WATERSPORTS TOWING

So, you’ve just been cut off on the water by a careless boat towing a tube or engaged in wakesurfing. As you shake your head, you wonder, Do they even know the rules? It’s a good time to take a look at the rules of the road in watersports towing. How much do you know? —John Tiger

1. When towing a skier, wakeboarder or tube, what are some good general commonsense rules to abide by concerning your surroundings?

A. Maintain a minimum 100 feet of distance from other boaters, docks, shore and other objects in the water.

B. Don’t forget to keep your onboard stereo loud to entertain others.

C. No drinking alcohol or taking drugs when driving or participating.

D. A and C

E. None of the above

2. Your friend suggests some nighttime tow sports. Generally, what are the rules about watersports towing during the evening?

A. A case of beer is necessary for nighttime watersports.

B. No loud music in the early morning hours; however, it is encouraged after sunset.

C. Although your local waterways may have specific rules, generally no watersports towing one half-hour after sunset to one half-hour before sunrise.

D. All of the above

3. When towing a watersports rider, the following must be present:

A. Life jacket for the skipper.

B. Life jacket being worn by the towed rider.

C. Observer, usually over a certain age (depending on local laws).

D. All of the above E. None of the above

4. Operators should be particularly aware of the effects of speed on the rider. What are typical speeds for watersports towing?

A. Below 18 mph for tubing.

B. Between 18 and 22 mph for wakeboarding and kneeboarding.

C. Between 25 and 36 mph for water-skiing.

D. All of the above

E. None of the above

5. Important safe practices to employ while engaged in watersports include:

A. Be especially aware of tight turns; the rider could be whipped at high speed, or left wallowing with too much slack in the rope.

B. If the rider falls, circle back to them at slow speed and shut off the engine after pulling up on the driver’s side alongside the rider.

C. Be aware of the local waters so as not to place the boat or the rider in danger of obstructions.

D. A and B

E. All of the above

6. Hand signals should be used to communicate between the rider and observer. Some generally accepted hand signals include:

A. Hand held up and palm forward: Stop.

B. Thumb up: Increase music volume.

C. Thumb and forefinger in circle: I am OK or speed is OK.

D. Hand across throat: I hate this, please kill me.

E. A and C

F. None of the above

1. D.

2. C is the only correct answer.

3. D. Although many like to ride without a life jacket, it is required and absolutely necessary for safety.

4. D. The speeds shown are generally all correct for the different types of watersports towing.

5. E.

6. E. A and C are the only correct answers.

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