Waterskiing

Synonyms / Other Terms Used

Water Skiing, Water-skiing, Waterski

Category

Sports, Water Sports, Sporting Activities, Activities, Recreation, Tourism

Message / Function

To signify the activity of waterskiing

	Source	Description
	Aicher & Krampen	Side view of human figure waterskiing, tow rope, water shown as two bent lines
	Chile	Side view of human figure waterskiing, tow rope, water shown as wavy line, large wave behind skier
1)	SSRS	Side view of human figure waterskiing, tow rope, water shown as two wavy lines, large wave behind skier
	SWISSTRAFFIC	Side view of human figure waterskiing, tow rope, water shown as two wavy lines
	ÖNORM A 3011	Side view of human figure waterskiing, tow rope, water shown as two wavy lines
	Peru MST	Side view of human figure waterskiing, tow rope, water shown as two wavy lines
	BS 8501:2002	Side view of human figure waterskiing, tow rope, water shown as two wavy lines
	Ecuador	Side view of human figure waterskiing, tow rope, water shown as two wavy lines
	Dutchicon	Side view of human figure waterskiing, tow rope, water shown as wavy line
	NPS	Side view of human figure waterskiing, tow rope, water shown as wavy line
	Fiori	Side view of human figure waterskiing, tow rope, water shown as wavy line
3)	Erco	Side view of human figure waterskiing, tow rope, water shown as four bent lines
	NZS 8603	Side view of human figure waterskiing, tow rope, water shown as two wavy lines
	UKFC	Side view of human figure waterskiing, tow rope, large wave behind skier
2)	Unknown	Front view of human figure waterskiing, tow rope, water shown as bent line
4)	NPS	Side view of human figure waterskiing, water shown as wavy line
	Pacific Bell	Two hands holding tow rope

Note: Some of the examples shown above were mirrored horizontally to contrast differences.

Discussion

Side views of a human figure waterskiing, holding the tow rope, plus water shown as wavy lines dominate the variants found.

The results of the Appropriateness Ranking Tests conducted by Gehringer (1976) indicate that leaving away the tow rope as in the old NPS variant is judged as negative. The numbering of the variants marked with 1) to 4) corresponds to the rank order established in this study.

Fiori (2008) examined a map symbol showing a side view of a human figure waterskiing including a tow rope (only available here in low quality) using a Comprehension Test conducted in Brazil. 70 % of the responses were classified as correct. The answers Angling and Windsurfing were found among the wrong interpretations. This probably is due to displaying the waterski parallel to the water line, almost like a flat surface, and the posture of the waterskier.

Recommendation

Waterskiing

Based on test results available we recommend the use of a pictogram similar to public information symbol No 64 of ÖNORM A 3011 part 3.

Tests of pictograms of referent Waterskiing

Gehringer, J. (1976): Reihungstest über 18 Begriffe aus dem Sportwesen - Priorität I. Report to the Austrian Standards Institute (ON) dated January 1976, Vienna.

Fiori, S. R. (2008): Mapas para o turismo e a interatividade - proposta teórica e prática. Tese de Doutorado - Depto. de Geografia, FFLCH-USP.