Alpine skiing terms (dictionary). Water skiing. History of development Skiing on water what is the name

The romance of water skiing

Often on the beaches you can meet intent, envious glances, seeing off skiers rushing along the water surface. There are also situations when a beginner waiting for the acceleration of the boat is distracted and the taut halyard makes him fly head over heels into the water, which causes Homeric laughter from the audience. All this became possible thanks to the invention of water skiing.

The history of the invention of water skiing

Water skiing is perhaps the only invention that belongs to three people who did not know about the existence of each other at once. At the beginning of the XX century. in 1922, Ralph Samuelson, a resident of Minnesota, put them on the water for the first time. The American carried out the first experiments with simple alpine skis, equipping them with water-repellent bindings.

Three years later, a second American, Fred Waller, patented a similar invention. After another 3 years, Washingtonian Don Ibsen becomes the third innovator. As a result, it turns out that water skiing was invented at three-year intervals by various Americans. Perhaps the series of innovators could have continued, but skiing began to rapidly gain popularity and this put an end to the string of applicants for the pioneering of water skiing.

It is not necessary to delve into the legal intricacies of this case, although some authoritative sources claim that water skiing first appeared in the Alps. However, others, no less authoritative, easily prove the authorship of the inhabitants of the Hawaiian Islands, where riding a board on the waves was an ancient entertainment for the natives. But let's leave that to historians.

Russian water skiing

Not many people know that Yuri Gagarin owns not only the championship in space flights. Thanks to his initiative, skiing began to develop in the USSR. Thanks to the participation of the great cosmonaut, the State Federation of Water Skiing was formed in 1954, and a year later the first USSR championship was held.

As usual at that time, immediately after that, the first Soviet champions and champions began to appear. In 1977, Marina Cheresova conquered the European record in figure skating in water skiing, and a couple of years later, Natalia Rumyantseva conquered the whole world, also with a new record.

Choosing water skis

The first thing you need to ride on the water is the choice of equipment. The main criterion here is the ratio of the weight of the athlete and the length of the water skis. The more you weigh, the longer your skis will need to be. A width of about 18 cm, with a thickness of 1.5 cm, is the generally recognized standard for ski cloths. More often, only their length varies.

Table of the ratio of the weight of the athlete and the length of the skis:

Rubber mounts are adjusted to the athlete's leg, taking into account the fact that when falling, the skis should be easily removed from the leg and float to the surface of the water.

Variety of water skis

As in all sports, various directions have developed in water skiing, which have their own characteristics. You can ski slalom or figure ski. You can choose a pair or single option (mono-ski). For thrill-seekers, there are jump skis, which are used to overcome obstacles in the form of springboards. Initially, water skis were made only from pine treated with a water-repellent composition. With the development of technology, they began to be made from polyurethane foam.

Boat and towing rope (halyard)

No matter how modern and technologically advanced water skiing has become, they still do not know how to move independently on the water. Therefore, for skiing, either a speedboat or a parachute-wing is required. The latter option is possible only with good wind, and the boat is available in good weather on any body of water where it can accelerate to 35 km/h (recommended speed for beginners) and maintain it for some time.

The cable is used mainly soft, not rotting from contact with water, from 15 to 30 m long. More often it is made of nylon. For safety and ease of detection on the water, the towing halyard is painted in bright colors. Abroad, he is dressed in a special plastic shirt so that he does not drown.

If you want to diversify your vacation by adding a little extreme to it, then water skiing is what you need. Upon reaching a high level of training, you will be able not only to have a good time, rapidly gliding through the water, but also to participate in various competitions organized for vacationers on many beaches of the planet. It does not make sense to list them, because then you will have to name almost all the beaches in the world.

V.M. Alekseev
Magazine KYA №2 1964

Water skiing quickly found recognition in many countries of the world, and at present, the world championship is already being held in various types of water skiing. Who and when was the founder of this new sport is unknown. Some argue that the first were the inhabitants of the Alps, who tried to glide on the water on their ordinary skis, on which they descend from the snowy peaks; others consider water skiing to be a kind of board for riding the waves - an entertainment that has long been known to the inhabitants of the Hawaiian Islands.

When an athlete slides through the water on a flat surface (whether it is water skiing or aquaplane towed by a boat, or just a board sliding along the wave surface under the action of human gravity), a force T acts on its lower surface, directed perpendicular to the plane of this gliding surface. This force T can be decomposed into two components; force R, directed horizontally, and force A, directed vertically. Force R is the resistance of water to the movement of the planing plate, balanced by the thrust force Рн of the boat; force A is the hydrodynamic support force that balances the athlete's weight Pc.

Force A is calculated by the expression:
A = K51S v 2 ,
where S is the total wetted area of the plate, m2; v- movement speed, m/sec.

The value of the coefficient K depends on the ratio of the plate length l to its width b (for water skiing l/b=10) and
from the angle of meeting of the plate with the oncoming water flow - the angle of attack a. For water skiing, usually K = 0.06. From the above equation, it can be seen that the size of the skis depends on the speed of the skier through the water.

Types of water skiing. Currently, water skiers are united in the International Union of Water Skiers. International water skiing competitions were first held in France in 1949. In the USSR, the first major competitions were held in 1962. Competitions are held in the following types: slalom, ski jumping and figure skating. The International Union of Water Skiers has established uniform rules for holding competitions.

Slalom. Each participant must pass the start control gate 4 m wide, go around 6 buoys spaced 90 m apart and pass the finish gate (also 4 m wide). The gates are marked with buoys. If the skier touches the buoy or fails to go around it, he will be awarded penalty points. The boat towing the skier makes the first tack in the middle of the track at a speed of 42, and the second (reverse) - at a speed of 45 km/h, and passes the control gate at a prescribed speed. The speed of the towing boat is controlled by the judge.

The skier is given the right to compete on two or one ski.

Jumping. Jumps are carried out from a springboard with a height of 1.5 m for men and 1.5 for women; its width is 2 by 3 m. Only the length of the jump counts.

Figure skating. In figure skating, both the style of execution and the complexity of the figure are taken into account; skiing is carried out on two and on one ski. Here are some exercises: moving on one ski, turning 180 ° and moving backwards; movement, holding the handle of the sling with the foot, teeth, neck; jumping over a towline, etc.

Towing boat. Any boat with a speed of more than 35 km / h is suitable for towing skiers. You need to start training at low speeds, since if you fall at high speed, you can break on the water. For experienced skiers who want to exercise regularly, you need a boat with a powerful engine (60 to 100 hp) and a speed of up to 55 km/h.
The boat towing the skier should pick up speed smoothly and easily. In addition, the boat should have a low stern wave, since the high “cock” behind the transom prevents the skier from making sharp sharp turns and causes sharp jerks in the cable. And, finally, the third requirement: the towing boat must have great lateral stability so that the danger of capsizing from the lateral jerk of the cable that the skier is holding on to is excluded. Usually the stability of boats with a wide flat stern is quite sufficient.

An athlete can be towed even by a light motor boat with an outboard motor (for example, Kazanka). The author went water skiing behind a sports motorboat of the Strela type with a Moscow engine.

If the skier is towed by a light motorboat, the cable should be attached to the eyelets attached to the transom approximately 10 cm below the edge of the deck. To ensure the agility of the towing vehicle, the skier on the circulation must turn along a radius much larger than the radius of the circulation of the motorboat. This circumstance should never be forgotten when using small boats and motor boats.

On a large and powerful boat, the tow line is best attached to the biteng at a height of about 50 cm above the deck in the center of the boat's rotation (slightly ahead of the stabilizer fin).

Planing boats with a jet propulsion are best suited for towing skiers; when using them, there is no danger of injuring the athlete with the propeller of the boat, and the skier can start from shallow water.

As we already know, people on skis put pressure on the surface of the water with their weight, therefore, in order not to sink into the water, they must move along it at a speed that is greater, the greater their weight and the smaller the size of the skis. This requires an increase in the power of the motor of the towing boat. For a boat 4.5 m long and 1.35 m wide, the number and weight of towed athletes depend on the engine power as follows:

Skis. Water skis for each type of competition have some features in design and dimensions. The dimensions of the skis also depend on the weight of the athlete.

Regular recreational skis are 18 cm wide and 1.5 cm thick; their length is chosen depending on the weight of the athlete:

The toes of the ski are slightly rounded, and the ski as a whole may have a slight bulge towards the sliding surface. Skis are attached to the legs with elastic rubber bindings that fit along the leg.

In the event of a fall of the athlete, the skis should be easily removed from their feet and float up next to the skier.

Ski jumping skis make it somewhat heavier; their center of gravity must be behind the nose bindings so that when jumping, the skis sag back and cannot stick their socks into the water (in this case, the skier can break his chest and stomach on the water, stretch the ligaments in the ankle joints).

Experienced slalom skiers often perform on one ski 180 cm long and 20 cm wide. Such a ski, in addition to the usual mount, is equipped with another bow mount located behind the first. Athletes sometimes even ski with dimensions of 165X18 cm. In order for such skis to be better controlled, they are narrowed to the ends so that they resemble a banana in shape.

Skis for figure skating, in principle, are no different from slalom skis, only they are made more curved.

At the rear ends of the sliding surface of the skis, a light aluminum fin is attached to increase stability. Skis with such a fin are usually used by beginner athletes.

Cable. For towing athletes, you can use any soft cable from 18 to 30 m long. A good nylon cord with a diameter of 6 by 8 mm, which does not rot from frequent wetting, is light and does not form so-called “pegs” (nodules) when unraveling from the bay. A manila cable will do.

It is best if the cable is painted in a bright color and floats on the surface; then the athlete sees it well, and the cable will certainly not fall into the propeller of the boat. Abroad, a special plastic shirt is put on the cable, which keeps it afloat.

For water skiing competitions, the total length of the cable must be 22.5 m; of which 1.5 m in length are slings for handles. Handles of round or oval section are made of wood or plastic. The ends of the slings are connected to each other on the thimble, and the thimble of each sling with the help of carabiners, brackets or swivels - with the cable thimble.

For figure skating, a special device is used: the transverse handle is attached to the cable with a steel yoke with an eye; a leg mount slides along the yoke, which is used when towing by the foot.

Education. First of all, it should be noted that only healthy and, in any case, people who can swim can engage in water skiing. When falling, the skier must be able not only to stay on the water for a long time until the boat turns around and approaches him, but also to quickly get rid of the skis. Beginners on the water should wear life jackets, pea coats or inflatable belts.

Slalom line.
1 - handles; 2 - thimble; 3 - towing rope. A - knot for sealing slings in the handle

Pen for figure skating.
1 - handle; 2, 3 - yoke; 4 - towing cable; 5 - belt for the foot.

It is easier and faster than others to train "snow" skiers and slalom skiers who are accustomed to keeping their balance in the most difficult conditions.

You need to start training on the beach. First, put on the nose mount, adjust the heel mount tightly and tighten the adjusting screws. The handles of the cable are held on hands extended forward. The trainer keeps the rope taut. The student, squatting down, with the skis slightly apart (but keeping them parallel) and holding on to the cable, rises to slightly bent legs, with the body weight behind the heels. The body is held by a cable, the slack of which is chosen by the trainer. When the student has learned the first lesson and stops falling sideways, they begin training in the water, repeating the same exercises.

Particular care should be taken to ensure that the student keeps the Lie parallel to the taut tow line. This is usually difficult as the skier is now free to swim in the water. Sitting on the back of the skis, the beginner swims up to the trainer, who pulls him up by the cable. Skis should protrude slightly above the surface. Only after beginners learn how to control their body in the water, they start training with a boat, which is better to start on larger beds.

Having taken the starting position, the ends of the skis are shown above the surface as a sign of readiness for movement. The boat picks up speed quickly and smoothly, without jerks. Smoothly and vigorously, the skier unbends, holding the skis at a certain angle to the surface of the water and leaning back slightly; having gained speed, the skis are held almost horizontally.

First lesson on the beach.
the student from the "sitting on skis" position rises to his feet

First lesson on the water.
Maintain balance in the water.

The skier begins to move on skis, straightening his legs.

If a motor boat with a low-power motor is used as a towing vehicle, they start from booms. The skier sits on the boom, puts on skis, unfolds the cable and makes a sign to start moving. 2-3 seconds before the cable stretches, the skier jumps off the boom onto the skis; the skis do not have time to sink deep, and therefore the resistance of the skier is not yet very high. The motorboat quickly switches to planing mode and pulls the skier to the surface. It is good to start from a sheet of plywood, standing in shallow water.

Ski jump.

The skier with his feet softens the push on the floor of the springboard

Classic jump.

In order to make turns easily, one must remember that the boat usually slows down on the turn, so the skier must turn on a curve of a larger radius, going to the outside of the turn. To turn, the skier leans into the turn, loading the inside edges of the skis. Sharp turns can be made by bending at the hip joint, similar to the way slalomists make an angular movement on the snow.

To stop, the skier makes a sign to the boat. The boat stops, and the skier, having walked a few more meters, smoothly descends into the water. You can drop the skier on a boom or other vessel. To do this, the boat passes at a distance of 4-5 m from the vessel or boom, the skier releases the cable in advance and stops at the intended place. Naturally, such a method requires a certain amount of training and a developed eye.

You can stop by driving into shallow water. Here the skier, having lost speed, easily sinks to the bottom of the reservoir. It is necessary to put one leg forward 10-15 cm and transfer the body weight to the back leg so as not to fall forward during a sudden stop when the skis come into contact with the ground.

Jumping. Having mastered the movement on two skis well and having learned how to turn, they move on to studying the technique of jumping.

First, they jump from the stern wave of the boat, crossing its wake from one side to the other; then move on to the trampoline. The dimensions of the upper table of the springboard are 2X5 m. The height of the upper edge is regulated depending on the training of the athletes. They start, of course, with a low height and low towing speed. The boat goes to the springboard and passes next to it at a distance of 4-5 m. The skier goes on a parallel course and heads to the springboard, standing with slightly bent knees and a straightened body, and having entered the springboard, he slightly draws his legs, grouping. In flight, he straightens up again, and then, elastically bending his knees, “splashes down”. The movements of an athlete are similar to those of a skier overcoming a small hillock while descending a mountain.

Further, the exercise is complicated by increasing the speed. A classic jump will be when a skier at a speed of 57 km / h (for women 50 km / h) drives up to the springboard in a high stance, crouches, pushes off from him with his feet and flies straight up over the water. Skis are kept in flight horizontally or with slightly raised socks. Touching the water, the skier continues on his way.

Slalom on one ski. The athlete first slides on two skis, then takes off one of them and leaves it on the water, and puts his free foot on the ski from behind. Now, by bending the body and standing a little on the edge of the ski, the athlete can change the direction of movement.

When passing the slalom track, a 20 cm wide ski equipped with two mounts is used. Handles for the left and right hands are attached to the towing cable.

The highest skiing technique is figure skating on one or two skis using a special handle.

Making simple skis. Water skis are commercially available, but they are relatively expensive (more expensive than slalom skis). Naturally, many athletes do water skiing on their own, especially since it is not difficult.

Ski sizes are chosen depending on the weight of the athlete. The material is boards and plywood.

The board is marked according to the accepted length. A hacksaw makes transverse cuts at the toe. Then, a piece of plywood is placed on the cut area, smeared with waterproof glue, a wooden block is placed - a wedge, processed in the shape of a toe bend - and the ski is pressed against it with a clamp. Plywood, having stuck, does not allow the end of the board to unbend; the ski blank is pasted over with any fabric on waterproof glue.

It is best to glue plywood skis.
Two sheets of plywood (1500X1500 mm) are glued together by joining them “on the mustache”, then strips of the desired width (180X200 mm) are cut out and assembled into a package until the desired thickness is obtained. The strips are smeared with glue and laid on a wooden beam (the surface of which is cut out in the shape of a ski), pressing with clamps or nails. After gluing, the skis are trimmed, sanded and painted. The paint is constantly updated during operation. It should be remembered that the slightest scratch or abrasion significantly reduces the life of the ski; as a result of swelling and warping, the shape of the skis changes significantly, making them difficult to use.

Mounts.

1 - bow mount (rubber); 2 - heel fastening (rubber); 3 - clamping bar (metal, plywood); 4 - screws; 5 - lamb.

The shape of the ski in terms of can be the most diverse. Usually the maximum width is located in the middle; the ski is slightly rounded towards the nose, and goes straight or narrows towards the rear end, which makes it easier to make turns.

Or other floating means providing translational motion.

Riding on the Volga

Water skis are single and double. Pairs include: curly and jumping. To single: figure and slalom (mono) ski. Figured skis are short, wide, slightly bent at both ends. Jumping - long, with a strongly curved nose. Slalom ski - long, with a curved toe and narrowed at the back. At first glance, water skiing is vaguely reminiscent of winter skiing. But water skis are wider, have a special geometry and are made of a special material. In addition, slalom skis have a keel on the backs (on the side that glides on the water).

In the early days of water skiing, skis were made from specially treated wood. Now, most water skis are made from foamed plastic - polyurethane foam, because it has a much lower weight and has better glide than wood. Although, at various recreation centers and at rental points, wooden water skis can still be found to this day.

Modern plastic skis have a special grooved base profile that makes them more stable than wood skis.

Today, this sport has become so spectacular and popular that in 1998 the Greek Olympic Committee recommended the introduction of water skiing in the Athens Olympics.

Story

Water skiing first appeared in 1922, when an American from Minnesota, Ralph Samuelson, experimenting with ordinary winter skis, decided to try them on the water. Two wide pine boards, he equipped with fasteners for the legs. After that, the inventor successfully tested skis on the waters of the lake in Lake City.

Not knowing about Samuelson's invention, in 1925 Fred Waller (USA) receives the first ever patent for a model of water skis he invented, also from pine - "Dolphin Akwa-Skees".

What do they look like?

Outwardly, water skiing is very similar to cross-country skiing. But they have several significant differences. Firstly, water skis are wider, since their main task is to stay afloat and keep a person. Secondly, their fastenings imply the fixation of a bare foot. That is, the athlete fixes such skis on the leg without the use of special boots.

Story

First inventor

The first skis appeared back in 1922. Enthusiast Ralph Samuelson, driven by his own curiosity, decided to experiment with conventional cross-country skis. Among other things, the innovator checked whether they can stay on the surface of the water.

In order to be able to ride on the water, Samuelson had to slightly increase the width of the boards and equip them with special mounts. After that, he arranged a test run on Lake Pepin. The run turned out to be very successful.

Second inventor

As is often the case with sports equipment, water skiing was reinvented in 1925. The innovator was a man named Fred Waller, who had never heard of Samuelson or his invention.

Waller was able to obtain a patent for and began producing it under the brand name Dolphin Akwa-Skees.

It is worth noting that both the first and second inventors made almost identical products from pine.

Third inventor

The history of the invention of the projectile does not end there. The product has another inventor. He made his name famous in 1928 by reinventing a twice-invented product. Don Ibsen also did not know either Samuelson or Waller.

IN THE USSR

The fashion for water skiing swept the United States pretty quickly. But she got to the USSR with difficulty. As a result, in the Union, skiing on water began only in the middle of the last century.

One of the most famous people who loved water skiing was Yuri Gagarin. He was the initiator of the creation of the water skiing federation in the USSR. This happened in 1964, and a year later the first water skiing championship was held in the Union.

After that, a lot of time passed. The sport is developing. There are new types of water ski disciplines and new types of shells.

Kinds

Some water skis vary in shape. The shape of the projectile depends on the specific discipline in which it is used. Depending on this, disciplinary types of products are distinguished.

Singles and doubles

There are types of disciplines in which the athlete rides on one ski, there are those in which the athlete stands on two boards. A single ski differs from a double ski in width.

There are paired skis, one of which has a loop for the second mount in advance. This means that the owner of such skis, if he wants to master skiing on a single projectile, will not have to buy a separate product.

Figured and jumping

If skis are used for figure disciplines, they will be short, wide, and they will have bends at both ends.

Jumping types of shells, like slalom ones, are made narrower and longer.

People who love extreme sports have long ceased to use wooden water skis. Now, for their manufacture, a special foamed plastic is used, which perfectly adheres to the water.

How to start riding?

From the outside, water skiing seems like an extremely simple task. However, the attitude towards this process changes when a person first stands on the projectile. Before you can learn to water ski well, the athlete will have to endure many falls. This is an occasion to think about equipment.

Equipment

There are no special requirements for ski equipment. However, for safety reasons, purchase a life jacket. It must be your size: do not press and do not fly off.

Ski selection

We do not know if you will buy skis or rent them. But we will tell you about what projectile you want to start with.

It would be better if you choose the classic pair of water skis. They are the easiest to start with, they are the most obedient and predictable.

Some shells are made specifically for beginners. They are slightly wider and more stable than their counterparts.

The fact that each product is marked depending on the weight of the athlete under which it was created. Choose your size.

If you choose skis for a child, do not forget that it is more difficult for a young athlete to keep his legs in such a position that they do not “spread”. There are junior shells that can be fastened together. Small athletes often need such a function.

Pick up a rope

The fact is that water skiing can not be used with any cable. This sport involves the presence of a low-elastic belt, the size of which will reach 22 and a half meters from one end to the other.

The cable that can be used with your projectile is usually marked accordingly.

Sign language

Learn at least a couple of words from the sign alphabet in order to be able to talk to the person sitting at the helm of the boat. This sport is quite dangerous, so it is important to be able to report any problems. Remember that your skating partner will not hear you because of the noise of the water and the hum of a running motor.

Thumbs up - please speed up.
Thumb down - please slow down.
The connected tips of the thumb and forefinger - everything is fine.
If you want to advise your partner which way to turn, draw a circle with your index finger. The circle should be drawn in the direction in which your interlocutor should turn the helm.

Flag

Another security measure is a signal flag. If the athlete is in the water but not skiing, he must raise the signal flag. Then other ships will see it.

Land training

Beginners should not immediately jump into the water. Any sport likes gradualness. Water skiing is no exception. First, learn how to stand properly on the sand. You need to learn the correct position of the body, in which you can effectively maintain balance:

Attach the tether to a stationary object that is approximately at the level of your hips.
Grab the rope handle.
Squat down so that your buttocks touch the ski boards.
Pull your knees as close to your chest as possible.
Have a helper pull the cable a little. Following him, stand in such a position as if you were sitting on a chair. Make sure that your arms are straight and that your knees do not "stick" from each other.

Choose a place and time

Now that the basic riding posture has been perfected, find a place that is ideal for water skiing.

A section of a reservoir with a calm surface and the absence of voluminous mooring buildings is ideal.

You must know the place well so as not to stumble upon shallow water or shallow hidden reefs.

We invite partners

Water skiing is a team sport. Choose two partners. One of them will control the boat, the other will follow you.

dress up

Before putting on your water skis, moisten them a little with water. Insert your foot firmly into the binding, then fasten it.

Don't forget to wear a vest. By the way, it is better not to use swimming trunks with ties, as they tend to untie while riding and deprive the body of the necessary wardrobe detail.

Let's start

It is believed that the easiest way to start is from a small pier. The athlete sits on it with boards put on his feet.

Squeeze the cable handle firmly with your hands. Do not forget that it is undesirable to bend your elbows. Make sure your palms are facing down.

If you are starting from the pier, give the go-ahead to the person driving the boat. It will start moving and you will slide down onto the water.

If you are starting from the water, dive with your buttocks touching the skis and bringing your knees to your chest. The vest will keep you afloat. When the boat starts moving, you will feel that the skis are on the water surface. Stay on your haunches. When the boat accelerates and you feel the balance, take the pose of a man sitting on a chair.

At the same time, try to work as if in opposition to the cable, tilting the torso back, and not tilting after the rope. Otherwise, you will fall.

When you feel confident that you are riding well, you can try to stand up.

We hope your introduction to water skiing goes smoothly and you fall in love with this sport for a long time.

If you have been riding for a long time, please write about your experience in the comments.

Spectacular pumping of the body - Health Portal

Alpine skiing terms (dictionary). Water skiing. History of development Skiing on water what is the name

The romance of water skiing

The history of the invention of water skiing

Russian water skiing

Choosing water skis

Variety of water skis

Boat and towing rope (halyard)

Story

see also

See what "Water skiing" is in other dictionaries:

Books

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