20 minute read
Wakeboard Towing
SAFETY TIPS
• Wear a life jacket that fits correctly. • Use a designated spotter to alert the driver when a rider falls and to keep an eye out for other boats or objects in the water. Remember practice makes perfect.
Wakeboard
TOWING TIPS TOWING TIPS
By Courtney Angus and Andy Kancachian
Wakeboarding has become very popular on the Gold Coast. If you want to learn this watersport that many people are getting hooked on, read on and you will be out on the water in no time!
THE BASICS
Correct stance. Before you strap onto your wakeboard, you need to determine the correct stance. The best way to figure out if you are a regular (left) or a goofy (right) foot-forward is to think about how you would ride a scooter or skateboard. The foot you push with and the foot you put forward will be the same when setting up your feet on your wakeboard. The bindings should be set up the same way for beginners and pros. Very slightly angle your toes out evenly and set bindings the same distance from the nose and from the tail of the board. A narrow or wide stance depends on the rider’s preference. On-the-ground training is very important! Learning the right positions and techniques before getting in the water gives a beginner a huge advantage! Sit on the ground with your feet planted in front of you with your knees bent up to your chest. Have your partner stand in front of you with a rope and handle. Hold the handle with two hands, and straight arms. As your partner gently pulls you up, do not resist. Reach forward, and move your weight over your feet into a squat position (the frog position). Stand up slowly from the frog position, and move the handle down towards your leading hip. Turning. It is all about the weight distribution from your toes to your heels, coordinated with your handle position, similar to snowboarding and skateboarding. Put weight on your toes and pull the handle towards your “back pocket.” Then put weight on your heels, and slowly let the handle move away from your body. Never pull the handle towards your chest. It may cause you to over balance. Switching feet. Once you are pulled out of the water by the boat and you are successful at standing on your wakeboard, you must next master the switch from front to back foot. Squat down low to avoid a big crash. The taller you stand, the further you have to fall! Lift up your toes and move the handle from your front hip to your back hip in a semi-circle motion. Jumping the wake. Ultimately you want to be able to jump wake, so approach from as far away from the wake as possible. Keep your back at a right angle to the water. As you reach the wake, straighten up your body and push off the water. As you lift off, pull the handle towards your hips. Boat Driver. Essential for wakeboarding is having the correct boat setup. The tow rope between the boat and the rider must be taut, before you attempt to pull the rider out, by slowly idling the boat forward until the slack is taken up. The speed can then be slowly increased. When towing beginners, it is best to try and stay under 20mph (around 17 knots or 32kph). The driver must be aware of the right speed for the rider, based on the rider’s abilities and instructions. This can assist the rider to get more air over the wake. When driving, keep a constant speed and the boat steering in a straight line. To avoid rider fatigue keep the tows to 15-20mins and the driver should rest often to ensure they are always alert. When the rider falls, do not power turn so as to avoid creating large chop but rather slow down and turn smoothly.
EQUIPMENT
Rope. A sensible rope length for beginners is 65 feet. For intermediate riders, it is typically 65 to 75 feet. For advanced riders, it is 75 to 85 feet in length. Before you go out and buy a rope, note the importance of having a good quality, non-stretch rope specifically designed for wakeboarding. Board. When choosing the right board size, one of the biggest factors to consider is rider weight. Unlike the board you might use when snowboarding, wakeboarding will require your board to float sufficiently on top of the water. So it is important to use the specific sizing guidelines of each manufacturer, as the shapes and performance of the board vary. If you intend to share the board, then base your calculations on either the heaviest person to use the board, or the person who will use the board the most. Here are the average weight/height guidelines: <45kgs = <130cm, 40-70kgs = 130-134cm, 60-80kgs = 135-139cm, 75-115kgs = 140-144cm 90-125+kgs = >144cm.
Boat. There are many boat brands specifically designed for wakeboarding. These models include tanks below the floor that can be filled with water to weigh the boat down, so as to increase the wake for the rider. However, you can use any boat for wakeboarding and either weigh the boat down by positioning passengers at the rear of the boat or purchase some modular watertight ballasts. Be sure that the boat is weighed down evenly to ensure even height wake. And remember that beginners do not need too large a wake to practise jumping. Video recorder. A video camera, GoPro or phone camera is a great way to record the ride. It will show the rider what they look like out on the water and what they might be doing wrong. They can also get a kick out of watching the replays years from now and laughing at how bad they were when they were starting out.
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JET SKI & BOAT DOCKING FLOATING-DOCKS
Floating-Docks are the Australian distributor for Wave Armor jet ski and boat docking systems. They provide budget modular systems also, and carry a range of accessories for all systems, including mounting arms and brackets. Wave Armor, from the USA, are the leaders in small docking systems. From the beginning, the Wave Armor goal was to fully utilise decades of experience to develop a range of products that are not only innovative, durable, and functional, but also showcase a superior design element which sets a new standard in the floating dock industry. While most floating dock systems on the market today are functional, at best, Wave Armor floating docks set the pace. Being equipped with a fully adjustable roller system, they make docking and launching simple, and are virtually unsinkable. So there is no need to worry, as you can drive on/roll off without damaging your jet ski or boat. Wave Armor stand behind their products and these docks have an 8-year warranty (conditions apply). Floating-Docks stock the Wave Port SLX series of jet ski and small tinny systems. These Wave Armor products are 100% rotomoulded and tough, for extreme performance and durability. SLXs are the easiest drive on/roll off smaller ports on the market, and are designed with the jet ski enthusiast in mind. All Wave Armor systems include features that exceed industry standards, are maintenance-free, and have full UV protection. The Wave Port SLX series features the SLX5 which is 1.5 m (5 feet) wide and 3.8 m long. These docks weigh 130 kg, have a floatation (or weight capacity) of nearly 700 kg (1500 lb) and have 12 inline rollers. Also in stock is the larger Wave Port SLX6 which is easily their best-selling dock. At 1.8 m wide and 3.8 m long, the SLX6 weighs 146 kg with a floatation of 907 kg (2000 lb). The extra width is designed to allow a safer and more stable environment for fueling and maintenance. The Wave Armor Evolution systems are the next step in docking systems. This series has the easiest and largest drive on/roll off for the larger PWC ports on the market. They are rotomoulded, foam-filled, and packed with features like soft polyurethane overlaid nylon wheels that can be moved and adjusted to fit your jet ski or boat, with a soft rubber bow stop, and a stainless steel chain for quick-clip tie-down. The EVO6 is the largest system in the EVO range, designed for the new monster jet skis and small boats. The EVO6 is 1.83 m wide, 4.4 m long and has a floatation of nearly 1000 kg. New for 2021, Floating-Docks offers the Wave Armor EVO7 G20 boat dock. Created for boats from 680 kg up to 1.6 tonnes, the dock is 6.1 m long, 2.13 m wide, and has super-soft moveable rollers with a front guide roller. Built in two sections, it comes with aluminium attachment pins and stainless steel hardware. It’s 100% filled with marine grade EPS foam, and has a rotomoulded shell, ideal for jet boats, or most boats up to 6.5 m. If you have something larger you need to dock, then take a look at the SLX10 Extreme X24 boat dock, which is 7.3 m long, 3 m wide, and boasts a huge 3.6 tonnes floatation. This model comes with side oscillating rollers. It is built in three sections, and has no mechanical parts to worry about. Floating-Docks has agents on the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast, and has distributors in NSW, SA, and Cairns. There are permanent displays on the Gold Coast and in Victoria. For more information on these, or any other system, please call Mike on 1300 084 047 Want to distribute our products? Give Mike a call.
Ultrasonic Cleanahull
THE FUTURE OF ANTIFOULING GUARANTEED
Ultrasonic Antifouling Systems, Australian-made by CleanAHull™ are ideal for the protection of your hull from marine fouling and can drastically improve your vessel performance and save money. With a clean hull your vessel will maintain performance and manoeuvrability while being more economical with improved fuel efficiency and reduced passage times. When a hull or running gear is fouled, it can take 30%+ more fuel to push through the water while also taking longer to arrive! The CleanAHull™ ultrasonic transducers are installed in strategic locations throughout the inside of your boat's hull to provide the best transference of ultrasonic energy into the hull. This energy is then dissipated out into the water close to the hull at a 180° arc providing bio fouling protection. Ultrasonic transference is best through solid objects that the transducers are directly attached to, and there will be some attenuation (loss of signal) when ultrasound attempts to transfer to acoustically isolated items (stern drives, IPS drives, shafts, rudders, etc). CleanAHull™ ultrasonic transducers can be installed directly onto isolated items such as rudders (tiller/ shaft), IPS drives, stern drives (transom shield), thrusters, etc for ultimate targeted protection of these devices. The main factor in determining the correct system and number of transducers required for protection is the hull waterline length (LWL). As the vessel hull size increases so too does the surface area in contact with the water and in turn the area requiring ultrasonic protection. During installation there is no through-hull drilling required. Our systems can be installed without removing the vessel from the water. ULTRASONIC ANTIFOULING SOLUTION – EXPLAINED The advanced ultrasonic antifouling system destroys algae and prevents barnacle growth using advanced specifically-tuned ultrasonic frequencies. These blasts of high frequency ultrasonics prevent barnacles and algae from growing in the first place. By keeping your hull cleaner for longer you are able to extend the intervals between re-antifouling of your vessels hull by up to 3 times. BUT HOW DOES ULTRASONIC ANTIFOULING WORK? Ultrasonic antifouling has been used in industry for many years and has only, in the last decade, been adapted for use with marine vessels. The digital transducer control module sends a refined program of short ultrasonic wave burst signals to the ultrasonic transducers mounted onto your hull, generating acoustic sonication that is inaudible to humans. The ultrasonic sound waves emitted through your hull generate a barrier at a microscopic level of moving water molecules throughout the submerged hull, which destroys algae and prevents barnacles. DOES IT USE MUCH POWER? The system is designed to operate on as little power as necessary to provide ultimate protection. A special highly-efficient digital control system generates a specific range of frequencies, and by controlling the longevity (duty cycle) of the bursts and refining them through automatic calibration we can maximise the 50W peaks while keeping the actual average current drain down to as low as 200mAH at 12VDC(2.4W) per transducer. For further information or to organise a detailed quotation contact sales@cleanahull.com Ph: 0416 754 030
1 HOUR
PADDLEBOARD HIRE
WATERSPORTS WATERSPORTS CENTRE CENTRE OXENFORD LAKE OXENFORD LAKE
Limit ONE voucher per person
Discount CODE boatgc1
Valid till 31/10/2021 Additional hours can be purchased $10pp/ph Cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer
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MINI DINGHY KEEPS THINGS DRY
RuckRaft® is a U-shaped rib boat designed for stability and buoyancy, ideal for Queensland boaters who want to get equipment to shore dry, and watersports enthusiasts such as cross country swimmers. It's a simple two-piece kit to transform any rucksack into a raft to tow across water, such as rivers, lakes or oceans. RuckRaft® is a waterproof and fully inflatable raft that comes with a giant 70L bright orange drybag, into which you can pour everything: your backpack, walking shoes, picnic, tent and as many layers of clothes as you need for onshore activities or for a week-long swimming adventure. Straps and clips hold in place the arms of the RuckRaft®, creating a space for your equipment. A guide strap connects to your waist or wrist, so that the raft can be easily towed behind you as you swim. RuckRaft® was shortlisted for the The Great Outdoors Gear of the Year Awards in 2020, Innovation Award, recognising new breakthrough in outdoor gear that makes a real difference. Distributed in Queensland by Training For Trips. To order contact: aaron@trainingfortrips.com or call Ph: 0477 891 259.
AWARD WINNING MARINE TRIMMER
CREATES PRACTICAL & LONG LASTING SOLUTIONS
Servicing the Gold Coast with over 20 years experience, Kustom Canvas & Vinyl can customdesign for your specific needs that offer protection and personalised style. They use high-quality products to create the perfect protection for your boat to last in the harsh Australian sun. Whether you have a superyacht or a small trailer boat, you are guaranteed to receive the right advice from the very first word.
Business owner, Miklosh, is a third generation trimmer, experienced in marine and automotive trimming and fabrication. He is truly passionate about his trade, with trimming skills running in the family. He is one of nine motor trimmers in his family, taking after his grandfather whose passion has definitely rubbed off on him. Miklosh achieves the best results through astute problem-solving, and is dedicated to meticulously managing all aspects of production and installation.
One of Miklosh’s recent goals was to receive recognition for his work, and he did it! He won the Australian Specialised Textiles - Australian Textile Fabrication Industry Awards - 2019 Young Achiever, a great achievement in a highly competitive field of talented Australian trades people. such as marine clears and coverings, boat and trailer covers, automotive and marine upholstery, repair and restitch work, shade sails, and caravan annexes. They pride themselves on delivering the highest quality products and services at competitive prices, all in a timely manner. By using top suppliers and superior materials, they will deliver long-lasting additions to your boat, vehicle, home and business.
MARINE CLEARS - Make the most of your prized possession with first-class marine clears and enclosures. Made to measure in the Gold Coast factory or work carried out onsite or on the water, the clears will be fitted and installed by Kustom Canvas & Vinyl with the highest standard glass-like appearance. Enjoy uninterrupted views with improved visibility all year round with confidence. The clears will stand up to the elements for years to come. Talk to Miklosh about additional midge screens made of mesh that also help cool the boat by creating shade and allowing airflow.
MARINE UPHOLSTERY - Comfortable, elegant and memorable, upholstery by Kustom Canvas & Vinyl is made to measure and custom fitted for helm chairs, lounges and bedding. All work uses the best materials and craftsmanship that is guaranteed to improve your boat's aesthetics. With a flair for design, Miklosh has an eye for detail that ensures your boat and vehicles will look ship-shape in no time. They also offer repair services.
BOAT COVERS - No matter what shape and size, Kustom Canvas & Vinyl create versatile custom covers for your boats to ensure that they fit perfectly, drain well and entirely protect your vessel – bimini, cockpits, camping or all-over covers. All covers offer protection against dust, saltspray, dirt and UV fading, and are made from 100% high-tech polyester marine fabric.
4X4 CANOPIES - Custom designed canopies for your utes and 4x4 vehicles, from tray covers to canopy sides, are all designed to be removed quickly and stored flat. The canopies offer great protection from the weather that can feature framework, PVC clear windows, fly screens, vents, and awning zips. All canopies use commercial grade fabrics and ePTFE sewing threads.
From Polish builder, Parker Boats, comes the versatile, convertible 8.5-metre (28-foot) Parker 850 Voyager – plenty of boat for your buck.
It’s a very versatile package, whether you’re keen to ski, fish, relax, party, or head out on the water for a weekend or longer.
This compact cruiser features an array of convertible spaces for entertaining, water sports and weekends away. It boasts full-beam living and entertaining space, with a focus on maximising all the usable deck area.
The Parker 850 Voyager is the perfect daycruiser for up to 10 guests, or a great weekender for six. The cockpit is spacious and has flexible seating arrangements with seats that swivel, depending on your preference, and sunpads on the bow for your choice of spaces to recline and take in the views.
Inside, there’s a proper galley including stovetop and pantry which is ideal for longer trips, and a V-berth and full-beam berth behind the stairs for accommodation for up to six guests, as well as separate bathroom with toilet and shower, loads of storage and natural light from windows and hatches.
While the 850 Voyager is built for relaxation, the stepped hull is matched with a 400HP V8 engine, capable of pushing it to more than 50 knots with a satisfying throaty sound. This neat sport boat benefits from a bow thruster, which makes it run flat and smooth, even on the plane, and provides good vision from every vantage point.
The 850 Voyager offers all the advantages of outboard engines over sterndrives, given the low service and maintenance costs, excellent fuel economy, environmental benefits, comfort and operational reliability.
Represented locally by Nautilus Australia, Parker boats have been
manufactured in Poland since the 1970s and are renowned for their constant innovation, superb build quality and outstanding sea keeping abilities. The team at Nautilus Australia are life-long boaties with an eye for quality and value for money.
“We chose the Polish-made Parker brand of fibreglass boats from 6 to 11 metres for their reputation, offshore rating in many models, and the array of features each model offers at a very competitive price,” said Dmitriy Dubs, coDirector of Nautilus Australia.
“That means more people can get on the water and enjoy the peace and health benefits boating brings to families, all year round in Australia.”
Made using Twin Step Infusion technology (TSI), the Parker hull differentiates Parker boats from the competition. This innovative technology involves vacuum infusion during moulding, vinyl ester, sandwich cores and multiaxial reinforcement to save weight, increase stiffness and improve comfort.
The hull features two steps to reduce friction, planing threshold and consumption, and also to enhance acceleration and increase top speeds by as much as 15 percent. In Europe, the Parker range is the choice of water police and marine biologists undertaking research expeditions.
“They are known as ‘big small boats’ because of their spacious cockpits, clever convertible seating and myriad features that make them the perfect boat for a day, or a weekend on the water,” said Dmitriy.
The Parker 850 Voyager starts at $200,000 with a host of inclusions, and huge list of options for owners to customise their vessel.
nautilusaustralia.com.au sales@nautilusaustralia.com.au Ph: 0414 252 254
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A family-owned business operating on the Gold Coast for over 30 years. Open 7 days. 8:00am till 5:00pm, PULP, ULP, Diesel and Oils. Snacks, Ice, Bait and Tackle. PH: 5577 2966 marinafuels.business.site 27°53.936'S 153°24.190'E
SANCTUARY COVE MARINA - SANCTUARY COVE
· 24/7 Premium (PULP) & Diesel fuels for tinnies to superyachts · 24/7 Bait & free day-visitor berths · Dock shop open 9am–4pm daily · Marine Village with restaurants, cafes, retail and services · Full marina amenities & security
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HORIZON SHORES MARINA - WOONGOOLBA
Horizon Shores · Gas & Water · ULP, Premium & Diesel · Bait, Ice, Chandlery · Licensed Café · Open 7 days, 7.30am - 5pm PH: 5546 2300 horizonshores.com.au 27°45.133'S 153°20.856'E
SOUTHPORT YACHT CLUB - MAIN BEACH
OPEN 24 HOURS Diesel, Premium and Unleaded fuel is available 7 days a week. Ropes and fendering fitted to the wharf. Boats up to superyachts. PH: 5591 3500 southportyachtclub.com.au 27°58.431'S 153°25.554'E
