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When we head out onto the water for a day of waterskiing with family and friends, it’s easy to become absorbed with our own experience.
While safety is a top priority, it’s also extremely important to practice good waterskiing etiquette, and consider those around you who are also trying to enjoy their time on the water, whether they’re paddling a kayak, casting for walleye or simply catching some rays on their dock.
Before you even launch your boat, do a little homework. First, some lakes and rivers have dedicated zones for tow sports, so make sure you’re going to be in an approved area for waterskiing. Ski zones and no-wake zones will be clearly marked with buoys.
Be sure to see if your preferred spot has specific times for waterskiing. If not, here’s a good rule of thumb: No skiing between sunset and sunrise, and if you want to be extra safe, make that an hour before sunset and an hour after sunrise.
Other local regulations might include maximum speed and noise limits, so make sure you’re familiar with all of these before heading out on the water.
Next, as you operate your tow boat in the ski zone, keep a few tips in mind. Try to pick a line toward the middle of the lake, which will give the wake time to dissipate before it reaches the shore. Homeowners will appreciate that. Always keep to the starboard side of the navigation channel. Move in a counterclockwise direction, and never cut across the path of an oncoming boat.
Be sure to give the skier, boarder, surfer or tuber ahead of you plenty of breathing room. That way, you’ll have time to react if they fall.
If the lake does not have a clearly marked waterski zone, remember the 150-foot rule: Skiing may not occur within 150 feet of a harbor, mooring area, swimming beach, dock, launch ramp or any other location that is posted as closed to waterskiing. That also means staying 150 feet away from anglers and swimmers, and it applies to both the tow-boat driver and the skier.
Some states might be a little more flexible. For example, the Michigan Lakes and Streams Association (MLSA) advises “no wake speed within 100 feet of the shoreline, moored or anchored watercraft, pier, person, raft, swimming area and swimmers.”
Once again, check local regulations. If you’re not sure, err on the side of caution, and stick to 150 feet. There are three exceptions: when you are departing your take-off location; returning to your landing location; or moving at no-wake speed.
While “take three to ski” (driver, spotter and skier) is an excellent general rule, you might consider bringing along a second spotter. While your first spotter is focused on the skier, the second person will be responsible for helping you keep an eye out for sailboats, paddle craft and rowboats. They all have the right of way.
Your second spotter also can help look for anglers, swimmers and divers. In the case of all the above, be considerate, and try to give them plenty of space. If there isn’t much space to work with, then limit your wake as you pass them.
Finally, even if it isn’t required, fly a skier-towing flag from the highest point on your boat while a skier is in the water or being towed. This 12- by 12-inch orange flag must be visible from all directions. The flag lets other boat drivers know that you have a person in or on the water. Don’t take it down until your skier and all their equipment are back in the boat.
Keeping these few tips in mind will ensure a safer and more enjoyable experience on the water for everyone.
