Noob skiing question

[jsta281]

Can someone explain how the speed and rope lengths in competitive skiing work? I have a basic understanding of how it works, but unsure how going faster versus shorter length works.

Also I would like to hear comments on what is the typical starting point for the average good recreational skier and what the typical increases/decreased in speed and rope length are from that point.

Lastly, maybe a recommendation for what ski rope people are using, and the differences between ropes (if any).

[DanielC]

The buoys are a set distance apart, that does not change.
If you go faster through the course, you haver less time to cross over to the other side of the boat, and get to the next buoy.
If you shorten the rope, you have to cut out at more of an angle to the boat. If you run the course with a 75 foot rope, you only have to go out about 45 to 50 degrees to the direction of boat travel.
If you are skiing at 39.5 feet off 75 foot, or a 35.5 foot rope, even if the boat was parked between the boat guide buoys, the rope handle would not reach the skier buoy, 90 degrees out to the side. So you have to cut farther, and stretch out with your arm and body to get the ski around the buoy.

Generally, people start with a 60 foot rope, 15 off (of 75 feet), around 30 MPH. The speed is increased until you reach 36 MPH, or if you are an old fart, 34 MPH, then the rope is shortened.

The first several times through a course, just try to spray water on all the buoys. This helps you get the timing down. They come up fast, for most recreational skiers.
Do not look at the buoys. Look about 10 feet behind them. That way, you have made most of the turn, and are just waiting to turn back in.

[jsta281]

Thanks, for the explaination. Care to comment on a rope? Are all ropes created equal? I have not skiied a course, but I really want to try it out now that I am a boat owner. I have no delusions of ever being very good at it. When we open water ski wi use on of those multi colored ropes, that are "premeasuered." In competitons how do they decide how much to shorten the rope? Is there a designated length after 15 off, and does that length correspond to the "next" color on the rope?

[MikeC]

Ropes are not all created equal, but generally it comes down to personal preference. Masterline, Accurate, Proline, Straightline and Radar are all carried by proshops (I'm sure I forgot someone's favorite). For entry level skiing you won't notice a difference between them, but I would say the most widely used line is Masterline. Two things: do not use a wakeboard line to ski with, waterski lines have a certain amount of stretch and give that wakeboard lines don't have; and stretch your new line before you use it. There are all kinds of methods to stretch them, I use a come-a-long and a tree, others use their hitch and a pole. Put it under tension and let it sit for a few hours, there are detailed instructions online.

The rope is shortened in predetermined lengths. Also if you're not in a pro tournament and you elect to start at a slower speed than your maximum speed for your age, the boat speed is adjusted in predetermined intervals also.

If you're just learning the course, find a speed that you're comfortable with and start there, if you're not in a tournament it really doesn't matter what speed you are pulled at. As far as line length, I would say to start at 15 off, a 75 foot line length is really springy, to me it's like being towed behind the boat attached with a noodle.
Here are the line colors and lengths (almost every rope I see has the length marked on it):
Loop Color Meters Feet Feet Off
Neutral 23 75 0
Red 18.25 60 15
Orange 16 53 22
Yellow 14.25 47 28
Green 13 43 32
Blue 12 40 35
Violet 11.25 37 38
Neutral 10.75 35.5 39.5
Red 10.25 34 41

[jsta281]

Great, thanks for the reply.

[swc5150]

My new favorite rope is our US Gear rope with Push Loc section connectors

Learning to ski the course is very rewarding, but also very frustrating. Welcome to your new addiction!