Water ski racing is another one of those minority sports in New Zealand. It's been defined as "an extreme sport that combines speed, endurance and determination. The satisfaction of completing a race is great, but the thrill of winning is awesome. Like many minority sports it has no prize money, and it's almost impossible to get sponsorship, so the competitors are performing for their own satisfaction and enjoyment.
A ski race team consists of a boat driver, an observer, and of course a skier, or in some cases two skiers. The driver will tow the skier at a suitable speed depending on the skier's ability and the condition of the water. It is the observer's job to communicate to the driver what speed the skier wishes to go, and to advise of any boats coming up behind them.
The ski used is a specially designed "race ski", although there is a social class where a normal single ski is used. You can even use double skis if you wish, but they can become quite hard to control at any speed. The race ski is normally 6 8 feet in length and has full boot bindings. The rope used is normally about 220 feet long so that the skier can ski in the flat water behind the boat while being out of the spray coming from the boat.

Success in ski racing comes form the combined team effort. The skier has to be capable and fit enough to ski in his or her chosen class. Observers need total concentration in order to instantly relay signals from the skier. The boat driver must take the team around the course, listening to the observer and using his or her own judgment on optimum the speed for the skier. The aim is to go as fast as possible without the skier falling off.
Races mostly take place over a set distance or time and vary depending on the class. It is an out and out race similar to a car race, hopefully without the pit stops.

Have a go!

Many people believe that you need a boat before you can contemplate getting involved in this sport. You don't!
If you would like to give this sport a go there are always people willing to take you out. A friendly attitude and a willingness to learn is all that is required. Even age is no barrier as there are classes set up from juniors and sub-juniors, right up to seniors and veterans.
If you would like more information on getting involved you can contact us and we will do our best to make sure you get all the help possible.