Boating World

Pulling A Skier / Wakeboarder

You don't have to be a professional driver to successfully and safely pull a skier or wakeboarder behind your boat, but you do need to know a few basics. These steps take as a given that the skier or wakeboarder is a strong swimmer, is wearing a PFD, and is using appropriate, well-fitted gear. That said, it's time to get wet.

May 1, 2006

B2BStep1Scope The Scene
When you add a skier or wakeboarder behind your boat, you add responsibility. As captain, it's up to you to make sure that the coast is clear of boat traffic or other conditions that can be dangerous to you, your boat or your skier/wakeboarder. Make sure you have an observer on board who will be responsible for keeping an eye on the skier/wakeboarder and informing you of his or her condition. As the skier/wakeboarder gets into position, visually map out the run, looking for any boats that are in the area, as well as any debris in the water. Make sure there's at least a quarter-mile of clear water in front of you so that there will be plenty of room for the skier/wakeboarder to get up and comfortable before he or she will have to make a turn.

B2BStep2Take It Easy
When the coast is clear of all other vessels, all passengers are seated, and the skier/wakeboarder is in position and ready, it's time to go. Do NOT hammer the throttle - at best, the quick acceleration will rip the rope handle from your skier/wakeboarder's grip; at worst, you can cause serious injury. Idle forward until all of the slack is out of the towrope, then apply throttle steadily and consistently until the skier/wakeboarder is up and out of the water. Focus on driving a straight line during the acceleration to make it as easy as possible for the skier/wakeboarder. Don't worry about reaching and holding a specific speed - accelerate until the skier/wakeboarder is up, and hold speed there, adjusting speed only at the request of the person behind the boat.

B2BStep3Thumbs-Up (Or Down)
Once the skier/wakeboarder is up, your focus becomes holding a steady speed and course. To hold a steady course, focus on a point across the water, such as a house or light pole, and head straight for it. Make steering adjustments as slight as possible. Keep an eye out for any looming dangers. Adjust speed to suit the skier/wakeboarder's desires. The skier/wakeboarder and onboard observer should communicate via hand signals: thumb-up, speed up; thumb-down, slow down; turn, circle hand over head in direction of turn; run over, hand across neck ("kill it"); and a circled thumb and forefinger for "A-OK." The observer will let you know the skier/wakeboarder's requests. As with steering, make adjustments in speed as slight as possible.

B2BStep4Pick 'em Up
Sooner or later, the run will end as the skier/wakeboarder either falls or releases the towrope. When this happens, the observer should tell the captain immediately, keeping an eye on the downed rider. Slow down enough to make a safe U-turn. Make the U-turn to starboard (right), so you can spot the skier/wakeboarder during the turn and keep an eye on him or her as you approach. When you're 100 feet or so from the skier/wakeboarder, slow to idle and approach so he or she will pass to starboard, so you can see him or her easily. If the rider wants to end the session, kill the engine until everyone is on board. If the session will continue, idle about 25 feet past the skier/wakeboarder, then make another U-turn to starboard; this will put the tow rope within reach. Idle out and you're ready to do it all over again.