Here is another issue... I notice at the ski shows, obviously, skiers are landed fast, and they must avoid the dock, shore, other skiers, etc. This is the way we were landed when I was young. Now days, I drop my skiers (usually my kids or neices/nephews). I no longer trust these kids to let go in time to avoid hitting the dock. Some of them don't like it. I really don't care - I've seen people hit docks, rafts, and even saw my late grandfather run out of his skis right up the beach and just about kill himself. I'd rather drop 'em. I reduce speed as they come in and if I don't think they are letting go soon enough I cut the power. Sometimes they let go right as I kill the power and then they end up so far out that they are in the way. Last weekend we were debating this issue and we were discussing why we land skiers this way now. My concern is that the kids will not learn to use their own judgment, and if someone else pulls them skiing and does NOT slow down - they will end up hitting the dock due to the extra speed that they are not used to. One of our problems is that we have to land close because we have to come inside the swim raft with the boat - so landing further from shore does not solve my problem. What do the other drivers have to say on this? Do you land 'em at speed or do you drop 'em for their own safety? Just curious! Markbano
You, as a driver are responsible for the skiers welfare and safety. When I drive my boat for members of my ski team, I drive one way, and when I an with recreational skiers, I drive them differently. Having said that, I thinks with either group you have to communicate clearly what is going to happen, either by talking to them, or being comfortable that they know what you are going to do, and then you need to be consistent. If it a safety issue, and you do not know the abilities of the skier to stop, you stop early. When you have skiers you know can control their skis, and know what to do if they are coming in too hot, then you can allow them to ski closer to the dock. I have been with experienced wakeboarders, and some have told me to circle around them, and if they are OK, stay in gear, and rope tight and go. And my inboard will get pretty close to 5 MPH at an "against the throttle stop" in gear idle.
Mark, I don't take and inexperienced skier or any skier on two skis anywhere near anything they can hit. The same goes for any "hotdog". Where to release a conservative experienced skier is a judgment call. I have seen my daughter ski up to and sit on a dock. I saw an experienced skier hit the side of the jump at speed and injure himself seriously. jim
This is a constant source of concern whether it is a small child skiing in practice or especially a new young guy bringing a girl in for the first time. I also don't like the fact that NSSA places a relatively high value on landings in ski shows. Safety should rule over pretty any day in my opinion. I've seen many a petite pyramid climber pile driven into the beach by a guy coming in hot trying to be a hero and keep her dry. I think you are correct to err on the side of caution especially like you said not so much for when you are pulling the kids but for when someone else is.
Good discussion. We've got experienced skiers on our club who can easily glide to the dock a sit down. The problem is that if they do this in a show, there's a good chance Little Bobby will try to do it the next day when Dad's pulling him. Not good! For this reason, we try and land our skiers about 6 feet from shore in about 2 feet of water. Kevin