Driving Tips

[TwinTip]

Are there any members here that drive in tournaments? Can you share some tips on what makes one a good driver? What do you do differently than a non-tournament driver?

I'm not talking about being able to do everyday's type of driving like launching/loading the boat, docking, being aware of your suroundings, knowing how to pick up a fallen skier/wakeboarder, being courteous to other drivers/skiers, etc. I'm talking about becoming the best driver on the course (for slalom, tricks or jump) or open water for wakeboarding or other events.

Waterski magazine had an article a couple of issues ago about how to become a better driver. Some of the things they mentioned was to not only look at an object ahead of you to keep a straight line but to also look behind you and check out the prop wash. When on the course, they also mentioned to have shorter objects as a reference as opposed to having one reference point at the end of the course. That would allow one to keep a straighter path and make smaller compensations. Oh, another one was not to hold the steering wheel too tight (white knuckles), which would make your reaction slower. One good comment was that when the skier/border is ready for the pull, the driver lets them know they are about to "hit it".

So for next year's season, how can one improve his driving skills?

[skinautique80]

steve schnitz on schnitzskis.com has got a multitude of driving sugestions for 3-event drivers. especially slolam...

[AbunDiga909]

I haven't driven in a tournament but I took the "test" and passed to drive in the New England INT. Most of it was regarding picking up the skier, docking, and doing all that formally. Regarding driving on plane, most of it was how to make what turnes going through the course and stuff... i.e. short, sharp turns, be quick.

I took it a year and a half ago, so don't quote me, but I remember most of it regarding slow speed maneuvers (sp?).

[jdarwin]

Driving Tips

I've been a rated driver for the past 12 years. We've evolved into pilots more than drivers due to the advances in speed control. But saying that, proper use of the speed control is paramount to providing consistent conditions for all skiers. From a boat path standpoint, I take a quick look in the mirror at various stages during pass to verify that I'm centered in the course. Each boat is different from a visual reference standpoint. Some boats give you the feeling you're running over the boat guides on the driver's side when actually, you're right down the middle. Spend some quality time in the boat you're driving prior to pulling skiers. This will give you the opportunity to determine good visuals to keep a straight path. The goal of every good driver is to give consistent pulls for every skier regardless of speed or skill level. A bad boat path can override good skier technique every time.

As for setting up the speed control, the second segment balance is the most underutilized feature with most folks. Some Malibus I've driven have had as much as "23" for the SS setting. This feature takes out a % of the RPM in the second half of the course. A good driver will reference boat times throughout the course and make adjustments at the end. I usually look at 1 ball, 3 ball and end course. If you're times read actual for the entire course but you find you are a bit slow at the 3 ball, chances are you need to evaluate your SS balance. Vice-versa, if your 3 ball times are accurate but your overall is hot, raise the SS balance number. Raise your baseline RPM but increase your SS balance number. This should give you more concise times at all points in the course. I believe PP sets their systems at "10" from the factory. I've found "12" is a good place to start w/ Nautiques and MC and "16" for Malibus.

Also, use the "tournament" function in the slalom mode. This will allow you to take out/add RPM which is more accurate than adjusting skier weight for head wind / tail wind situations.

Some folks could write a book on this subject but overall, good driving can take as much practice and dedication as good skiing.

[BASC]

I have just completed my first season as a provisional tournament driver here in the UK. The jdarwin comment about familiarisatin of the boat and course is probably the most important, especially if you are on a stretch of water you have not previously driven. Get to the site early, listen to the chief driver and stick with him/her when they set the boat up on the course. Ensure you do a fair number of passes before the comp starts, looking for your reference points each way. Observe your wake as you pass through the course in the mirror and make adjustments to your reference points.
When you're not driving a tournament ensure you carry out the same routine for all tows you give and aim for the highest satndard and practice, practice, practice.
Nobody is perfect but we aim to get as close to perfection as possible!
You never hear much about good drivers, but you soon hear about bad ones

[M3Fan]

I asked schnitz a while back to post a video of a professional driver pulling someone at say, 39 or 41. I'd love to see how they countersteer, etc. Never got videos of this on the site but how hard would this be to tape one day? We see so many videos of skiers but never see the other half of the equation, the driver. I'd really like to see someone pulling a shortline skier without PP as well, to see how they work the throttle. Any volunteers?

[TwinTip]

Thanks for the comments. I have been paying a great amount of attention to the course, the boats position throughout the boat guides as well as the overall times. I have neglected to pay attention to the different segments and adjusting the SS setting. This is a very good point, I'll keep my eye on the different times now.