mirror and side to side. Keep an eye on the speedometer to insure a consistent, exact pull. This is not the time for distractions such as cell phones or chatting with passengers. It is also the driver's responsibility to adjust the weight in the boat for even wakes on each side.[/FONT]
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[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Lucida Grande, Arial, sans-serif]As a driver, you want the pull to be so seamless that the person does not even notice the tow, and can just concentrate on enjoying their favorite tow sport. Soon lots of your friends will be seeking you out as a driver, and that's a terrific compliment - and great driving.[/FONT]
[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Lucida Grande, Arial, sans-serif]Raimi Merritt wins her 10th World Cup with her recent win in Linyi City, China. Raimi is also 2 times IWWF Open Women Wakeboard World Champion and a Masters Champion. Raimi is sponsored by Mynt, Nautique, Hyperlite, Rollei Actioncam America, Breathe Boardwear, Proof Eyewear, OrigAudio, Wakami, Peripheral LS and Fly High. Visit www.raimimerritt.com for the latest news. Raimi also offers personalized coaching in Orlando, Florida. E-mail raimi@stevemerritt.com to schedule a lesson.[/FONT]
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[/FONT][FONT=Trebuchet MS, Lucida Grande, Arial, sans-serif]Make a Plan
Check the weather forecast for any stormy weather conditions. If everything is a go, check wind speed and direction. This will tell you which section or side of your preferred site should offer the calmest water conditions. Also think about which areas may have less boat traffic. This will be both safer and will provide better water conditions. Fewer boats equals fewer distractions, and also fewer annoying boat wakes.[/FONT]
[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Lucida Grande, Arial, sans-serif]Communicate with your Rider/Skier
As the driver, you are a collaborator with the person being towed. Ask the rider or skier about the type of start they prefer. Some people like slow, smooth starts while others, perhaps heavier slalom skiers, prefer more pickup on the initial pullout. The quality of the initial pull can make a start easy or more difficult. It affects your body position on your board, ski or feet. Take into consideration the amount of power your boat is capable of delivering. Remember, a great start leads to a great pass. When the set is complete, ask for feedback from the rider or skier. For example, ask about the pullout, the boat speed, the boat path. Remember that suggestions are meant to be constructive, and will help you to improve your driving skills.[/FONT]
[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Lucida Grande, Arial, sans-serif]Accurate Speed
Many families, like mine, enjoy doing multiple tow sports. As a driver, you need to be aware of the range of speeds typical for each discipline. A general guideline might be the following:[/FONT]
[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Lucida Grande, Arial, sans-serif]
[/FONT][FONT=Trebuchet MS, Lucida Grande, Arial, sans-serif]10 mph for wake surfing, 15-20 mph for kneeboarding, 19 to 24 mph for wakeboarding, 26 to 32 mph for recreational slalom, and 35-40 mph for barefooting. This can vary based on the size and ability level of the individual being towed. Work at refining the above guidelines to arrive at a specific speed where the person feels comfortable and that provides consistent, desirable wake characteristics.[/FONT]
[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Lucida Grande, Arial, sans-serif]Specialized inboard ski tow boats may offer speed control to make holding a speed much simpler.
My Nautique G23 features Zero Off, which uses information from GPS satellites to provide an exact speed to within 1/10 of a mph.[/FONT]
[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Lucida Grande, Arial, sans-serif]Straight Ahead
Choose a section of the waterway where you can provide a straight tow. Turning off course even a little, perhaps to follow the shoreline, changes the shape of the wake. This affects riders jumping the wake or slalom skiers crossing the wake, and trick skiers do not want the boat to deviate while they are in the middle of a trick. Before you start the pass, discuss with your rider or skier whether you will stop the boat at each end, or whether you will turn around. By coming to a stop, you can idle around and come back in the same path, which will keep the water calm. If you do decide to make a turn, make a fairly tight turn and go down that same straight path, following the wake from the previous pass. Circling around the lake provides nothing but constant boat wakes and a disappointing ride.[/FONT]
[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Lucida Grande, Arial, sans-serif]Stay Focused on Driving
This gives the person being towed the best possible ride. Be aware of other boats, both for safety and to provide the best water. Use your rear view mirror. Keep your eyes moving from ahead to the mirror and side to side. Keep an eye on the speedometer to insure a consistent, exact pull. This is not the time for distractions such as cell phones or chatting with passengers. It is also the driver's responsibility to adjust the weight in the boat for even wakes on each side.[/FONT]
[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Lucida Grande, Arial, sans-serif]
[/FONT][FONT=Trebuchet MS, Lucida Grande, Arial, sans-serif]As a driver, you want the pull to be so seamless that the person does not even notice the tow, and can just concentrate on enjoying their favorite tow sport. Soon lots of your friends will be seeking you out as a driver, and that's a terrific compliment - and great driving.[/FONT]
[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Lucida Grande, Arial, sans-serif]Raimi Merritt wins her 10th World Cup with her recent win in Linyi City, China. Raimi is also 2 times IWWF Open Women Wakeboard World Champion and a Masters Champion. Raimi is sponsored by Mynt, Nautique, Hyperlite, Rollei Actioncam America, Breathe Boardwear, Proof Eyewear, OrigAudio, Wakami, Peripheral LS and Fly High. Visit www.raimimerritt.com for the latest news. Raimi also offers personalized coaching in Orlando, Florida. E-mail raimi@stevemerritt.com to schedule a lesson.[/FONT]