How To Design A Water Ski Course

Learn how to design a water ski course the right way from the ground up. Make it a multi-purpose course that is fit for show or trick skiing. Slalom skiing is another popular option.

Supplies needed are limited:

• Lake map
• Overlay paper
• Pencil
• Buoy arms

A good deal of theoretical planning accompanies hands-on construction when first working out how to design a water ski course that meets the athletes’ needs.

1. Map out the course area. The hobbyist who discovers how to design a water ski course for the first time must rely on a lake map to locate the best possible spot. Make markings on overlay paper to allow for frequent changes. Remember that there should be a boating ramp or ready car-to-water access. Stay as far away from swimming beaches and fishing piers as possible.
2. Decide on the types of water skiing. Slalom, show and trick skiing all have their own specific space requirements. For example, a lake area that measures 2,000 by 180 feet is sufficient for the enthusiast studying how to design a water ski course for slalom events.
3. Factor in skier experience levels. Experienced water skiers do not need as big of a buffer area in jumps as newbies to the sport. If the course is to include jumps, the minimum width of the lake should be 250 feet. Working with a narrower lake can result in serious injuries for a skier who loses control at the apex of the jump.
4. Pick the direction with the elements in mind. A strong wind might necessitate a change in plans and a reworking of the course, so that skiers move away from the wind. The location of the sun also plays a role in the choice of direction when deciding how to design a water ski course.
5. Deploy buoy arms. This is the quickest means of getting the course ready and by far more accurate than setting up individual buoys.

Now that you know how to design a water ski course, be sure to test it--or have an experienced water skier run through it in its entirety--before opening it up to others. This offers a real-life opportunity to iron out any problems or redesign areas that do not perform as intended.