How Is Slalom Water Skiing Scored?

In a sanctioned slalom waterskiing competition, the skier must make a pass through a course of buoys featuring three turn buoys to each side, for a total of six turns. The skier zigzags back and forth between these six turn buoys, and the number of successfully cleared buoys for the run makes up part of the overall score.

The scoring system in slalom water skiing is based on several key criteria that evaluate the skier’s performance throughout their run. Understanding these criteria is essential for both individual alpine skiing races and FIS alpine skiing. Slalom is scored by counting the number of buoys the skier can successfully round without displacing the buoy or losing skiing position (falling).

In competitive slalom waterskiing, a numerical terminology designates the results of a skier’s run through the buoys. Designations such as 6 @ 0 Off, 5 @ 16 off, or 4 @ 32 off are seen as a skier scores for each run. A skier’s score is based upon the number of successful buoys cleared, the speed of the boat, and the length of the rope. In a tournament, skiers choose the starting boat speed and rope length (with a maximum length of 22.86 meters (75 ft)). Professional water skiers will also be considered in collegiate competitions.

The general principle for scoring in slalom water skiing is quite simple: one point is scored for each buoy that the skier successfully gets around. Three main factors determine the score: what number buoy you missed or fell at, length of the rope, and boat speed. In a Men 2 division at 13 meters and 36 mph, the total buoy count for an imperfect pass can be determined by taking the total buoy score for the last perfect pass and adding the number of buoys scored on the imperfect pass. For example, a Men 3, 4, 5, or 6 skier making 2½ buoys at 23 meters and 36 mph would receive 48 total buoys.