Wild Tripping

Nicky Pilkington asked:


Everything these days gets professional, that’s when the fun element adds to it, that’s when the glamour gets added to it. And what better way to make your pastime anoint a profession, welcome to professional water skiing.

An exciting sport taking in loads of hard work and practice, nothing aborts of any other event. Entertainment goes a long way and this sport is all about that. That’s why there are newer tricks and newer acrobatics and more people getting hooked onto it.

If you are a professional then you know it the best sport there is. Its great being out on the water with your buddies putting in an exciting afternoon of play, and the feeling when you pull off a new trick is just fantastic! After the had exercise there is nothing better than getting into some après (water) ski!

To set that one perfect show, the pain and endurance hat goes into it is known only by the ones who follow it. To be good at it, you know it takes to have a good body, especially legs and arms.

When an element of professionalism is added to anything, oat changes the whole structure of his event, especially water skiing. Those great moves and maneuvers are all a part of hard day’s work at office for those professionals working out there.

Like in other sports, this too has its share of pains; you cannot be a professional overnight. Spending many a days and years and giving more than 100% is what it takes. Chances are you might learn very little when you go in there only during your summer vacations.

The best way to learn is from the instructors, they know it in and out. They know what is good for children and for adults, so just leave it to them.

Being a professional is not just doing all those tricks yourself but also watching others perform, you get to learn a lot form them too.

Like other sports, even in water skiing, you get to have your share of trophies and winnings in the form of championships and tournaments where the best try to strut their stuff.

Determination, dedication and discipline are what it takes in any sport and the same in skiing too. If you are ready for these, then the game is waiting for you. Just forget the rest and head for the best - the land of water skiing.



Telecommuting Jobs

Nicky Pilkington asked:


Equipment is what defines one sport from another. Some are expensive while others are not.

This game is increasing in its popularity and this is also due to the newer use of equipments to make it moor exciting.

There are four different types of water skis that you can buy. The two most commonly used skis is the combination and the slalom skis. Combination pairs are for the new comers and easy to begin with.

Slalom skis are used when you want to ski with only one ski. Used for making sharper turns at higher speeds, one needs to exercise caution. The recreational ski has a wider tail and a flatter bottom to make it easier to get up and ride straight. Advanced skis have a more tapered tail with beveled edges and a tunnel bottom. They help in speed but are less easy to use.

Trick water skis are the latest in use by the flamboyant ones who use them to show newer tricks. They are smaller but wider for better grip. Jump skis, as the name suggests, are for the ramp skiers who jump off the ramp at high speeds.

When you water ski, you will need a water ski rope. The ropes are flexible and have very good agility. And are 70 in length. Ropes are made of polypropylene and will stretch two to three percent of their length with normal conditions.

The handle, made of rubber or plastic grip, is based on the preference of the user. The molded grip may or may not have anything inside of it to provide strength and durability. This handle will float because it is molded. High performance aluminum handles are used to maximize strength and have a rubber mould around them. The construction is lighter, but more durable and comfortable that a molded handle. Higher performance handles are hollow which will allow them to sink when dropped in the water.

Special protective glasses are to be worn by everyone to ensure protection to eyes. Especially by people who are bound to use spectacles in their normal use.

Finally it is unto the skier to know what he should and what he shouldn’t. He knows whets best for him. But as a role model for people watching him, he needs to set an example and prove that he is a sportsman in the truest sense.



Horse Owner Online

Nicky Pilkington asked:


Age doesn’t matter. How much of it can you take? Do you feel the adrenaline rush already?

Children of all ages can take up this sport - water skiing. But remember do not play the game before knowing the rules. That is, take care to know everything if you are a beginner.

The first timers have to go to a few places like a lake side where you would feel relaxed and at ease. This is the best places to start off.

The basics of body position, the movements and other nuances should be first learnt on land and then experimented. Once the confidence sets in you can test the waters.

A static boom is set along the moat when a new comer tests the sport. This helps the instructor to understand your movements and help you accordingly.

Everyone loves to remember the first day they headed for the water and this is especially true to small beginners. But a small mishap deters the person from attempting the next time. That’s why it is crucial to know how the environment works before you just get into the sport.

Children are more vulnerable to accidents and so a second instructor is usually around to give the required attention, confidence and emotional support.

Safety first, speed next. There are enough and more good schools around for water skiing and helps a long way.

If you have an acquaintance with you for water skiing, make you do it in a private area, to avoid those unnecessary distractions. This lets you concentrate on the sport evenly.

Water skiing instructors are always there to ensure your first experience was a very memorable one and that you will be back soon.

So what are you waiting for, the waters are calling, pack your bags and head to the nearest ski resort and check your levels of adrenaline. You might have missed something in life



The Hobbledehoy

Melanie Broemsen asked:


Most of us associate water skiing with summertime fun - warm sunshine, beaches and picnics - so it may come as a surprise that water skiing was born in Minnesota in 1922 when Ralph Samuelson used two boards and a clothesline to ski across Lake Pepin. Samuelson has been credited by the American Water Ski Association as the first water ski racer, and the first to jump a ramp and slalom ski, as well as the first to hold a water ski show, too.

Like Samuelson, avid enthusiasts will water ski nearly any time, any where there is an opportunity, even when winter temperatures and chilly water are a deterrent for most people. Fortunately, no matter what city and state you call home, there’s probably a local lake or other body of water where you can get in some ski time, perhaps even practice your gainers and other tricks.

Of course, skiing at the same location all the time can become routine. Add a little excitement to your water time this year by planning a water skiing vacation. Whether you are a novice or expert, you can have some added fun by water skiing at one of these five great locations:

Top U.S. water skiing destinations

1) San Diego, Calif. - With a climate that provides ideal conditions year-round and an average of 264 days of sunshine each year, San Diego is a water skier’s dream. It’s also the home of Mission Bay Park, the largest manmade aquatic park in the U.S. Located just 10 minutes from downtown, Mission Bay offers hardcore skiers the opportunity to take an early morning jaunt around the bay, and still make it to the office on time. In addition, there’s a variety of water ski classes for everyone from the novice to the experienced. For a little more excitement and a change of pace, skiers can cruise around the freight and military ships in San Diego Bay. A variety of local lakes are perfect for those that prefer freshwater water skiing. Plan your trip to San Diego the weekend of Oct. 9,, 2009, and you’ll be able to watch the 5th U.S. Open Water Ski Racing National Championships, too.

2) Austin, Texas - As the Live Music Capital of America, Austin’s earned a reputation as a vibrant city that exemplifies a young, active outdoor lifestyle. For water skiers, the long summers and short winters provide almost year-round opportunity to hit the water. In addition to Lake Austin and Lake Travis, Austin offers several world-class facilities built specifically for water skiers:

- Austin Aquaplex - The Aquaplex is known for “easy” water with a medium-to-high viscosity - great for slalom and jump-ski enthusiasts.

- Guadalupe Ski Plex - Built to accommodate competitive water skiing, Guadalupe is home to three lakes, two slalom courses and a ski jump, as well plenty of boat docks and storage areas.

- Utopia River Ranch - For professional lessons, trek to Utopia River Ranch, a private water ski training facility located near Staples, just outside of Austin.

3) West Palm Beach, Fla. - South Florida, from Key West and Miami to West Palm and Orlando, is a hub of activity for water sports lovers of all kinds. With few days under 70 degrees, South Florida’s Palm Beach County offers ski enthusiasts nearly year-round opportunity, as well as two major water ski attractions and several exciting competitions.

- Okeeheelee Park - The site of choice for beginners and professionals, the facility is a nationally recognized competitive water ski park with five courses that can accommodate everything from traditional to barefoot and kneeboard skiing. If you love to bask in the moonlight, you can take advantage of night skiing on a lit course, too. At under $100, annual permits are more than affordable, too.

- Palm Beach Training Center - Ask Chet Raley, one of the world’s top ski coaches and a national champion, for world-class water ski instruction at Palm Beach Training Center, a private facility located in Boca Raton. Raley offers video coaching for under $100, as well as more expensive clinics for professional skiers.

In addition, South Florida hosts the following water skiing events:

- 3rd IWSF Pan Am Region Wakeboard Championships (Miami)

- Board Up Miami (Miami)

- 4th Big Dawg Slalom Series Championship (West Palm Beach)

- 67th GOODE Water Ski National Championships (West Palm Beach)

4) Pine Mountain, Ga. - Located just outside of Atlanta in Pine Mountain, lays Robin Lake Beach, home of the world’s longest manmade white sand beach. Ranked among Fine Living’s top 10 most unique beaches in the world in 2007, Robin Lake Beach is part of Callaway Gardens resort. Callaway Gardens also hosts the Masters Water Ski and Wakeboard Tournament®, which awards more than $100,000 in winnings each Memorial Day weekend. A great destination for the entire family, the stunning vacation resort offers something for everyone, from water skiing to golf, relaxing spa visits and more.

5) Seattle, Wash. - Although you may not think of the rainy Emerald City as a water skiing hub, it’s the testing ground of choice for popular water ski manufacturers like Herb O’Brien, Pat Connelly, Jeff Jobe and Denny Kidder. With picturesque Mount Ranier as a backdrop, Lake Washington and Lake Sammamish provide the perfect glass.

Of course, these aren’t the only great places to water ski. Lake Havasu City, Ariz., Charlotte, N.C., Sacramento, Calif., Grand Rapids, Mich., and Madison, Wis. are other destinations beloved by ski enthusiasts.

No matter where in the U.S. you are located, there’s a great place to water ski near you. However before you take your boat on a trip or hit the water, be sure it’s protected. Nationwide offers affordable boat insurance, as well as personal watercraft insurance in case you own any other water sport toys, like jet skis. For more information, visit nationwide.com.



Telecommuting Jobs

Nicky Pilkington asked:


How extreme can you go? Well. Water skiing will let you decide that. This is one of the toughest in the name of sport. Certain resorts have dedicated themselves for water skiing. They go all out in providing the best environs for the sport and this helps everyone. The enthusiast is never disappointed. The best of water with the best of equipments. What else could you have asked for?

Highest safety standards have to be met and not many resorts have this. A few resorts, the ones closest to the beaches have the high tech equipment to provide and meet all your water ski requirements. It is a whole world in itself. These water resorts have other sports for you to do. Master instructors give you complete courses and certificates and let you have a whale of a time. Some resorts are exclusively meant for water skiing to avoid any kind of mishaps but others let you indulge in knee-boarding, jet skiing and so on. At these resorts, you have to let go of your freedom on water, there are others with you and so you have to sacrifice a bit. Most resorts let you hire stuff on a daily and hourly basis. You can travel hassle free, not having to worry about carrying stuff all around. Lucky you, you might even get an instructor at a price, depending on the location and the resort.

A better way is to take your family along and let them be a part of your team. A family vacation to one of these places is a great way to be with a family and unwinding yourself.



Telecommuting Jobs

Muna wa Wanjiru asked:


Skiing is one of the most exciting sports. Water skiing is one of the types of skiing. Water skiing involves pulling a person along on the water with the help of a motor boat. The skier holds the tow rope and skis or skims on the surface of the water by standing upright and balancing himself on his skis.

Water skiing originated in the year 1922. Ralph Samuelson who used a clothesline to strap his feet to the boards and rigging himself to the boat did the first water skiing. He performed this feat on Lake Pepin in Minnesota.

Among women, the first person who water-skied was Katherine Lomerson of Michigan in the year 1924. Water skiing is very exciting and exhilarating and starts with something called a “deep water start”. Skiers usually have to crouch on the surface of the water. Their knees have to be bent and the arms have to be kept straight. The tips of the skis have to be pointing upwards and the rope has to be positioned in between the skis.

When the skier is ready for takeoff, the boat moves forward with force. This enables the skier to move forward out of the water. Apart from the driver and the skier, water skiing sport involves another person, a third person or observer. He has to observe the skier carefully. In case of a fall or accident, the driver has to be informed so that he can slow down or stop to get the skier back to his feet.

Skier usually uses hand signals to exchange messages. Signals include the thumbs up and thumbs down signals, which signify, go faster and slow down respectively.

In the year 1940 ,Jack Anderson designed the trick ski. Trick ski is a short water ski which is without fins. In order to decide on how you are going to balance on your ski, or which foot you are going to put forward there are certain things you have to do.

The falling test is one of them. This involves standing on the skis with closed eyes and feet together. You must be pushed forward gently from the back. You will find that one of your foot will automatically go forward to try and balance and that is the foot you will have to foot forward for water skiing.

The pants test is to notice the foot put into the pant first by the skier and putting that foot forward on your skis.

The demo test involves trying out water skiing with both legs one by one and checking to see which foot forward is most comfortable for you.

The ski test can be gone through with the help of your ski instructor. The instructor makes the novice use combo skis. Lifting one ski up about six to twelve inches for duration of two seconds and with their ankle stretched up the skier has to use alternately his left and right ski for duration of about six minutes.

The ski handle has to be kept at the level of the hip and the skier’s chin has to be pointed upwards. This will definitely enable the skier to identify the leg that he is most comfortable with putting forward and balancing. While water skiing on a single ski, he can use this leg forward for balancing purposes.



Online Volunteer Management

Barney Garcia asked:


Water skiing is very thrilling and one of the most popular adventure sports around the world. You can have a thrilling experience and loads of excitement and fun if you are interested in water skiing. But not before you are aware of all technical rules involving water skiing safety. Because a slight negligence and reluctance on your part can result in a massacre. Water skiing is at one point a boat game but the skier splashes through the water and the chill of thrill lies in the havoc speed. Thus you call it water skiing. It’s a team of three where one is the operator and the other is the observer and the main guy is the skier in the whole game.

You can easily make out one thing. As the game of water skiing has two risky zones, one is water and the other is speed, it has to be played with immense precautions. To avoid unwanted accidents the water skiing has some inherent rules and safety measures which every player has to follow. When it is a one man show the risk can be minimized but when a set of skiers plunge into the same portion of the river, it is very difficult to keep track on every individual. The risk probability is doubled.

Safety rules in water skiing

-The compulsory age: You cannot start water skiing whenever you wish. The minimum age when you can become both an operator and an observer has been fixed to be sixteen. With special permission from the concerned ski board, one below sixteen but more than twelve can become an observer but for being operator the age mentioned is mandatory.

-Skiing tools and uniform: The personal floatation device or PFD has to be strictly personal. You cannot use someone else’s device. Put on something that makes you feel light and doesn’t disturb when you ski across the water. The colors of the jersey must be bright to be identified easily.

-Hour of skiing: Again you can’t wish to ski as per your mood. There are specifications of time and you are bound to follow the rules. It is always between sunrise and sunset that means in bright daylight. It cannot be an hour before or after that.

-Fitness and not addicted: The trio has to be body fit and the level of alcohol in the blood has to be less 0.05. If it is traced more they will be disqualified and even penalized.

-Signaling techniques: When you are already in water on with the game, you can meet with accident anytime without even the slightest idea. The observer’s duty is to constantly keep his eyes on the skier and following the path he should indicate the operator of the boat. Even then if the skier falls, the skier should try to raise the arm or the ski straight towards upward direction, so that the observer can instantly find out what has happened. The life of the skier can thus be saved.



Tide Predictions

John Myre asked:


Kathy was sure she was ready for this. True, she hadn’t been on water skis for 15 years, but she had skied a lot as a girl.

Water skiing, she reasoned, was no different than riding a bicycle. It all comes back to you once you climb on. So, even though Josh didn’t want to drive the boat faster, Kathy insisted he crank it up. Faster! Faster!

Ahh! The exhilaration of the wind in her face and the water at her feet. Ouch! The pain of losing control and flying head over heels, landing on her back, and having to be pulled from the water with a seriously sprained shoulder.

According to the National Safety Council, about 5 million Americans water ski each year, and approximately 6,500 require emergency room treatment. Most of these injuries are the result of carelessness and poor preparation.

Driver Prepare

* Learn and obey the “rules of the road” on water.

* It takes three to water ski:

-the skier,

-the tow boat operator,

-an observer in the boat. The driver cannot watch and know if the skier has fallen while also seeing where the boat is going.

* Operate in a corridor at least 200 feet wide, giving a safety area of 100 feet on both sides of the boat. The ski path should be at least 2,000 to 3,000 feet in length.

* The boat driver is responsible for keeping the skier away from dangerous areas. Take time to get familiar with the shoreline, shallow areas and obstructions. Keep the boat a safe distance from the shore, docks, and objects in the water.

* Be alert for boats entering the ski area. If one does, shut down the engine and wait for the area to clear.

* Always pull novice skiers slowly. High speeds are not essential to pleasurable water skiing.

* Always approach a skier in the water on the driver’s side of the boat.

* Picking a skier from the water is a dangerous proposition. Your boat engine must be turned off and the propeller must be fully stopped.

* The boat should run parallel to the shore and come in slowly when landing.

* When your skier is down, raise a ski flag to alert other boaters.

* Equip your boat with a wide-angle rear-view mirror.

* A towing pylon, boarding ladder and speedometer are also advisable.

Skier Beware

* Know how to swim!

* Do not ski in unfamiliar waters where there could be unseen dangers. When skiing in new waters, take along someone familiar with the area.

* Never ski in shallow water, at night, or in front of another boat. Rough water is particularly dangerous since waves and a running sea will prevent the tow boat from keeping a smooth speed and course.

* Always wear a properly fitting U.S. Coast Guard-approved lifejacket. Lifejackets are required in most states. The lifejacket should be Type III, approved by the Coast Guard, and designed as a ski vest. It should fit snugly, and it must keep the skier face up in the water if he or she falls.

* The skier and the boat driver should agree in advance on the general boat path, and signals to use.

* If a skier falls, he or she should clasp both hands overhead to be seen and to signal they are OK. In a congested boating area, a downed skier should hold up a ski to show that everything is okay.

* Buy age-appropriate skis. Make sure the bindings are snug, but will release in case of a fall.

* Wear a helmet to protect against head injury.

* Some of this information came from the website of U.S.A. Water Ski.

Other Water Hazards

* Don’t stay on the water too long. The sun, wind, waves and vibration can make you tired.

* Whether you are pulling or being pulled, do not drink alcohol, take prescription drugs or over-the-counter medications, or use illegal drugs that can impair your judgment.

* Use and renew sunscreen.

* Some special advice for those who like to water-tube:

-Stay well away from shore. Most injuries occur when water tubers come too close to shore.

-Before water-tubing, inspect the rope for fraying and the tube for defects.

-Wear a Type III lifejacket.

-Two people should be in the boat.



Online Volunteer Management

Nicky Pilkington asked:


You might be old but the sport is older. It’s been quite a while since people have been having a go at it.

Ralph Samuelson of Lake City, Minnesota in 1922 was the first recorded person to have water skied. He was a master even when the world was watching it, he tested the skies, the flying boat, the jumps and the landings. Nobody knew better than him.

By 1946, it had gained the much needed publicity and now was the time to bring in some rules and regulations, the need to organize the game.

1946 saw the emergence of the World Water Skiing Union, being set up..In 1949 at Juan-les-Pins, the first World Water Skiing Championship was held, a total knock out event.

People did not have the movements early on in the 40’s. The freedom was with the boat. The free rope arena took off only after 1950’s when the rope was given to the skier. Lesser expenses and better boats have given the sport a boost.

Demography has played a major role for this sport, countries with warmer climate have made the progress quickly than those from colder areas..

Any one any where can be a pro at the game, if we just adhere to the rules and strict practice.

A thorough family sport, even the ones with water fear can have a blast by watching their loved ones strutting their stuff in water, what’s more, an ideal sport for a vacation, pumping up everything within and outside.



The Hobbledehoy

Myron Crawford asked:


Those who take up waterskiing call it tough and enjoyable, but how much anybody enjoys itdepends a great deal on thequality and appropriateness of the water ski equipment being used.So how can you ensure you’re picking out the exact right equipment and skis available?

When visiting a water ski equipment retailer, it’s imperative that you tell the salesperson what your skill level is. For anyone new to the sport,the most common type of water ski to choose from is usually a set of combination pairsdue to their width and greater level of control. The next most used water ski is the slalom water ski type. A slalom water ski is usually the ski that those who prefer to ski on one leg choose,and are also perfect for those who are more skilled. Trick skis and jump skis are suitable only for the experts.

Next, consider that in terms of the design of your water ski equipment, for the most part, all water skis these days are made out of fiberglass related materials so that they’re not only tough, but able to resist water damage. The bottom designs of the skis are either going to be concave or will have a small, shallow tunnel running up the middle. If the water ski equipment you’re looking to buy has a narrow tunnel it’s meant for skiers who like to ski standing straight up with their weight distributed backwards slightly, while concave skis are best suited for skiers who like to attack the water by skiing forward with their knees bent.

The rocker, flex and length can really make or break one’s water ski equipment purchase.A ski’s rocker is the measurement of the curve at the bottom side of the skiis in proportion to the speed the ski will provide. The larger the rocker, the more speed that ski will produce. Flex works similarly, except that it goes backward. That means that the greater the flex of the ski,the slower it is on the water.

When choosing bindings for one’s water ski equipment, fit and comfort are essential. Beyond that, the bindings are chosen based on what type of water ski equipment is being purchased.

The water ski rope and handles are yet another concern when you’re purchasing water ski equipment. A water ski rope should be elastic in nature and able to give and take when you’re moving and turning on the water. As for what handles to purchase, you’ll probably only be buying one becausemost modern-day water skiers prefer to use a single handle. Comfort is of course as major a consideration since well-fitting handles can help keep a skier from getting fatigued for longer.



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