Water Skiing – Important Terms

Extreme water sports involve some specific terms pertaining to their nautical nature. For a beginner it is very important to understand these terms before learning the sport.

Here are some of the fundamental terms used in water skiing −

• Bevel − It is the area on the water ski that is between the side and the bottom of the ski. The rounder the bevel, the deeper the ski will sink in the water, which makes it hard to control.

• Bindings − They are the part on a water ski which keep the skier’s feet and the ski itself together. They are made of rubber, and usually are adjustable.

• Bridle − It is the Y shaped part of the rope that connects the handle to the rest of the rope.

• Buoy − Floating markers on the surface of the water to indicate path to the skiers.

• Cut − It is shortening of the rope length in a water ski competition.

• Deep Water Start − It is a common method where a skier starts the competition while being in water.

• Dock Start − A dock start is the opposite of a deep water start, where a skier begins the competition by standing on a dock or dry ground. The skier is then pulled into the water by the boat.

• Flex − It is the flexibility of the ski.

• Jump Water Ski − It is one of three different types of water skiing competitions, and involves the skier going over a ramp to cover a greater height and distance.

• Observer − He is a person who sits behind the boat driver and passes on any signals that the skier might produce, as well as notifies other water skiers if a skier has gone under water.