Shock Tubes

[todda]

Hey Everyone-
Just a quick reminder that it is worthwhile using a shock tube. Two weeks ago, our ski club was at a private lake, and, with many different people skiing, we were exchanging ropes in/out frequently. Lazy, we weren't using a shock tube, and I had a handle recoil back into the boat and nail an 8 y.o. girl in the head who was sitting next to the driver in the observer's seat. The handle fractured her skull and split open her lip. Happy to report she is out of the hospital and doing better. Anyway, just a reminder for all of us that it is worthwhile to use!

Todd

[AbunDiga909]

RE: Shock Tubes

Wow, that must have been scary. I remember one time my uncle was slaloming. He pulls so hard that I see the pylon on his '82 2001 lean back every time he turns. On time when he fell, the handle recoiled so much it got caught on the bow...

I think a good thing to do when pulling a hardcore slalom skier is to keep going for a little bit at high speeds after he falls, that way by the time you slow down and stop, there is no more recoil from the rope...

[talbertini]

RE: Shock Tubes

Re-coil happens so quickly that it doesn't really matter how fast you're going or whether you stop. Even with a shock tube I often hit the back of my boat when I pop the handle!

[Daryl]

RE: Shock Tubes

we had a instance while i was skiing last year, popped the handle and split the driver open for a few stitches (right in the back of the head)

and we "WERE" using a shock tube.

i might ask the question - "what do people to do limit the recoil - in addition to a shock tube and telling the skiiers to let go if they get in too deep?"


what else can be done to be safe????

[AbunDiga909]

RE: Shock Tubes

Give the driver and spotter the helmets...

[todda]

RE: Shock Tubes

yeah Daryl, I asked the same question, not sure that a tube would have done any good. I have skied for 15+ yrs, had some handles recoil before and hit the back of the boat, some go past the driver, but still very infrequently. It wasn't an issue of using a "cheap" rope, I was using my Masterline rope. I guess the real issue is making sure that people who are in the observer's seat are someone who will pay close attention. As far as the driver goes, they are taking the back of their head in the skier's hands.

[OKWAKEBDR]

RE: Shock Tubes

Only other thing I've ever seen is the netting that goes between the driver/observer & pylon. It's a huge pain, but if you are that concerned about it then it is probably worth it - especially if all you are doing is using the boat for slalom passes (i.e. ski club boat).

I had a friend tell me a story of a rope breaking with the tethered end coming back into the boat, hitting the observer in the eye and separated the retina from the rest of the eye...yeah...pretty gross. In cases like that - where you have advanced skiiers on short lines pulling very hard, the net is probably the only option.

[gunnin4six]

RE: Shock Tubes

One thing a shock tube definately helps with is loose line tangle. A few years ago I was observing in a boat being driven by a young woman. When the skier "popped" the handle, the handle went to the side of the boat, but the loose line looped around the drivers neck. When the handle splashed in, and came tight, pulled the driver right out of the seat by her neck. It all happened so fast, all I could do was lunge for the throttle. I think a shock tube will dramatically reduce the chance of this happening.

[MARK-S]

RE: Shock Tubes

Someone in the observers seat needs to play defense. The shock tube will only offer minimal protection to the handle in the head. The skiier needs to own some responsibility also. It seams like its always the same guy you need to watch out for. My old ski partner was good for this every time out. They are usually the guys with big scuff marks or hacks on the ski tips.

[redelf75]

RE: Shock Tubes

I think pulling back on the throttle as soon as the skier falls will undoubtably take a handle that may have only hit the stern and send it to the windshield. Building a net tower sounds a lot more expensive and prohibits movement on the boat far more than wearing helmets. the first may look cool and the second may be gay, but helmets is the right answer to Daryl's question.

[DAWG]

RE: Shock Tubes

I was riding seat in a regional tourny and no shock tube was being used. We were running a short line pass and the skier "popped" the handle. It went by us and the rope wrapped around the drivers hand and throttle. When the handle hit the water it jerked his hand and the throttle into full reverse from 34mph.Needless to say the boat was taken out of service to replace the tranny. Oh yea, the driver sustained severe rope burn to his wrist. I've used the tube ever since with no repeats of the same.
DAWG 99NSS

[SGY]

RE: Shock Tubes

Jeez Dawg. That is scary. You'd think the lockout would prevent the throttle from going into reverse--or did the rope snag the lockout ring?

[MARK-S]

RE: Shock Tubes

@#$% happens. We have a gouge in the back of the club boat from a handle shot, the tube was on. I have been shot in the head a few times with the tube on. Life is dangerous.