Water Skiing in a Chair

Most of the water skiers you see out on the water are standing on their skis. Many of those you find in a sitting position are in the process of falling. However, some ski companies have created skiing chairs that allow people to sit while they ski. Both the novice and the expert can use this type of ski chair.

Purpose

Those who choose to ski while sitting in a chair do so for various reasons. Beginning skiers can benefit from using a ski chair while learning the skiing process. Skiing requires a good sense of balance, and skiers are prone t falls in the early stages of learning. Using a chair while learning how to ski skiing gives the skier greater stability. Those who already know how to ski can also use ski chairs to learn new stunts or just to relax every once in a while.

Disabilities

Some water ski chairs are designed to help people with disabilities enjoy the sport. In cases where the disabled person is paralyzed or more likely to fall, he may be flanked by skiers or people on jet skis who can help in an emergency. Being able to get out on the water can do serves as a morale booster and as physical therapy.

Design

The design of a chair made for water skiing varies depending on the company and the purpose of the chair. Some skiing chairs are designed more like a backless stool. Still other chairs have flat cushioned seats that allow the skier to sit close to the water and offer more comfort. Some chairs are mounted on a single ski, while others are mounted on two skis. They style you choose depends on your needs and your comfort level with each type.

Control

When a skier uses water skis in a typical manner, he controls the movements by shifting his weight from one side to the other. The skis move toward the side with the most weight. Chairs are usually mounted in such a way that they can move slightly back and forth. If you lean toward the right, the skis will cut to the right and the same for the left.

Ski Shows

Ski chairs for average use come in several forms, most of which do not resemble what most people think of when they hear the term "chair." Some ski shows around the country use specially designed ski chairs. In some cases, these chairs may be an average-appearing recliner mounted on skis and pulled behind a boat. While the use of these ski recliners is entertaining, it is important to remember that these chairs are also specially designed and you should not attempt to make your own ski recliner. Most recliners are too heavy and will sink.