The slalom course (the course) consists of a series of boat guides (buoys) set in a straight path, 8′ feet apart, and a series of 6 pre arranged buoys, entrance and exit “gates” the skier must ski around by zig zagging back and forth behind the boat (comparable to downhill slalom skiing). The boat must travel through the path as straight as possible, within a prescribed time. The boat driver is given less than 1/2 mile per hour tolerance; timed by a stop watch at the 3rd buoy and the “exit” gates. (The idea is to give each skier the same ride, thereby equalizing the variables.)
Frankly, you don’t just jump in a boat and drive perfectly through the course. It is a challenge, with or without a skier. To earn a certification (by USA WaterSki) drivers must drive a straight path, not allowing the skier to pull them to the right or left, and do so within the time prescribed for that specific speed. The maximum boat speed for competition slalom skiing is 36 mph.
That doesn’t sound real fast, but let me tell you it’s a whole lot different being on the water as opposed to riding in a car at 36 mph! At 36mph a skier has 16.08 seconds to cross the boat wakes to enter the course (actually skiing through the first set of boat guides), negotiate the ski around 6 turn buoys and cross the boat wakes to exit the course (skiing through the last set of boat guides). In less than 17 seconds the skier travels 800′, reaching speeds of near 70 mph while crossing the wake, slowing to about 22 mph around the buoys and then back to 70 crossing the wake to get to the next buoy (ball).
So, that’s going from 22mph to 70mph, 6 times in under 17 seconds! Whew, talk about an adrenaline rush! Isn’t that kind of what roller coasters do? People love the slalom course because you’re competing against yourself. Slalom skiing is somewhat comparable to golf . . . you may get one perfect turn, one perfect lean, but putting 6 together in a row is the thing skiers fantasize about when they’re driving down the road, taking a shower, talking with other skiers.
When a skier has successfully rounded all six buoys at the maximum boat speed for their age they make the competition a little more challenging by shortening the rope. Maximum line length is 75 feet, it is shortened it predetermined lengths, but the method of reporting line length is a bit odd. You don’t say you’re skiing on a 60 foot rope, you say you’re skiing 15′off. (I think the first competitors said, “Sure you can ski all the buoys on a 75′ rope, tell you what . . . I’ll take 15′ off the rope and still make it!”
Today’s top slalom skiers are skiing into 43′ off. (75-43=32′ rope). The slalom turn buoys are placed 35′ from the center of the boat path . . . so the rope won’t reach the buoy, the skier has to lean with her/his body to be able to round the buoy. It takes skill, tenacity, patience, and let’s face it, long arms help:)
If you consider getting into slalom skiing, please remember this little tidbit. You cannot ski alone. You need a boat driver and in many states a “spotter” (a person, other than the driver, in the boat, watching the skier). Be nice to them! The driver is going give you the best ride she/he can. Don’t blame your less than perfect skiing on the driver. Don’t complain, complement . . . and remember to give your best when you’re behind the wheel:)