ARVIN, Calif. (KERO) – Racers at the Goode Water Ski Nationals say the boats’ GPS and speed control systems allow them to provide similar rides to each competitor.

• The video shows how advances in speedboats benefited athletes at the 82nd Goode Water Ski National Championships.
• Officials say the driver’s ability to maneuver the boat has a direct impact on the water skier’s performance on the water.
• Equipping the boats with GPS and speed control systems will reduce the pressure on drivers, officials say.

TRANSCRIPT OF THE MISSION:

Since the Goode Water Ski Nationals were last held in Arvin, athletes have told me that the biggest advancement has been in technology. They say the GPS systems in the boats allow for better performance.

“Riders can’t have a bad day,” said Doug Robbins, chairman of USA Water Ski and Wake Sports and now appointed driver. “You can’t have a bad pass and you can’t have a bad one, because if it happens, it can lead to a re-run for the skier and that can be bad.”

Robbins added that the driver’s ability to control the boat has a direct impact on the competitor’s performance on the water.

Because competitors only have one chance to prove their skills, Robbins says technological advances in the boats allow them to offer similar rides to all skiers, such as returning slalom winner Tina Grossi.

“We have GPS that controls all the boats. We have another system that controls the path of the boat and watches it to make sure the riders are exactly in the middle when they are pulling slalom riders,” Grossi explained.

As a result, Robbins says these systems help reduce driver stress.

“It’s worth it for the skiers and most of the skiers who are here have been skiers themselves and appreciate the good skiing,” Robbins said.

The Nationals end on Saturday and skiing begins at 8 a.m.

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