rules to play knee boarding

Before heading out to go water skiing, wake boarding or inner tubing, the boat operator, skier, and observer need to learn safe boating skills. Know the boating laws, the fundamentals of the sport, how to use your equipment, and how to work as a team. Following are tips for making sure your day on the water is safe and enjoyable.Note In this pamphlet, whether the tow sport under discussion is water skiing, wake boarding, knee boarding or tubing, the term skier is used to refer to the person being towed.

California law provides that any person being towed behind a vessel must wear a Type I, II, III, or V U.S. Coast Guard approved life jacket. Exceptions the law does not apply to performers engaged in professional exhibitions, official regattas, marine parades, or tournaments. Any person engaged in slalom skiing on a marked course, or barefoot, jump or trick water skiing, may instead wear a wetsuit designed for the activity and labeled by the manufacturer as a water ski wetsuit. However, for each skier who elects to wear a wetsuit, a Type I, II, III, or V life jacket must also be carried on board. Note Inflatable personal flotation devices are not approved for use while water skiing, wake boarding, knee boarding or being towed in an inner tube.

The maximum speed for boats is 5 MPH within 100 ft. of a swimmer, and within 200 ft. of a bathing beach frequented by swimmers, a swimming float, a diving platform or life line, or a passenger landing in use. In addition, there may be local speed ordinances where you go boating. Boats towing skiers must follow all speed limits.

No person under the age of 16 may operate a motorboat of more than 15 horsepower. Exception the law allows persons 12 15 years old to operate a motorboat of more than 15 HP if supervised by a person on board who is at least 18 years of age.

California law requires there to be at least two persons aboard a boat towing a skier the operator, and an observer 12 years of age or older.

Participating in any towing sport is prohibited during the hours from sunset and sunrise.

It is illegal to operate or manipulate any vessel, towline, or other device for controlling the water ski, wake board, knee board or similar equipment so as to cause that equipment or the person on it to collide with an object or person. Towing sports equipment should never be used or operated in a manner so as to endanger the safety of persons or property. Passing the towline over another vessel or skier, or navigating between a vessel and its tow is also prohibited by law.

Under California law, the display of a ski flag is mandatory to indicate a skier in the water, or a ski, a line, or similar equipment in the immediate area. The display of the ski flag does not in itself restrict the use of the water, but warns boaters operating in the area to exercise caution. Boaters who see a red or orange flag being displayed should be on the lookout for a skier or equipment in the water.

The use of alcohol plays a significant role in boating accidents and fatalities. It is unlawful to participate in towing sports or to operate a boat under while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Local laws may also restrict towing sports at certain times during the day and in certain areas. There may also be local speed restrictions. Know the local rules where you go boating, and find out in advance about any local hazards.