The jetskiing tenerife belongs to extreme tourism and sports, but meanwhile it is recognized as one of the least difficult. Beginners will not need much time to learn the technique of skating and jumping. The main thing is to follow the safety rules and follow the instructions of the coach.
What is water skiing
It looks like this: an athlete standing on skis is pulled by a towing vehicle (boat or scooter). At the same time, the athlete holds on to a special cable (halyard) attached to the towing vehicle. The skis used for skiing are different from the usual ones. They are short and wide, have a special geometry that allows them to easily slide on the surface. Skis are made with a special grooved profile, which creates good stability.
Water skiing is not only a type of outdoor activity, but also a competitive discipline that includes several programs:
- Slalom – overcoming a route with a certain number of buoys that need to be bypassed.
- Figure skating (freestyle) – performing acrobatic stunts on water skis.
- Jump skating is a demonstration of high and long jumps using springboards.
The equipment required for water skiing is minimal:
- Skis.
- Tow.
- Cable.
- Life vest.
What are skis
There are two types of skis for water skiing:
- Single.
- Paired.
Both the first and the second can be designed for slalom or freestyle, and therefore have certain design features that provide the necessary function.
So, freestyle skis are shorter, their nose and tail are mirrored. This provides maneuverability, the ability to perform complex figures.
Slalom skis are wide and stable, with an upturned nose. Due to these features, they allow you to develop high speed, glide perfectly on the surface, hold the direction well and easily enter turns. At the back they have a keel, which simplifies management. In addition, slalom skis are equipped with a parabolic profile that makes it easier to start from the water.
Jump skis are long and heavy, which makes it possible to jump very far – tens of meters.
All types of skis today are made from polyurethane. This material glides best and at the same time has a low weight.
How to choose water skis
Before you purchase equipment, you should decide which style of riding is more to your liking. To do this, it is best to rent equipment first.
It is better for beginners to start with paired slalom skis – they are more stable and familiar, they are easier to move around even with no experience. Yes, and they have a classic shape. There are also specially designed ski models for beginners. They are equipped with a bar connecting the skis to each other. This design feature does not allow the skis to part. After the athlete acquires the necessary skills, this bar can be removed.
When choosing skis, it is important to remember about the size. It depends on the weight of the athlete:
- With a body weight of up to 35 kg, skis 100-140 cm long and 14-15 cm wide are required.
- Weight from 35 to 55 kg recommended length 150 cm and width 17 cm.
- For those who weigh 55-69 kg, you need skis 166-170 cm long and 17 cm wide.
- Weighing 70-90 kg, skis 173 cm long and 17 cm wide are suitable
- With a mass of over 90 kg, the length of the skis is 175 cm, the width is 18 cm.
The size should be chosen in strict accordance, since it will be difficult for a small athlete to cope with too long skis, and a large person will not be able to balance on short ones. The modern sporting goods market has a large number of skis for men, women and children, so making a choice has become much easier.
Of great importance are the fastenings for the legs. In most cases, they are adjustable and easily adjusted to the leg. But some bindings are made in one single size, so when buying skis, you should clarify this point. The equipment should sit comfortably on the leg, otherwise water skiing will bring nothing but discomfort.
Having mastered the skiing technique, you can switch to professional skis – slalom, jumping or freestyle. It all depends on what style of riding will be chosen.
What else do you need to ride
A towing vehicle plays a significant role in this sport and recreation – it is he who helps to develop the necessary speed. This is usually a cutter , motorboat, or jet ski . The towing driver must have sufficient experience, know the technique and features of towing a skier. First of all, it is important to start smoothly so that the skier can get into the correct position. It is unacceptable to turn sharply while driving, especially when towing a beginner.
Movement on water is carried out at a speed of 25-30 km / h – for beginners, and 30-35 km / h – for professionals. In order for the athlete to be able to get out of the water at the finish, the towing vehicle moves without acceleration, parallel to the shore. If you swim too fast at the same time, the skier may miss a good place to go ashore, not have time to throw a halyard, or, worse, crash into the shore. At a very low speed, the skier will have to swim to the coast for too long.
The cable for skiing should be bright, contrasting with the water, as well as strong and not stretch. The material of manufacture of the cable does not allow it to sink in water, and the optimal length is 18-25 m. The cable is attached to the stern of the towing vehicle, and the skier holds on to the other end, equipped with a loop. The loop should be felt before use: it should fit comfortably in the palm of your hand and not slip.
Water skiing requires safety precautions, so a life jacket is required. With it, it is easier to stay on the surface when falling into the water and not get a strong blow, which is quite likely due to movement at high speed.
The vest should fit the body well, not dangle, not restrict movement and not create excessive pressure. He is also selected according to the weight of the athlete. When buying a vest, be sure to try it on. The most common in use are nylon and neoprene vests due to their strength, convenience and low cost. But it is better not to use foam vests – they will only increase the risk of injury.
Sometimes skiers, especially beginners, may use a helmet . It is especially important when jumping or freestyle skiing. Performing stunts or high jumps may result in a fall, in which there is a risk of hitting your head. Helmets are selected individually, and the basic requirements must be met – comfortable fastenings and a snug fit without excessive pressure.
Beginners
- It is a mistake to believe that it is easier to start from the shore, pier or other hard surface. This is not so – it is faster and more correct to start from the water. To do this, it is necessary to lie on the water so that the noses of the skis look towards the towing vehicle, relax the body, place the halyard between the skis and hold it firmly. As soon as the towing vehicle starts moving, the halyard will tighten and lift the skier. In this case, you need to keep your feet shoulder-width apart, bend your knees and arch your back.
- To stop water skiing, just drop the halyard. However, it is important to do it right. First of all, inform the driver of the towing vehicle with a special gesture and make sure that he understands it. Secondly, do not stop near buoys, other obstacles, and other skiers. Thirdly, do not try to perform a spectacular exit to the shore – they usually end with a blow or burying in the sand. Even professionals simply swim to shore or return in a tow. Fourthly, you need to release the halyard smoothly, after which the same smooth immersion will occur. If you make sudden movements, you can fall and hit the surface of the water.
- It should be borne in mind that it is unlikely that you will be able to get on water skis the first time. It usually takes 5-10 attempts for a person to learn how to balance and ride. This is due to the fact that the technique has not yet been perfected. Sometimes the cause of failure can be an insufficient level of physical fitness or fatigue. It is necessary not to despair and be sure to rest after each approach.
- Beginners are not recommended to immediately catch the wave that comes from the boat. On the contrary, at first it is better to leave her. Turns should be entered with the body, as is the case when skiing down the slope.
- The first time you need to ride no more than 15 minutes. Stop water skiing as soon as you feel tired.
- If the muscles hurt for the first time after skiing, you should not worry – this is a normal reaction of the body to the load. After all, those muscle groups that are not involved in everyday life are included in the work.
Water skiing has not lost its popularity. To get the most out of this activity, you need to decide on the style of riding and choose the right equipment. It is also important to learn the technique, and for this it is better to use the services of a professional instructor. Do not neglect protective equipment – it will reduce the risk of injury, increase the safety of skiing and relieve discomfort.
