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WATERSKI MagazineJust what is pushing Les Todd's palm off the throttle? It's speed control, a system that takes speed-holding out of the driver's hands – literally. It all started in 1995, when the International Water Ski Federation (IWSF) strongly endorsed speed control to “reduce the human element of drivers and deliver the same consistent speed and pull to all competitors.” By setting this higher standard of fairness, IWSF makes a critical step forward in the lobbying efforts to have water skiing fully instated as an Olympic sport. (It may be, as IWSF president Andres Botero claims to have an agreement with Rome in 2004. If Rome gets the Games, water skiing is in). The IWSF has gone one step further by fully supporting the use of speed control in 1997 Cafi de Colombia World Cup events.
Two manufacturers have risen to the challenge. Accuski is currently used on the World Cup, while PerfectPass is the choice of the 1997 World Championships. Both have undergone hours of testing by AWSA and PASS (Professional Association of Slalom Skiers) to ensure that the operation, safety and skiability of these systems meet the standards of an AWSA senior-rated driver. How do they match up to a driver? I see two main benefits.
Benefit 1: A smooth, consistent pull every pass. Slalom course skiers demand it from their drivers, and speed control delivers by eliminating the variable of driver error and the associated worry about bad times. This allows you to be more focused and ski better in practice and tournaments, and consistency breeds confidence. Additionally, it makes for tournament and practice pulls that are identical.
PerfectPass and Accuski have taken slightly different approaches to the inner workings of their systems, but have arrived at very similar results in terms of pull consistency. PerfectPass uses a complex combination of rpm input, speed measurement (via the pitot tubes), segment timing and advanced anti-reride software to control the boat's speed. Accuski's computer senses engine rpm only and has no pitot tube input. This is because lakes with weeds can cause speedometers to clog, and pressure speedometers lag significantly. Accuski's Guy Haggard believes that if tied to a computer, the result is gassing opposite to the skier's pull. (PerfectPass released an rpm-only design in March.)
The skiers testing the systems say the pull of both the Accuski and PerfectPass rpm-only systems is similar to that of the world's best drivers. Says hard-pulling Mike Kjellander, “Accuski feels like Rocky [world record driver Rocky Pasqua] and PerfectPass feels like Les [Todd].” That in itself is testament to the fact that both systems have attempted to give consistent pulls without being, in effect, “too mechanical.”
Benefit 2: It can turn bad drivers into good drivers. Recently, I was skiing on a lake in Brazil that had a very short setup – a challenge for even great drivers. After installing a system (an Accuski) and spending about 30 minutes teaching the lake owner's wife (who couldn't hold speed or keep the boat between the boat guides) how to operate the system, I was running 38 off with her behind the wheel.
Many skiers are in similar positions. Drivers are either unwilling, not very good or both. The solution may be as easy as speed control. As my Brazilian friend said jokingly, “This thing may have saved our marriage.”
Installation is easy. Both systems take about an afternoon (two to three hours) to install. If you're like I am and know nothing about engines, be prepared to spend a while longer. The good news is that both companies do a great job of helping out by answering questions, via phone or e-mail. Do you need a new boat to successfully adapt the system? No. Both companies have modified systems to set up older models.
The final question – or maybe your first – is do you need one right now? If you are a pro or high-level amateur slalom course skier, you are crazy not to train with one. If the present push to get speed control entrenched in the competitive arena is any indication, you will ski with one in the future. Why not give yourself every advantage?
On a lower level (beginning slalom course and recreational skiing), if poor driving or speed holding is a major problem, then speed control can help. It eliminates one variable from the driving process, allowing drivers to instead concentrate on holding consistent boat paths. Plus, I'd recommend it for aspiring skiers who want to ski in tournaments in the future – speed control will be there. Most recreational skiers, however, aren't putting thousands of pounds of pressure on the rope and sliding the boat around or holding it back.
Yet considering the fair cost, relative to the thousands you have invested in a boat and all your gear, the peace of mind and improved skiing conditions speed control brings to the table, this is something at which you should take a long, hard look. – Ben Favret
