The Volunteer’s Guide to Sit Skiing
Sit skis are selected according to a skier’s difficulty level. Generally, the narrower the ski, the more advanced the skier (think: narrower ski, less surface area, harder to balance). At The Lake possesses many different sized cages so that a sit ski can be customized for a skier’s comfort. The cage is easily mounted on the ski (above outriggers, if desired), with 4 wingnuts. Note that the cage can be mounted more forward or backward on the ski depending on the skier’s preference and leg length.
Once a fully assembled ski is placed on the dock, volunteers help transfer the skier from their wheelchair (if applicable) and assist the skier so that they are comfortable in the cage. Feet should be strapped securely in the velcro strap. All equipment vital to the skier (prostheses, orthotics/braces, prescription goggles, etc.) should always have some sort of flotation device attached to it BEFORE the skier enters the water.
If the starting block will be used, volunteers should ensure that the knot is on the skier’s side of the block. If the skier does not wish to hold the handle, the handle should be tied around the block according to the picture below:
Side skiers should get ready at this time. Two volunteers will help lower the skier into the water. One should be on the dock, lowering the ski from the front. The other volunteer (the dragger) should be in the water at the back end of the ski, guiding the skier into the water and ensuring that the ski stays balanced. The dragger should hold on to the back of the cage. Once the skier and side skier(s) are ready for launch, the dragger will yell, “HIT IT,” signaling the boat driver and jet ski driver to take off. (*Note that intermediate/advanced skiers may not require the help of a dragger).
The spotter, jet ski driver, and dock master will all be in contact via a 2-way radio. The spotter should also have one hand on the quick release at all times and should be alert for any potential hazards. The handle on the quick release should have some slack while the spotter holds it so as not to pull it by accident. If the spotter suspects even the slightest hazard, they should pull the quick release.
If the quick release is pulled or the skier lets go of the handle, the jet ski jumper should jump off the side of the jet ski and swim quickly toward the skier. This individual will help the skier float back into the cage, replace the handle in the block (if necessary), and act as the dragger when not in close proximity of the dock. When all parties are ready for re-launch, the jet ski jumper/dragger will again yell, “HIT IT,”, once again signaling ONLY the boat driver (not the jet ski driver) to take off. At this time, the jet ski jumper will quickly re-mount the jet ski, and the jet ski will take off in the direction of the boat.
The spotter will warn the dock master when they plan to return to the dock. At this point, the dock master should prepare a minimum of 2 dock jumpers to be ready. The boat will approach the dock so that its path is parallel and slow down once the skier is in front of the dock. The dock jumpers will jump into the water and swim quickly toward the skier. One dock jumper will help the skier get back to the dock, while the other will swim the sit ski back to the dock. While the dock jumpers are assisting the skier, the spotter should immediately tow all ropes into the boat to ensure that they do not get caught in the boat’s motor.
HAND SIGNALS
Volunteers frequently use hand signals to communicate with skiers and each other while on the water. These are particularly helpful when trying to communicate over loud boat engines. We also use specific rope signals for all skiers, specifically those who are blind and visually impaired. Read below to learn more!
Thumbs up - increase speed (usually given by a skier/tuber to inform the boat driver to speed up)
Thumbs down - decrease speed (usually given by a skier/tuber to inform the boat driver to slow down)
Pat your head - signals the boat driver to return to the dock
“Slice” hand across neck - signals the boat driver to stop immediately
One tap on the tow rope - signals skier get inside the wake
Multiple taps on the tow rope - informs the skier that he/she can ski outside the wake as he/she pleases
Circling index finger - informs the skier that the boat is about to turn