| Ecuador HIGHLIGHTS |  |
|
|  Equipment | | Water Skiing is safe when skiers and boat drivers know and use commons sense rules.
A moderate ability to swim is advisable for a water skier, but swimming ability is no substitute for a well-fitting Personal Flotation Device (PFD). Wearing a PFD is essential when water skiing, even for expert swimmers and is required by law.
The PFD should be Type III, approved by the Ecuadorian Coast Guard, and designated as a ski vest. It should fit snugly. If it is too loose, in a fall it could slide up on the skier and pin his or her arms in a useless position, or it could be forced completely off by the pressure of the water.
1. Speed up the boat: Thumb up.
2. Slow down the boat: Thumb down.
3. Cut Motor/Stop (also used by driver or observer): Slashing motion over the neck.
4. Turn the boat (also used by driver): Circle motion with arms overhead then point in desired direction.
5. Return to dock: Pat on the head.
6. Speed and boat path OK or signals understood: OK signal with hand.
7. Skier OK after falling: Hands clasped over head.
Water skiing is a cooperative venture between skier, observer and boat driver. The skier and driver should agree in advance on the general path of the boat. A skier who inadvertently turns in the same direction that the boat driver is about to maneuver the boat will get line slack that could result in a fall or entanglement of the line. If the skier moves in a direction opposite to that of an unanticipated boat turn, a crack-the-whip reaction could follow, creating the potential for a high-speed spill.
Some signals in preparation for takeoff are vocal. When the skier is
comfortable in the water with skis in position, he informs the driver that he is ready by shouting, "In gear!". The boat then moves slowly forward to take up slack in the line. When the line becomes taut, the skier shouts, "hit it!", which is the signal for the driver to open the throttle for takeoff.
Once on plane, the skier signals with one hand. A thumb-down motion requests slower speed, while a thumb-up movement signals the driver for more speed. An acceptable alternate to these signals is a palm-down or palm-up motion. When the speed is all right, the skier gives the familiar thumb and forefinger "OK" sign.
When the skier desires to turn, he makes a curving motion with palm horizontal, either the right or left, depending on the desired direction change. When the skier wishes to stop, he can make the palm-up, fingers extended, policeman-type signal, or he can draw a finger across his throat to signal the driver to cut the throttle.
Of course, if he wishes to stop in a hurry, the skier can just release the handle.
Stay In Control!
Safe and fun skiing requires a driver and skier to make good judgments. The effects of sun, wind, waves and vibration can impair your judgment. Don't stay on the water too long.
Drinking beverages containing alcohol, taking prescription and over-the-counter medications, or use of illegal drugs can contribute to impaired judgment. Being on the water and fatigued, can increase the effects beyond your normal tolerance. Never drive or ski when your judgment is impaired. Operating a boat is illegal and dangerous. |  | | Water skiing: | 
Tour operators | | Tour operators: | |
|
| ECUADOR HOT LINKS | 
 |
| ECUADOR HOT SPOTS | | | Guayaquil, Ecuador "Pacific Pearl" | | Discover "The magic of the South Pacific". A complete travel guide to Guayaquil, Ecuador including hotels, tours, travel tips and main attractions. | | Salinas, Ecuador | | The best weather, tours and much more!. Salinas, is considered the best tourist beach resort in Ecuador's Pacific Coastline.... | | Quito, Ecuador | | Ecuador's capital and the country's second largest city. A complete travel guide to Quito, Ecuador including hotels, tours, travel tips and main attractions. | | Ecuador Travel Guide to the Galapagos Islands | | Discover the wonders of the Galapagos Islands including history, tours, travel tips, tour operators, Geology, weather and much more... | | Ecuador "Route of the Sun" | | "Ruta del Sol" is Ecuador's most beautiful coastal scenery road that runs all the way to Esmeraldas..... |
|
About Ecuador
Ecuador Regions
Now, through our extensive florist Network in Ecuador, you can send flowers for any occasion anywhere in Ecuador.
