1. Happens Behind a Boat
As water skiing has progressed as a sport, several different disciplines have made an appearance. The term "water skiing" can refer to racing with one or two skis performing tricks off a ramp, being pulled behind a boat barefooted or kneeling on a board. What all the disciplines have in common is the use of a motor boat to pull the skier at a speed fast enough to keep the athlete on top of the water's surface. Athletes of any age and ability level can water ski, and equipment is available for disabled water skiers.
2. Best in Show
Show skiing is the combination of water skiing, ballet, gymnastics and teamwork. Show skiing is often seen during shows at water amusement parks. A show skiing competition generally consists of team jumping, ballet and swivel, barefoot skiing, doubles and a pyramid. Ballet, swivel and doubles most closely resemble dancing on skis, while jumping, barefoot skiing and the pyramid are acrobatic. Not every member of the team participates in each activity, although the pyramid typically utilizes every water skier. A show ski team consists of the skiers, the boat driver, dock and equipment crew, pick-up crew and a host or announcer. The team is judged as a whole, and the organization of the dock crew is as important as the skiers' performance.
3. No Skis Needed
Barefoot skiing's popularity has exploded since its introduction in the late 1940s. There's very little difference between the technique used in barefoot skiing and traditional skiing. The tow boat must travel at greater speeds to keep a barefooted skier on top of the water than a skier on actual skis. Barefoot skiing competitions have the same events as traditional competitions, including slalom and jumping. Barefoot water skiers often cut the soles of their feet, requiring stitches.
4. On Your Mark
Water ski races often consist of racers speeding through a course, battling it out to be the first across the finish line. Races can also be conducted as time trials, with individual skiers attempting to travel the greatest distance in a limited amount of time, although this type of race is less popular than the marathon events. A water ski race team consists of the skier, the driver and an observer, who relays messages between the skier and the driver during the race. Everyone on the team wears protective equipment, including helmets, life jackets and neck braces due to the danger of traveling at speeds up to 100 miles an hour.
5. Differing Abilities
Disabled water skiing competitions typically consist of jumping, slalom, audio slalom and trick categories. The competitors are divided by their ability levels and the categories accommodate a wide range of physical abilities. Other than the audio slalom, the race categories are the same categories that comprise a traditional competition. Racers with visual impairments use tones to navigate through the audio slalom course rather than buoys.
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