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Personal Flotation Device When skiing you must wear a USCG (United States Coast Guard) approved personal flotation device (life vest). When finding a personal flotation device, make sure it can support your weight and is big enough. A type III jacket is the most commonly used for water skiing. Refer to Pennsylvania's Laws and Regulations for personal flotation device types. |
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Ski There are many different styles of slalom skis depending upon your skill level. When looking for a slalom ski make sure it is of correct size to support your weight (refer to size chart). Same slalom skis have closed boots and have a thinner body for the more advanced skier. Other slalom skies have open or adjustable boots wider bodies for the beginner to the intermediate skier. |
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Boat Tow boat selection will determine how difficult it will be to get up and ride on the slalom ski. The boat must have enough horsepower to pull the skier out of the water without excessive dragging. Maneuverability is also a key factor when turning around to pick up a fallen skier. Competition ski boats such as the Master Craft are the tow boats of choice for serious slalom skiers. |
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Ropes There are many styles of ski ropes. When you are finding a ski rope, you want a rope that stretches and one that has a comfortable handle. The standard length for a slalom ski rope is 80 feet long, however the rope can not be over 100 feet long. |
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Gloves Gloves are not necessary when slalom skiing. Although many people wear them to improve their grip on the ski rope. |
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Wetsuits There are about there different types of wetsuits that come in different styles. Wetsuits are designed to allow water into the suit which is trapped there allowing the body to heat the water insulating the body from the cold. They came in full suit (on the right) and spring suit (on the left). Dry suits are designed in full suit only and function by sealing all water away from the body. These suits are used for he coldest temperatures. The barefoot suit is a spring suit and is padded for protection from the water at high speeds. |
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