USA Water Ski
is the national governing body of organized water skiing in the
United States. USA Water Ski is a member of the International
Water Ski Federation (world governing body), the Pan American
Sports Organization and the United States Olympic Committee.
Affiliated with USA Water Ski as sport disciplines are the
American Water Ski Association (AWSA), American Barefoot Club
(ABC), American Kneeboard Association (AKA), National Collegiate
Water Ski Association (NCWSA), National Show Ski Association
(NSSA), National Water Ski Racing Association (NWSRA), United
States Hydrofoil Association (USHA), USA Wakeboard (USA-WB) and
Water Skiers with Disabilities Association (WSDA).
ABOUT
SAFETY
Safety is
everyone’s responsibility. It is “Rule One”. It is an attitude
in which everyone assumes responsibility for their own
equipment, safety and well- being and looks out for the safety
and well- being of others as well.
AWSEF and USA
Water Ski encourage you to be safe on the water.
Hand
Signals
1. Speed up:
The "thumbs-up" gesture is used to indicate the skier would like
the speed increased.
2. Slow Down:
The "thumbs-down" gesture is used to indicate the skier would
like the speed decreased.
3. Turn:
When either the skier or the driver wants the boat turned, a
circle motion with the arm over the head with one finger in the
air is used. Pointing in the direction of the turn usually
follows this signal.
4. Back to
Dock: A pat on the head indicating that the skier would
like to return to the starting dock.
5. Cut
Motor/Stop: A slashing motion with the
hand across the neck indicates the boat is to stop immediately.
This signal can be used by the skier, driver, or observer.
6. OK:
If the newly set speed or boat path is good, then the skier uses
the OK signal – an "O" made with the index finger and thumb.
This signal can also be used between skier and observer to
indicate that signals given by one of them has been received by
the other.
8. I’m
OK" after a fall: This is the most important signal,
which indicates that a skier is OK after a fall. If
consists of both hands clasped over the head.
WHY LEARN HOW TO WATER SKI?
Water skiing is a sport that has been around for many, many years.
Teaching someone how to ski involves them into a traditional
and exhilarating sport.
Water skiing is a family and friends sport.
All ages can participate and the entire family can enjoy from
ages 3 and beyond. Kids
get a great feeling of being on the water and a wave of confidence.
Water skiing has many different disciplines.
From traditional 3 event with slalom, trick and jump to
riding in the air on a hydrofoil, you can choose your level of
excitement.
THE HISTORY OF USA WATER SKI
1939 -- First AWSA HQ was a desk drawer in the home
of American Water Ski Association founder, Dan B. Hains in Bayville,
N.Y.
1949 -- AWSA moved to Grand Rapids, Mich., when
Chuck Sligh became president
1955 -- Outboard Boating Club of America takes over
administration of AWSA HQ in Chicago
1958 -- AWSA moved to Winter Haven, Fla., on Lake
May. Hired full-time executive director.
1968 -- AWSEF began as a paper organization
administered by AWSA.
1976 -- AWSA moved to building on Overlook Drive in
Winter Haven.
1999 -- 60th Anniversary AWSA - became USA Water
Ski
