Cutting Edge

Youth Training for Water Skiing, Wakeboarding and Kneeboarding

Cutting edge is the new BWS Youth Coaching and Development Scheme being used by clubs throughout the UK.

Most Clubs using this scheme are based on lakes with only one boat running at a time, a dock to start at and an allocated time slot.  RSWSC doesn’t function in the same way and the Kidzone days have been unique in the fact that they have been adapted from the previous Kidzone guidelines and adapted to our own needs.

To keep in line with the changes at BWS we will be changing the name of the session to Youth Waterski Coaching or (Cutting Edge) but will not be changing the format as it has proved to be successful and has reached the point where all concerned know the routine and the event can run as smoothly as weather, the number of boats and volunteers allow. For 2009 the donation per skier will remain the same; at £7.50.

The KIdzone certificates, in past years, tailor made to every child taking part will be replaced by certificates in line with the Cutting Edge requirements so that they can be updated at other venues privately.

However, many of the children taking part achieve success, but at a lower level. To cover this, the Club has devised its own ‘Starter Level’ certificates which lead to the Cutting Edge Bronze Certificate. (These certificates are exclusive to RSWSC and have been approved by British Waterski).

Once Bronze Level is achieved, our Youth Coaching will allow progress to Silver Level. The next step would be Gold level which requires more time and facilities than we are able to provide during the Youth Coaching sessions. These could be achieved by private visits to a ski lake or in certain circumstances arranged with Ski Club Coach or instructors.

Should you wish to find out more about Bronze, Silver and Gold levels information can be found under ‘Cutting Edge’ on the British Water Ski website. ‘O’ level Waterskiing ( and ‘A’ level proposed for the future)  is now an available option and the syllabus is based around the Cutting Edge scheme !!

Each member participant, when they first attend a Youth Waterski Coaching (Cutting Edge) session at the Club, will be given a folder for their certificates at no extra cost. At the end of the session their achievements will be ticked, dated and signed and the folder made available for collection. At further sessions, the folder will need to be handed in on registration and will be returned when updated. If the folder is lost, then a replacement will have to be paid for, if a certificate is required. Certificates will only be given to or updated for those with folders. 

Youth Waterski Coaching ( Cutting Edge) is a fun event organised by the Waterski Committee to teach or improve member’s childrens’ waterski, kneeboard or wakeboard skills. The full list of activities offered at these sessions are set out below. ( Although great fun –towed  inflatables are not offered on these Youth Training days)

Ski Skimmer (for the younger Children)
Kneeboard
Mono
Pairs
Wakeboard

We aim for everyone to achieve success, whatever activities they choose. If the child has been skiing before we encourage them to progress to the next stage e.g. pairs to mono.

Youth Waterski Coaching  FAQs

How old do I have to be?
Provided your parents agree, there is no lower age limit but you must be under 16.

What can I choose to try?
Usually you will have one go on skis, either pairs or mono then try the wakeboard or kneeboard - it's your choice! ( If you want two goes on one discipline that’s fine!)

What do I wear?
You will need a wet suit and a lifejacket (buoyancy aid) that fits. A fleece is handy to put on between skis if it is cold.

How long will we be round at the beach?
About two to three hours .

Who will be teaching me?
The Club coach, qualified instructors and experienced Club skiers.

How do I know when it is my turn?
You will be given two coloured 'tickets'. When a boat is free, it's your turn. (There may be boats allocated to different disciplines to start with – just look for the coloured cards) Don’t be shy to speak up if a boat is free and you haven’t had your turn!

Do I need to be a good swimmer?
It is best if you can swim and are confident in water, but you will be wearing a buoyancy aid and the boat will be nearby.

Do parents have to come along?
Yes, a responsible adult must be on the beach and if you are under 8, that person must be named. A lift around to the ski beach will be provided but a life jacket will be needed to ride on Ski Patrol.

How do I ask the driver to go slower or faster?
You will use signals which you will be shown before starting.

Will I get anything to show for my efforts?
Yes, certificates at Starter Level for skis, wakeboard, kneeboard or ski skimmer will be issued with achievements ticked dated and signed.

 A general Bronze certificate in line with the BWS Cutting Edge  will be given to those ready to go on to Silver Level for water ski, wakeboard and kneeboard.

BWS Cutting Edge Silver Level certificates can be issued and achievements ticked dated and signed.

Folders will be issued after the first session of the new Cutting Edge ( 2009) and will need to be presented at registration at subsequent sessions in order to be updated.

If these are lost and a replacement is needed, they will be available for a small fee.  

What happens on the Day of Youth Waterski Coaching

( Cutting Edge)

1. Come along to the signing in at the time on the notice board and put down the names and ages of all children wishing to take part.

2. Select the two activities you would like to do and hand in your Cutting Edge folder ( If you have one – first timers to Cutting Edge will be given theirs after the session)

3. Let us know of any relevant medical condition and a named adult must be responsible for any child under eight.

4. Payment of £7.50 per child must be made to the Office or at registration.

5. At the time and day of the Youth Waterski Coaching, come to the Clubhouse with a well fitting buoyancy aid.

6. Get your lift round to the ski beach, skiers and watchers – remember life jackets.

7. Two coloured cards will be given to each participant, one of which must be given to the boat driver when you have your turn.

8. Look for the boat which matches your ticket and watch for when the driver or crew is calling for people to take out for their turn. If there is a boat free, make sure the driver knows you are waiting for your turn – they may be able to take you.

9. When you have had your turn make sure the crew in the boat has noted down your achievements.

10. The session usually takes between two and three hours but it depends on number of skiers and boats and, of course, the weather! It is worth taking a drink and a snack with you.

11. You will get a lift back to the club house but at half tide it is possible to walk back via Porthilly.

12. Folders containing updated certificates will be available for collection from the bar area as soon as possible after the session.