How to Dock the Aqua Buddy

The Aqua Buddy is a 6-lb. inflatable flotation device that helps waterskiers and wakeboarders to get up on their feet from a slightly elevated sitting position instead of from deep in the water. Waterskiers sit on the Aqua Buddy wearing their skis, and as the boat pulls them away, the Aqua Buddy remains behind. Learn to dock the Aqua Buddy for easy starts and finishes to your days at the lake.

Things You'll Need

  • Tow rope
  • Ski boat
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Before using the Aqua Buddy each time, check the tow rope for wear and tear. Sharp edges, cuts, frays and knots may lead to breaks while the Aqua Buddy is in use, and a compromised rope can also cause damage to the Aqua Buddy itself and to people trying to maneuver it. If you find that the rope is damaged, discard it and attach a new rope to the Aqua Buddy. Tow ropes should be 50 to 65 feet long.

    • 2

      Pull the Aqua Buddy onto the back of the boat to transport it out to the water where you will be skiing. The Aqua Buddy should not be used close to docks unless you are just holding it there while you're out skiing without it. Secure the Aqua Buddy to the boat with a rope while transporting it out to your skiing destination.

    • 3

      Transport the Aqua Buddy back to the dock in the same manner. Do not allow anyone to sit in the Aqua Buddy and be pulled by the boat. It isn't designed for towing passengers. Always transport it on the back of the boat. Have a passenger get out of the boat when you get to the boat boundary and swim with the Aqua Buddy to the dock.

    • 4

      Loop a 12-foot docking rope through one of the handles next to the seat on the Aqua Buddy and secure the rope with a buntline hitch knot. To make this knot, pass the end of the rope through the handle and then back up across the standing part. Make a turn around the standing line to form a loop with the Aqua Buddy's handle at the base of the loop. Bring the rope's free end across the tops of both parts of the loop. Turn the rope around the standing part of the loop and then pull the knot down tight against the handle.

    • 5

      Secure the free end of the docking rope around the dock's piling hoop or cleats. In most cases, you do not need to knot this end of the rope as long as you wrap it around the cleats thoroughly.