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Water siding glides to new popularity Recreation agencies should not limit their concern only to the availability of land-based facilities. By Bruce Kistler and Robert Espeseth Would it surprise you to know that the National Water Ski Championships have been held in Illinois five out of the past seven years and the National Water Ski Show Championships twice in the past five years? It shouldn't. Illinois has taken in a big way to water skiing, a sport that has grown to involve some 15 million participants nationwide and one that has developed an amazing diversity of types. No longer limited to "two square-backed boards," today's water skier might just as likely be found riding a kneeboard (a short surfboard-like device) or "barefooting" with no skis at all! Many Illinoisans have taken up the thrill of tournament skiing, competing against one another in the slalom, trick and jumping events. Still others prefer putting on Cypress Gardens-style ski shows. Park and recreation professionals should get to know the skiers in their jurisdiction to develop a feel for their wants and needs, which can vary depending on whether their aspirations are simply to have fun or to become national champions. Two aspects of waterskiing on which the recreation professional can have a major impact are providing areas and facilities and instruction. Areas and facilities Water skiers at all levels of proficiency need a safe place to ski. With so many lakes, rivers and reservoirs it seems that there would be no problem with the supply side of the equation. Often, however, the demand exceeds the supply. Skiers also know from hard experience that they are usually the first to feel the pinch of restrictions when crowding or conflict occurs on public waterways. These waters are the skiers' playing fields and they need every bit of help they can get to initially open or keep open suitable areas. Where crowding or conflict occurs, prudent management practices, such as area or time zoning, can often be instituted to assure opportunities for all users. The task of finding a place to practice can be particularly difficult for tournament-level skiers who require calm water. A relatively small water body that is protected from winds and as free as possible from other boat traffic is ideal. Lakes that are too small for open recreation skiing are often ideal for tournament skiing in which only one boat operates at a time. An old flooded strip mine on the grounds of the Du Quoin State Fair, for instance, has proven to be a nearly perfect site for national championship competition. Similar tournament sites have been developed near Decatur, in the Chicago vicinity and near Manhattan. Agency assistance Tournament skiers also need to maintain slalom courses and jump ramps. Although these "floating facilities" are as vital to the advanced skier as a tennis court is to a tennis player, water ski clubs often have difficulty obtaining necessary installation permits. In these cases, park districts could be of assistance and should not limit their concern for the availability of recreational facilities to just those located on land. Many progressive park and recreation agencies, working closely with local water ski clubs, have developed community water ski sites complete Illinois Parks and Recreation 14 May/June 1986 with slalom courses. Jump ramps and boat docking facilities. A few have evolved into world-class tournament sites that have been the location of major events. Examples include Berkeley, CA (city). West Palm Beach, FL (county), and Birmingham, AL (state). Instruction A cooperative relationship with an active ski club can also be a key element in an agency-sponsored water ski instruction program. Clubs can be invaluable resources for obtaining boats, equipment and qualified instructors. The American Water Ski Association (AWSA) offers a water ski skills program for beginning to intermediate skiers. It contains complete program materials including an instructor's manual, handouts, safety posters, awards buttons and certificates of achievement. Such a program offered to the public not only provides a popular source of basic instruction, but it is also an important vehicle for water ski safety education. A successful program requires a suitable water body, experienced personnel and proper equipment. The water site should ideally be sheltered from winds and limited to outside boat traffic. A sand or grass beach is perferred, but well-constructed docks can also be used as a staging area. Depending on the projected size of the program, on or more towboats will be needed. They should be equipped with tow pylons, speedometers, rear view mirrors and rear-facing observers' seats. Lightweight youngsters can be towed with smaller rigs of 25-35 horsepower, but larger youths and adults will require considerably more pulling power. A member of a
Illinois Parks and Recreation 15 May/June 1986 local ski club might be able to provide a towboat or, in some cases, marine dealers may make a boat available on a short-term basis. Ski clubs and marine dealers are also sources of skis, flotation devices, towropes and other equipment. For a small, one-boat program, equipment needs would include regular combination pairs of skis (one junior pair and one adult pair), beginner slalom skis and trick skis, all with good quality, adjustable bindings. Skis of either wood or fiberglass construction are suitable. Several sizes of Coast Guard Type III (wearable special purpose) life preservers are needed since they must fit the wearer snuggly to be effective and comfortable. Towropes should be 75 feet long, of single-handle construction and made of polypropylene or polyethylene material. Only AWSA-certified instructors may conduct the water sid skills program. It is relatively easy for an experienced water skier to obtain Level 1 certification through a self-study course that is available from AWSA. Active tournament skiers often make excellent instructors and can quickly obtain the necessary certification if they don't already have it. All boat drivers must be experienced and mature. Once again, ski clubs are good sources of experienced drivers. Some may have AWSA tournament driver ratings. Final thoughts Water skiing is an enormously popular recreational activity that presents a unique challenge for park and recreation professionals. Like participants in land-based activities, water skiers have needs that should be recognized and addressed by public recreation providers. For further information on starting a water ski club or an instructional program contact the American Water Ski Association, P.O. Box 191, Winter Haven, FL 33881. Phone (813) 324-4341.
Illinois Parks and Recreation 16 May/June 1986 |
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