Rope-swing Waterskiing

Next time you go down to the old swimming hole, take along your waterski(s). Climb up to the rope swing, strap on your ski(s), and swing down. Turn loose at the bottom of the arc, closest to the water. If you do it right, you'll go skiing out across the surface of the water, just as if you'd just dropped the tow-rope behind a ski boat and are coasting to a stop. You won't get far, but you could go to the Oympics.

The Olympic version of rope-swing waterskiing will take place next to the high-diving venue at the swimming pool. The rope will be fastened to the roof of the stadium, the take-off platform will be above the top row of the seats. Competitors will swing down to the surface of the water, release, and ski down the pool in the lanes normally used by swimmers.

The swinging ropes will be in two styles. A single rope with a T-handle will be used for certain classes of artistic swinging, while a trapeze bar with two ropes will be used for other artistic-swing classes. Distance skiers can use either rope style.

Distance skiers will be measured to the point where the belt buckle of their outfit enters the plane of the water's surface. Artistic skiers will be judged for style, grace and originality. Artistic skiers and artistic swingers must ski a minimum distance for their attempt to qualify for judging.

Points will be deducted for slipping off the handle and falling into the stands.