So how do you want to start?

1. le'Mans with the skis lined up on the beach?

2. Deep water behind the break?

3. Knee deep in the water, jump in and go?

Do you prefer to go in categories so you can size up the competition?

Go as one big group when possible so you can see the pros and what they do on the water and be able to directly compare your results? Maybe hook a little ride on the faster guys if you get lucky?

And of coarse, no serious poll would be without the option of;

Pancakes!

think that the best way to start is knee deep in the water, jump in and go. Becuase the risk of damage your boot is bigger when you start on the beach, and the surfski's are not really made for running
Deep water behind the break is an option but not nice for the people that watch the race.

I like to go as one big group when possible so you can see the pros and what they do on the water and be able to directly compare your results. Its much better that way.

Pancakes for me...with maple syrup.

Hmmnn, Gary K says 'Pancakes with syrup'...

No wonder you are looking at a new colourful (yet lightweight) ski...

Pancakes, indeed.

T.T.F.U.!

The biggest challenge with starts on the water is getting a fair start.

I prefer a start in knee deep water - everyone lined up, it's easy to see if anyone jumps the start. You can group the top seeds together if necessary.

One important thing - if it's an international/"important" race is to start the doubles off before the elites - to prevent drafting. A couple of the races in Europe this year were affected by a double or two coming through and guys latching onto the slip.

If it's a water start you need jetskis patrolling up and down in front of the line keeping everyone back.

Pancakes? lemon, Lyons Golden Syrup and cinnamon. Yes.

Deep water starts could be evened up by having legs out starts.
This would stop creeping forward. Similar to a beach start but already sitting in your boat.
In a yacht race anyone passing the line is asked to do a 360 degree turn. It would be easy to ping the first few boats with a 360. If the starters are tough on the penalty it will only take a couple of races before the early starts cease.