Water skiing is a water sport that involves a rider using one or two skis while they’re being pulled behind a boat. Skiers compete in jumping, slaloming, and tricks. Just like any other form of sports, water skiing also has certain risks associated with it.

But before we delve into the types of risk. Let’s explore competitive water skiing to get a better idea of hazards and risks.

Competitive Water Skiing

It comprises three types:

Slaloming: the water skier uses a single ski with a low rope length and standard speed to ski around buoys and exit through gates. The towline is shortened, and speed is increased to eliminate skiers. Skiers can fall and collide with the ski during extreme cuts and speed.

Jumping: skiers pass over waxed ramps made from wood. These ramps are at 5 feet height for women and 6 feet for men. Participants must stand a minimum of 100 meters beyond the jumping tip. This demands precision and, in case of failure, leads to catastrophic accidents.

Tricks: skiers use flat and short skis without keels. Each participant is given 2 twenty-second runs. They perform as many tricks as possible in front of the judges’ panel. Though speed is low, if a participant uses toe-holds, it causes entanglement and injury.

Other Health Hazards of Water Skiing

Aside from the aforementioned risks of injury and fall, water skiing also causes the following hazards:

1. Strains & Sprains

Water skiing can be especially difficult for beginners. Rotational forces and excessive abduction can damage ankle and knee ligaments. Advanced skiers can also face these problems during jumps. Tendon injuries due to handles and ropes also occur.

2. Dislocations & Fractures

Although rare, the risk of dislocations of the cervical spine and hips is possible. Fractures in the lower tibia, limb, and ankle are also likely to occur. A rib fracture is also one of the risk factors in water skiing.

3. Burns From Rope

These are minor injuries but injuries nevertheless. Burns from holding the rope, however, are avoidable if the skier untwists the rope carefully. If the hand bar gets caught under the chin, it results in skin grafting in many cases.

4. Ruptured Sinusitis & Eardrums

It’s a common health hazard that also leads to morbidity in many cases. Ruptured sinusitis and eardrums are an inevitable risk in water skiing, especially if the player falls into the water.

Despite its hazards, water skiing is one of the most enjoyable sports for players. Alternatively, you can enjoy skiing down a mountain with our ski straps and ultralight packs. At Light Hiking Gear, we offer premium quality lightweight backpacks for sale. These are the perfect staple for skiers, hikers, campers, and trekkers. Buy a comfortable backpack for sale or contact us for more details.