Captain Bill Jenning’s Checklist: Participating in Tow Sports

By Captain Bill Jennings

When it comes to boating, there is a lot to remember. A checklist for proper boating activity procedures can be a lifesaver. Here is a “Power Boating” checklist to quickly and thoroughly perform boat-related tasks.                            

‘Tow Sports‘ have become extremely popular. Use this checklist when towing. 

(Tow Sports include – water skiing, wake boarding, wake surfing, and tubing)

Checklist for Before Towing:

• Consider weather and water conditions before setting up to tow. 
• Check the vessel for equipment, fuel level, and the tow line is correctly attached.
• Consider your crew and their level of experience.  
• Is the boat adequately set up for water sports towing?
• Is the driver experienced and qualified to drive the tow boat?   
• Review hand signals for the person(s) being towed. 

Hand Signals are as follows:

Hand across throat= Go home 

Thumbs up or down = Speed

Twirling finger = Turn around

Point = Direction

• Review the route you intend to follow with the person(s) being towed.
• Check person(s) to be pulled are wearing appropriate and approved vests.
• Launch the tow to match the skill levels of the person(s) being towed. 

Checklist for Towing:

• The driver looks forward and follows the agreed route but avoids traffic when needed.
• The observer faces rearward and does not take their eyes off the person being towed.
• The driver keeps one hand on the wheel (10:00 o’clock position) and one on the throttle and does not allow the line to slack. This is to prevent tow shock.
• The driver anticipates and compensates for the side-to-side pull on the boat and steers in gradual turns, and adjusts the throttle in small increments.
• The observer calls to the driver any required instructions, such as; “Skier Down”.
• While watching the RPM gauge and GPS speed, the driver signals any turns and intentions to deliver a constant pulling speed. 
• If a towed person falls, the observer continually points to that person and watches until the person(s) are safely out of the water.
• The driver and the observer pull the tow line aboard before returning to the dock.
• The driver should not make any tight turns when returning to the home dock.