RAVE Sports Aqua Buddy Water Ski User Manual [en, es, fr]

Aqua Buddy™

Water Ski & Wakeboar d Trai ner

Operator’s Manual

Manuel d’utilisation

Manual del operador

www.ravesports.com

Table of Contents

Product instructions and warnings ......................................... 2

Inflating instructions

............................................................... 5

Learning to water ski/wakeboard...……………………………...6

Water sports safety code ..................................................... 10

Troubleshooting ................................................................... 13

Cleaning and storage ........................................................... 13

Repairs ................................................................................ 13

Warranty .............................................................................. 14

Water sports can be safe and fun for all levels of enthusias ts.
The Operator’s Manual is presented to enhance your enjoyment
of the sport. It is intended to alert you to some of the potentially
dangerous condi tions that can aris e i n all water sports.

© Copyright

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any
means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopy, recording, or any information storage and
retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher. Requests should be mailed to RAVE
Sports, 3325 Labore Road, Saint Paul, MN 55110

1

W A R N I N G

!

!

USE OF THIS PRODUCT AND

PARTICIPATION IN THE SPORT OF

WATER SKIING & WAKEBOARDING

INVOLVES INHERENT RISKS OF

INJURY OR DEATH.

This product is not a toy. It is intended for use as a
water sports training aid. Do not leave children
unattended.

Read Operator’s Manual before use.

Product Instructions and Warnings

To reduce the risk of injury or death while using the Aqua Buddy, follow
these guidelines:

• Carefully read this manual and follow the instructions.

• Only use your Aqua Buddy with a responsible watercraft operator

who knows how to operate a watercraft properly.

2

• Do not use in shallow water. This product is intended to be used
in open water, a good distance away from docks, pilings or other
hard objects.

• Use with a properly rated water ski/wakeboard rope only. The
user of the Aqua Buddy must hold onto the handle end of the
water ski/wakeboard rope.

• The Aqua Buddy is designed to assist the skier/wakeboarder
during starts. It allows the user and device to travel together on
the top of the water for a short distance and eliminates the timing
and strength required with traditional “deep water” starts. When
the skier stands up, the Aqua Buddy remains behind floating on
the water.

• Never tie a tow rope directly to the Aqua Buddy.

• Inspect the Aqua Buddy as well as your water ski/wakeboard

equipment prior to each use. Ensure the Aqua Buddy is firmly
inflated and is not damaged in any way. Inspect fins and bindings
for loose screws, wear, cracks, delamination, tearing or other
damage.

• Water skiing instruction should be given to the user before
attempting to ski/wakeboard from the Aqua Buddy. Instruction on
body position, proper skiing techniques and general safety
guidelines will reduce your risk of injury.

• The faster you ski, the greater your risk of injury. Beginners using
children’s trainer skis should be towed at slower speeds that allow
for reasonable control and stability. Beginners should use extra
caution under the direct supervision of an adult or other
experienced rider.

3

Product Instructions and Warnings (continued)

Before you start:

• Scout the area before use to avoid any debris or obstacles that
might present a safety hazard.

• Check the rope and connectors for frays, cuts, sharp edges,
knots, or wear before each use. Discard rope if any such
condition exists or if rope appears to be worn. Such conditions
may lead to breaks.

• Rope is subject to deterioration when exposed to direct sunlight.
The life of the product will be extended when stored away from
sunlight.

• Always have a person other than the driver as an observer.

• Skier/rider, observer, and driver must agree on hand signals.

• Never start until skier/rider signals they are ready.

• Do not use in shallow water or near docks, shore, pilings or other

watercraft.

• Always wear a U.S. Coast Guard approved type III (PFD) life
jacket that fits skier/rider properly.

• Make sure skier/rider has properly fitting bindings.

• Use tow rope that is 50-65 feet long and do not shorten rope for

beginning riders.

4

Inflating Instructions

CAUTION: DO NOT OVER-INFLATE. Use of an air compressor or
over-inflation can rupture the product beyond repair, thus voiding
the warranty.

Step 1:

Lay the Aqua Buddy on a flat surface. Make sure there are no sharp
objects under the product that might puncture the tube.

Step 2:

Using a hand pump or powered inflator, inflate center seat first and
then both pontoons until each just feels firm. Note: A firmly inflated
product will perform better than a soft one. DO NOT OVER INFLATE.
INFLATE ONLY UNTIL FIRM.

Moisten the plug of the clear stem valves prior to inserting into
the valve and push plug down fully into the valve body.

Note that the air pressure in the product will fluctuate depending on air
and water temperatures. Adjust the air pressure in the tube accordingly
throughout the day to maintain proper firmness for use.

To Deflate:

• Remove all of the plugs and place deflating straws into valves or
squeeze the valves to release the air.

5

Learning to water ski/wakeboard with the

Aqua Buddy

The Aqua Buddy water ski/wakeboard trainer allows a beginner
skier/boarder to start ABOVE THE WATER, eliminating the difficult
learning curve and physical exertion associated with deep water starts.
It may also be used by experienced skiers who struggle physically or
emotionally with deep water starts.

The Aqua Buddy also eliminates the danger and difficult timing
associated with dock starts. The Aqua Buddy travels WITH the skier
until the appropriate time when the skier stands and is skiing on their
own!

The Aqua Buddy can be used with most all types & sizes of water skis,
trainer skis and wakeboards.

To ski:

1. It is best to put on the water skis first before getting onto the
Aqua Buddy. Make sure the bindings are properly adjusted
for the level of skier/rider.

2. Young children can be set onto the Aqua Buddy by an adult.
Bigger skiers can shift their body from the rear swim platform
of the boat/watercraft (if so equipped) onto the seat of the
Aqua Buddy. Otherwise, from the water, simply pull up onto
the seat using the handles provided.

3. Hand the ski rope handle to the skier.

4. Slowly remove any slack in the rope and be sure that the
boat, rope and skier are in a straight line and facing the
same direction. Do NOT attempt to start with the boat facing
a different direction than the skier.

6

5. Rider should keep skis straight, shoulder width apart with
both ski tips out of the water. For assistance, use RAVE
Sports Ski Buds™ on the tips of the skis.

6. Make sure the ski rope is between the skis, knees are
slightly bent and the rider is relaxed. Encouragement and
communication from the boat driver is helpful.

7. Once the skier signals to the boat driver that he/she is ready,
the boat driver should begin pulling slowly for a few feet to
get the Aqua Buddy and the skier moving and then
accelerate quickly. The skier should stand up rather quickly
after the boat accelerates.

Note: The skier will feel the pressure under his/her skis once
the boat is underway. Stand up as soon as the boat is
traveling fast enough to support the weight of the skier on
their skis (usually within a few feet of pulling).

Once standing, the skis will plane out very quickly and the
skier will be skiing!!

8. The Aqua Buddy will simply float on its own as soon as the
skier takes his/her weight off the seat. Retrieve the Aqua
Buddy as soon as possible following the completion of the
ski run.

TIPS:

• It is better to accelerate quickly and have the skier
stand up sooner rather than attempt to drag the Aqua
Buddy and skier too far. Dragging too far will often
result in the skis veering off to one side, creating
frustration and fatigue in the beginner skier. For skiers
with more coordination or leg strength, this will be less
of an issue.

• It is best to drag only a short distance then accelerate
quickly while the skis are straight and properly aligned.

7

To wakeboard:

1. Once seated on the Aqua Buddy with wakeboard on, turn
body sideways as much as possible so the wakeboard is
facing forward.

2. Slowly remove any slack in the rope and be sure that the
boat, rope and rider are in a straight line and all facing the
same direction.

3. Make sure the rider’s knees are slightly bent and the rider is
relaxed.

4. Once the rider signals to the boat driver he/she is ready, the
boat driver should begin pulling slowly for a few feet to get
the Aqua Buddy and the wakeboarder moving and then

Adjust take off speed and timing of when the skier
stands if the skier fails to stand up and ski on the first
attempt.

accelerate quickly. The wakeboarder should stand up rather
quickly after the boat accelerates.

Note: The wakeboarder will feel the pressure under his/her
board once the boat is underway. Stand up as soon as the
boat is traveling fast enough to support the weight of the
wakeboarder on their board (usually within a few feet of
pulling).

Once standing, the wakeboard will plane out very quickly
and he/she will be wakeboarding!

TIPS:

• Beginners should start with the wakeboard pointing forward as

much as possible. More experienced or stronger people may find
it easier to start with the board 90 degrees to the direction of
travel and turn quickly as he/she stands.

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W A R N I N G

!

!

 Do not use at speeds that exceed the skill of the

rider. Beginners sho uld use extra caution. Start
slow.

 This product should never be used by small

children except under adult supervision.

 This is not a personal flotation device.
 Always wear a U.S. Coast Guard approved Type III

(PFD) vest of the proper size for the user.

 Always have a person other than the driver

observing the rider.

 Watercraft driver should avoid excessive speed or

sharp turns that might cause the rider to lose
control, resulting in serious injury to the rider.

 Do not use in shallow water or near shore, docks,

pilings, swimmers or other boats.

 Never attach a tow line directly to the Aqua Buddy.

User must hold the handle of the ski rope and
release the han dle in the event of a fall.

 Pull the Aqua Buddy in a straight line only, directly

behind the boat or watercraft.

 Do not pull Aqua Buddy at speeds exceeding

15mph.

 Only one person on the Aqua Buddy at a time.

9

Watersports Responsibility Code

Water sports are fun and challenging but involve inherent risks of injury
or death. To increase your enjoyment of the sport and to reduce your
risks, use common sense and follow these rules.

Before you start:

 Familiarize yourself with all applicable federal, state and local

laws, the risks inherent in the sport and the proper use of the
equipment.

 Know the waterways.
 Always have a person other than the boat driver as an observer.
 Rider, observer and driver must agree on hand signals.
 Never start out until rider signals he/she is ready. Observer and

rider should maintain eye contact.

 Carbon Monoxide (CO) poisoning from engine exhaust may

cause injury or death. Do not sit on the boat transom or swim
platform while the engine is running. Th ese activities ma y lead to
excessive CO exposure which ma y cause injury or death. If you
can smell engine exhaust while in the boat, do not stay seated in
that position for prolonged periods. Never “Platform Drag” by
holding onto the swim platform or be dragged directly behind the
boat. An improperly tuned engine will produce e xcessive exhaust.
Have your engine checked and corrected by a mechanic.
Changing boat speed or direction relative to the wind can reduce
or increase boat exhaust from accumulating near the boat and
rider. Consult your boat Owners Manual, or the United States
Coast Guard’s website: www.uscgboating.org

for more
information on how to help protect others and yourself from the
dangers of CO poisoning

 Use caution and common sense.

10

Your Equipment and Your Tow Rope:

 Inspect all equipment prior to use. Check Aqua Buddy and water

skis/wakeboard prior to each use. Do not use if damaged.

 Always wear a U.S. Coast Guard Type III (PFD) vest.
 Ropes should be attached to the watercraft in an approved

fashion with hardware designed for pulling. Refer to your
watercraft manual for instructions on proper tow rope attachment.

 Tow ropes stretch during use. If a rope breaks or is suddenly

released, it can snap back into the watercraft. Warn all riders and
occupants of the danger of the rope recoil.

 When in the boat, keep away from the tow rope to avoid injury.

Passengers can be hit or become entangled in the rope.

 Inspect tow rope and its attachments before using. Do not use

tow rope if frayed, knotted or damaged. Replace when signs of
excessive deterioration are indicated by discoloration, broken
filaments, unraveling or other obvious signs of wear on the rope
or hardware.

 Use proper tow rope for the activity.
 Ensure rope is clear of all body parts prior to starting out or during

use.

 Keep persons and ropes away from propeller when engine is

running, even in neutral. Should rope become entangled in
propeller, SHUT OFF ENGINE AND REMOVE IGNITION KEY
BEFORE RETRIEVING ROPE.

11

When You Ride:

 USE THIS PRODUCT ONLY ON WATER.
 Always remove any slack in the rope between watercraft and rider

before starting. Sudden shock loads may cause injury to the rider
or failure of rope, resulting in snap-back or breakage.

 Do not ride in shallow water, near shore, pilings, docks, rafts,

swimmers, other boats or other obstacles. Such obstacles are
examples of risks that are inherent in the sport.

 The driver and rider must watch for and be able to stop or turn to

avoid obstacles.

 Always ride in control and at speeds appropriate for your ability.

Ride within your limits. Follow instructions on tube for safe speed
limits.

 Falling and the injuries that may result are inherent risks in the

sport.

 Use a flag to signal to others that a rider is in the water.
 Driver must use extra caution approaching fallen rider and keep

eye contact on fallen rider at all times.

 Put the boat in neutral when near a fallen rider. Turn the engine

off when people are getting in or out of the boat, or while in the
water near the boat.

 Do not operate watercraft or ride under the influence of alcohol of

drugs.

12

Troubleshooting
Air chamber(s) won’t hold air:

• Check stem valves to ensure plugs are fully seated down into the
valve body.

• Check for holes in bladder following the procedures in the
“Repair” section.

Cleaning and Storage

 When the inflatable product is not being used, we recommend

that you store it in a covered, shaded area. This will help protect it
against ultraviolet (UV) rays and extend the life of the product.

 Clean the inflatable completely with a mild soap and fresh water.

NEVER USE PETROLEUM BASED PRODUCTS OR SOLVENTS
FOR CLEANING.

 Product should be completely dry and remain dry while stored.
 Roll the product loosely and place in a vented storage bag or

container.

 Store in a cool, dry location. Do not store product directly on

concrete surface. Place mothballs around stored inflatable to
keep mice and insects away.

Repairs

For minor holes or tears:

 Inflate the tube and locate the leak by spraying the tube with

soapy water. Bubbles will appear where there is a leak.

 Determine the hole size and cut a circular patch ½ - 1 inch wider

than the hole.

 Remove air from the tube and dry tube completely where the

patch is to be applied.

 Peel off paper back from patch, apply repair patch to area and

work out any air bubbles from beneath the patch.

 Apply weight to the patched area for one hour before re-inflating.

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RAVE Sports® Limited One Year Warranty

The Limited One Year Warranty set forth below is provided by RAVE Sports®, A Revel Match, LLC company with
respect to prodcut(s) purchased and used in the United States and Canada.
RAVE Sports’® product(s), when delivered to you in a new condition in original container, are warranted against
defects in material or workmanship for a period of one (1) year from the date of original purchase when used in
a non-commercial application. Product(s) used in a commercial application are warranted against defects or
workmanship for a period of six (6) months from the date of original purchase. Defective product(s) returned to
RAVE Sports® or an authorized service location and are proven to be defective upon inspection, will be repaired
or exchanged for a new product(s) or part(s) at a prorated value where applicable. The warranty period for any
replacement produt shall begin upon shipment of the same, but shall in no event exceed the warranty period of
the defective product.
When returning any product under this Limted One Year Warranty, you must first contact RAVE Sports® to
obtain a return authorization number. The product must be packaged in its original carton or comparable
packaging with a copy of the bill of sale (or invoice of purchase), together with a complete explanation of the
problem. Shipping charges, if any, must be prepaid. Products covered by this Limited One Year Warranty will be
returned to you without charge by RAVE Sports®.
This Limted One Year Warranty covers all defects encountered in normal use of the product and does NOT apply
in the following cases:

a) Loss or damage due to abuse, mishandling, alteration, accident
b) Failure to follow operating, maintenance, or storage instructions
c) Service by a party other than RAVE Sports’® authorized service personnel
d) Any acts of God including storm and animal damage
e) The product has had its serial number(s) or dating altered or removed
f) Normal wear and tear which includes sun damage and other normal weathering of the product

No implied warranty (or condition), including any implied warranty (or condition) of merchantability or fitness
for a particular purpose, applies to the product after the applicable period of express warranty stated above,
and no other express warranty or guaranty, except as mentioned above, given by any person, firm, or
corporation with respect to the product shall bind RAVE Sports®. Some states or provinces do not allow
limitations on how long an implied warranty lasts, so the above limitations may not apply to you.
RAVE SPORTS® SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR LOSS OF REVENUE OR PROFIT, FAILURE TO REALIZE SAVINGS OR
OTHER BENEFITS, OR FOR ANY OTHER SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES CAUSED BY THE
USE, MISUSE OR INABILITY TO USE THE PRODUCT REGARDLESS OF THE LEGAL THEORY ON WHICH THE CLAIM IS
BASED, AND EVEN IF RAVE SPORTS® HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES. NOR SHALL
RECOVER ANY KIND AGAINST RAVE SPORTS® BE GREATER IN AMOUNT THAN THE PURCHASE PRICE OF THE
PRODUCT SOLD BY RAVE SPORTS® AND CAUSING THE ALLEGED DAMAGE.
WITHOUT LIMITING THE FOREGOING, YOU ASSUME ALL RISK AND LIABILITY FOR LOSS, DAMAGE OR INJURY TO
YOU AND YOUR PROPERTY AND TO OTHERS AND THEIR PROPERTY ARISING OUT OF THE USE, MISUSE, OR
INABILITY TO USE ANY PRODUCT SOLD BY RAVE SPORTS® NOT CAUSED DIRECTLY BY THE NEGLIGENCE OF RAVE
SPORTS®. SOME STATES OR PROVINCES DO NOT ALLOW EXCLUSION OR LIMITATION OF INCIDENTAL OR
CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, SO THE ABOVE LIMITATION MAY NOT APPLY TO YOU. THIS LIMITED 1 YEAR
WARRANTY SHALL NOT EXTEND TO ANYONE OTHER THAN THE ORIGINAL PURCHASER OF ANY PRODUCT, OR
THE PERSON FOR WHOM IT WAS PURCHASED AS A GIFT.

This Limited One Year Warranty gives you specific legal rights. To the extent that such rights cannot be disclaimed

under applicable law, this limited warranty does not affect such rights.

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