Water Skiing

Just as in snow skiing, water skiing can be adapted. The single most significant factor influencing the participation of mobility-impaired individuals in water skiing was the development of the sit ski, or adapted water ski. There are a variety of models, such as the mono-ski or single-ski types: the E-ski, and Kan-ski.

The increased popularity of water-skiing has led to the establishment of the Annual HomeCARE U.S. National Disabled Water Ski Championship, a sanctioned event of the American Water Ski Association.

Guidelines, depending on your ability

• It's important to get deep-water practice mounting the ski from the side or rear. You need to find your skis' balance point.
• A "beginner ski" has a notch at the top with a rope attached. It allows a skier greater stability. (When using the towline, a quick release at the boat is mandatory for safety.)
• An assistant can provide some stability by riding the tail of the ski until the skier is up and appears to have established balance.
• A second boat can be used as the pick-up boat; a slower start/pick-up boat is used for a sit skier.
• A wider ski will plane more easily out of the water.
• Boats with stern-mounted platforms make transfers easier.
• Removable seat cushions can be used as flotation devices and are a good idea for any boat.
• Ski Booms are not to be used if the towline is attached to the ski, but can be used effectively with a short V-line held by the skier.

Sit-Skis: These let you enjoy water skiing from a sitting position which will require less balancing. Outriggers can be attached to the main ski, ideal for someone who is unable to balance a Sit-Ski.

Saucers: Some skiers may find ski discs or saucers, such as the Ski Master Knee Board, easier to use in the beginning. Wider and more stable than conventional skis, saucers can be used in the prone, kneeling or standing positions.

Ski-trainer: Most water ski shops carry a device called a ski-trainer which incorporates wide tails, flat bottoms, and a training harness to make learning easier.

Ski-bra: This device provides additional stability to skiers who do not have the leg strength to prevent lateral movement of the skis.

Delgar Sling: A person with a missing limb or an inability to use one arm will benefit from using the Delnor sling, as it helps compensate for the uneven pull of the rope they'd experience while water skiing. If the skier falls, the handle is easily dislodged to prevent injury.

Dual Ski Rope Handle: For those with visual impairments, the use of dual ski rope handle with a sighted partner is the best alternative.

Product Resources
Access to Recreation
http://www.accesstr.com
Tons of adaptive sports equipment.

Organizations and Events
Adaptive Aquatics
http://www.adaptiveaquatics.org
Each year from April to October, Adaptive Aquatics provides instruction through comprehensive clinics and workshops. With the use of specialized equipment and expert instruction Adaptive Aquatics opens avenues to greater independence and allows people to experience the excitement and thrill of water sports that many person's with disabilities did not think were possible.

American Water Skiing Association (AWSA)
http://usawaterski.org

Clinics
Courage Duluth-Adaptive Sports & Rec.
http://www.courage.org
download map with directions

Disabled Sports USA
http://www.dsusa.org/index.html

Northeast Passage
http://www.nepassage.org/home.htm

U. S. Adaptive Recreation Center
http://www.usarc.org

Special thanks to Jeffrey A. Jones and Michael C. Paciorek for technical information, and resources excerpted from their book, "Sports and Recreation for the Disabled."