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Risto
The Rope and Handle
Don't ski with a frayed rope. Check the section loops for frays and the rope for knots. The punishment your body will suffer when you go down hard from a broken rope isn't worth the cost of a $40 training item, especially the falls that occur when the rope breaks before the first wake and your ribs take the hit. Ouch! Ditto for the handle.
The Coursework
Maintain the slalom course. Keep up with the water fluctuation of your lake. If your lake is going through a drought, you're at serious risk of injury if the turn balls are too high. Make sure the water level comes up to at least one-half the height of the turn ball.
Hands
What condition are your hands in? Strong hands are pertinent to your skiing success. Don't let your calluses swell to mammoth proportions, because they will tear. If you file your calluses with a pumice stone or some kind of skin file, you'll avoid a lot of unwanted pain.
The Ski
Check the ski for cracks, bubbles or possible delamination. If a crack or bubble on your ski draws your attention, then consult with your local water-ski pro shop or the water-ski manufacturer on what steps to take. While you're at it, take a look at your bindings. Is the rubber holding up? If it's questionable, even to the slightest degree, replace the piece that is torn or wearing thin with a new wrap. Check the ski for loose screws in the binding, fin mount, and wing. Make sure they're all tight.
