WHO

• Individuals who are unable to ski standing due to lower body weakness or impaired balance

• Disability types could include spinal cord injury, Cerebral Palsy, Multiple Sclerosis and lower limb amputation

• Individuals with cognitive impairments may benefit from seated skiing due to challenges with information processing, memory, attention, sensory overload, anxiety

 

EQUIPMENT

• Seated frames or bucket seats come in a range of sizes and bolt onto a ski

• Specialist waterskis are available, from wider stable skis to narrow slalom skis

• Adapted harnesses can be used in seated or standing to assist with weaker arm strength/ grip 

​

TECHNIQUE

• Support from instructors in the water provides stability 

• Instructors can be either sitting using wide seated boards or standing using jump skis

• Progressing to one instructor then solo skiing is encouraged whenever possible

​​

COMPETITION

• In competition, the seated category has 5 classification groups (MP1 - MP5)

• Classification is determined by sitting balance

• An inner course and outer course can be used by seated skiers in slalom

• Additional 'disabled only' tricks can be scored

• The jump ramp can be lowered to 1.25m (4ft)

​

WHO

• Individuals who have sufficient lower body strength to ski standing

• Disability types could include upper or lower limb amputation, Down Syndrome, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Hearing Impairments 

 

EQUIPMENT

• Standard waterski equipment is used

• There is the option of using a prosthesis

• Lower limb amputees may benefit from a wider ski, supportive bindings and a 'Deep V' handle, which helps keep the single ski centred

• Adapted harnesses can be used in seated or standing to assist with weaker arm strength/ grip  

​

TECHNIQUE

• Beginners can either be taught on the boom, with one instructor supporting them in the water, or by using The Edge Triple Bar (see below)

• Progress to a short line on the tower

• For individuals with a cognitive impairment - giving clear demos, simplifying instruction and allowing extra time is often beneficial

​​

COMPETITION

• In competition, the standing category has 6 arm and leg classification groups (A/L1, A/L2, A1, A2, L and LP)

• Classification is determined by which limbs are impaired or missing

​

WHO

• Individuals with a full or partial loss of vision

 

EQUIPMENT

• Standard waterski equipment is used alongside effective communication

• The skier and coach can communicate using a whistle or a helmet comms system

• There are standard internationally recognised sound signals for visually impaired skiers

​

TECHNIQUE

• Using The Edge Triple Bar with a strong instructor either side of the student provides stability..Once up & riding, the bar can be disconnected if the skier is stable & confident

• Progressing to one instructor and solo skiing is encouraged whenever possible

• The Boom is also an effective way to learn

​​

COMPETITION

• The vision impaired category has 3 classification groups (V1 - V3)

• Classification is determined by the severity of visual impairment

• An audio slalom course is used, the standard slalom buoys are often removed

• A signaller designated by the skier shall ride in the boat to give audible signals for trick passes 

• In the jumping event, the VI skier is guided by another skier

​

WHO

• Any individual with the potential to ride independently

 

EQUIPMENT

• Sit-wakeboard frames with bucket seats are the preference for many seated cable wakeboarders. However, a cage frame used for waterskiing (see above) is also suitable

• Standard wakeboards with a mounted footplate are used for seated riders

• Below-knee leg amputees can use a special waterproof prosthetic

• Adapted harnesses can be used in seated or standing wakeboarding to assist with weaker arm strength/ grip

​

TECHNIQUE 

• Seated riders face forward, so some technical references are different

• Support can be provided for the start (either on the dock or in the water)

• Seated riders are often not able to walk back to the start after falling - providing a rescue boat with platform is advantageous 

​​

COMPETITION

• A seated category is included in some cable wakeboard competitions

• The existing seated waterski classifications are starting to be used (MP1 - MP5)​​