If you own a jet boat, ski boats such as an XFI ski boat, or any other watercraft that can be used for watersports, chances are you spend a good amount of time on the water-pulling rides. Towing a rider behind a boat can be an exhilarating water sport, but it also comes with inherent risks. Ensuring safety is paramount to ensure a fun and incident-free experience for everyone involved. Here are some safety tips for both riders and boat operators to follow when towing a rider behind a boat: 

Tips for Riders 

Be Honest About Your Skill Level

Don’t try to be cocky and want to impress everyone with your ‘skills’ that you actually haven’t got. Be honest about your skill level and communicate them with the boat driver. Don’t be shy of telling them your limitations. Knowing your actual skills and experience with this watersport will help keep you safe; after all boat drivers will operate the boat according to your expertise and comfort level. 

Inspect Your Equipment

Before each ride, inspect all the equipment you will use for any damage or wear. Ensure they are in good condition.

Practice Falling

Falling is part of the learning process. Learn to fall away from the tow rope and keep your arms and legs relaxed to minimize the risk of injuries.

Learn Hand Signals

Familiarise yourself with hand signals commonly used in water sports. These signals will allow you to communicate with the spotter and boat driver.

Stay Alert

Keep your head up and remain aware of your surroundings. Watch for other boats, obstacles, and changes in the water’s surface. 

Wear a Life Vest

Always wear a properly fitting life jacket or life vest. It provides buoyancy and ensures you stay afloat in case of a fall. You can get life vests made for watersports at your local boat shops. 

Tips for Spotters

Stay Vigilant

Focus on the rider and don’t take your eyes off him while he’s riding. Avoid distractions. 

Communicate Clearly

Before each ride, discuss the rider’s expectations and comfort level with the boat operator. This ensures everyone is on the same page regarding speed and difficulty level. Relay information between the rider and boat operator concisely while the ride is ongoing. 

Be Prepared to Assist

Be ready to assist the rider in case of a fall or other emergencies. Know how to provide support and guidance in addition to hand signals. 

Tips for the One Driving the Boat

Communicate with Rider Before They Get In the Water

This will save you time at the beginning of a session and allow the rider to feel comfortable from the get-go. Ask them what their preferred speed is, the ballast setting, and the rope length they are comfortable using. Knowing this will allow you to cater the pull to the rider. 

Make Sure That Your Cockpit is Set Up 

Be comfortable before you leave the dock and make sure the cockpit is set up for you. This includes adjusting the seat and mirror, having your music set up and ready to play and anything else you need to do to feel comfortable before pushing off the dock. Make sure you have a passenger in the observer seat who is always paying attention to the rider and knows how to use the flag.   

Don’t Drive in Circles

If you drive in circles, you send your wake in every direction, making the water too choppy for anyone to enjoy the ride. It’s much better for the rider and all the other boats on the lake if you find a line and everyone shares it. 

Turn Down the Music After A Fall

When circling back to pick up a fallen rider, turn the music down so you can communicate with them. This is a good opportunity to make sure all of you are still on the same page and communicate your concerns. Maybe the rider feels that you’re going way too fast and they have a hard time adjusting to your speed or maybe the ballast needs to be re-adjusted. 

Practice Makes An Expert

No matter how good of a driver you think you are, there is always room for improvement. Towing a rider is a huge responsibility (you are responsible for their safety so you make sure they don’t get hurt) and you should never be complacent, no matter how calm the waters are, or how great the weather is, or how shallow the water is, or how experienced the rider is.