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View Full Version : Swim platform start/stop dangerous?

Tyger
06-30-2008, 12:47 PM
While learning how to wakesurf, I read numerous places that you should never start or stop on the swim platform.

For a few weeks now I've been riding up to the swim platform and stepping off, catching my board in the process. I saw a video yesterday of a guy starting from the swim platform without a rope!

Is this really dangerous, or is this just one of those boilerplate 'we told you so' kind of things?
Ed G
06-30-2008, 01:40 PM
Lets just say...

that since we are allowed to post and share things on a BB owned by Skiers Choice, and that Skiers Choice is all about safely enjoying the boating lifestyle,

It is strongly recommended that you do not start and stop from the swim platform.

personnaly I would never start from the swim platform nor would I allow anyone on my boat to do it.
taft
07-15-2008, 06:00 PM
I start and stop from my platform. My brother and I taught ourselves how to surf a couple of weeks ago and going from the platform felt the easiest after learning both ways. At this point I don't even need a rope, just drop back and you catch the wave. I never put much thought into the risks of this method, but does anyone know of any incidents involving this start/stop specifically? I can see stopping as a problem if the boat slowed down before you were on the platform, but I dont know how starting would be a problem. If exhaust emissions is why this could be risky, that can be solved with the FAE system. As for the prop, you would have to overcome the 800 or so pounds of force from the water pushing against you to hit it.

Why do you strongly recommend we don't start/stop this way Ed? No disrespect intended, I'm new to wakesurfing and would love to know the risks associated with my current techniques.

So far the only thing I've worried about is getting hit in the head with the board.
deafgoose
07-15-2008, 06:10 PM
Starting from the platform is more work and slower.

When you fall dowm you gotta get back up out of the water and set yourself up again. Why not just stay in the water and do a quick start?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2vBMbuulFUI
taft
07-15-2008, 06:15 PM
Starting from the platform is more work and slower.

When you fall dowm you gotta get back up out of the water and set yourself up again. Why not just stay in the water and do a quick start?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2vBMbuulFUI

How else could you, fresh off the job, roll up your suit pants and start/stop dry? :D
deafgoose
07-15-2008, 06:36 PM
My board has a fin on the front. I would imagine my board would scratch the swim platform.
taft
07-15-2008, 06:59 PM
I don't have a front fin, so no risks there.
Ed G
07-15-2008, 07:34 PM
Taft, to be perfectly honest with you, I have no evidence at hand of anyone ever getting hurt surfing on or off the platform.

When I state folks shouldn't do it, I'm just respecting Skiers Choice web space and voicing their concern that their consumers could possibly get hurt while using one of their products.

Personnaly, I would be afraid of the rare fall that somehow caused one to get a limb under that platform while the prop is spinning.

Have at it man, and be safe.