Waterskiing etiquette and 150' rule

MJM · 07-31-2007, 09:30 AM

The ability to judge the distance (scale) in a photo is a challenge. How about having a person visible in the foreground? That would likely help.

We've talked about, but fortunately haven't had to resort to, using our video camera to capture the offender. Being able to show more than just a snapshot would be a lot easier to estimate the distance. Convert it to an mpg, and email it off to MP!

BroadHopper · 07-31-2007, 11:19 AM

I have to drop of my ski(s) along the 150' of safe passage. I had one ski chopped up by a propeller and I had skis picked up by the Marine Patrol twice. The MP consider the skis a hazard. I did not get a warning or ticket but I had to wait up to 4 hours for them to return the ski. I had to sign a form as proof of ownership.

I always drop off the skis as close to the dock as possible and out of boat traffic. Is there anyone that had the same problem?

Rattlesnake Gal · 08-03-2007, 06:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BroadHopper

I always drop off the skis as close to the dock as possible and out of boat traffic. Is there anyone that had the same problem?

The day our son decided to try and drop his ski, I was out behind them (yes, over 150’ away) and retrieved it immediately.

Is wakeboarding and skiing with one ski similar?

What’s wrong with some boaters? Last week on the biggest part of the lake with no one around, Capt’n Bonehead violated us with a skier in the water! We started freaking out and he just waved at us as if we were just saying hello

Kamper · 08-03-2007, 08:03 AM

FWIW - A square orange flag is required in some locales to indicate you have a water-skier or other towed recreation. It's not required in NH, but if you have one there will be something handy to wave for attention.

It's not a safety guarantee but most folks will slow down when you waive something other than your hand.

Good luck!

wildwoodfam · 08-03-2007, 08:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kamper

FWIW - A square orange flag is required in some locales to indicate you have a water-skier or other towed recreation. It's not required in NH, but if you have one there will be something handy to wave for attention.

It's not a safety guarantee but most folks will slow down when you waive something other than your hand.

Good luck!

We were always taught to get the ski off as quick as we could and hold it up out of the water - so we were more visible to boaters and that would in turn HOPEFULLY cause them to slow down if they were near.

Do folks still do this? WE DO!

But I rarely see others holding up their ski!

IN VT my cousins have the red flag in their boat and when someone goes down the flag goes up! Its not a bad idea - but in NH it would confuse folks - who at least on Winni - appear easily confused more often than not!

Kamper · 08-03-2007, 05:29 PM

[QUOTE=wildwoodfam]We were always taught to get the ski off as quick as we could and hold it up out of the water - so we were more visible to boaters and that would in turn HOPEFULLY cause them to slow down ... QUOTE]

Yes. That's the technique for the person in the water. It's makes them a more clear target. For recovery that is.

Hopefully we wont have to start requiring skiers and tubers to carry strobes or other stuff.

07-31-2007, 11:19 AM	#2
BroadHopper Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Laconia NH Posts: 5,575 Thanks: 3,212 Thanked 1,103 Times in 794 Posts	Unfortunately I have to drop of my ski(s) along the 150' of safe passage. I had one ski chopped up by a propeller and I had skis picked up by the Marine Patrol twice. The MP consider the skis a hazard. I did not get a warning or ticket but I had to wait up to 4 hours for them to return the ski. I had to sign a form as proof of ownership. I always drop off the skis as close to the dock as possible and out of boat traffic. Is there anyone that had the same problem? __________________ Someday may never be an actual day.

08-03-2007, 08:03 AM	#4
Kamper Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Thornton's Ferry Posts: 1,306 Thanks: 67 Thanked 171 Times in 127 Posts	Orange Flag FWIW - A square orange flag is required in some locales to indicate you have a water-skier or other towed recreation. It's not required in NH, but if you have one there will be something handy to wave for attention. It's not a safety guarantee but most folks will slow down when you waive something other than your hand. Good luck!

07-31-2007, 09:30 AM	#1
MJM Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Posts: 262 Thanks: 0 Thanked 23 Times in 11 Posts	The ability to judge the distance (scale) in a photo is a challenge. How about having a person visible in the foreground? That would likely help. We've talked about, but fortunately haven't had to resort to, using our video camera to capture the offender. Being able to show more than just a snapshot would be a lot easier to estimate the distance. Convert it to an mpg, and email it off to MP!

08-03-2007, 05:29 PM	#6
Kamper Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Thornton's Ferry Posts: 1,306 Thanks: 67 Thanked 171 Times in 127 Posts	[QUOTE=wildwoodfam]We were always taught to get the ski off as quick as we could and hold it up out of the water - so we were more visible to boaters and that would in turn HOPEFULLY cause them to slow down ... QUOTE] Yes. That's the technique for the person in the water. It's makes them a more clear target. For recovery that is. Hopefully we wont have to start requiring skiers and tubers to carry strobes or other stuff.