The OP asked about visual clues for the gates. Most of the responses are about the pre-gates. I understand the skier needs to be wide for the gate and the skier should turn in for the gate when their speed matches the boat speed. I understand the pre-gates can be used as a guide to know when to pull out to set up for the gates and timing of this can be adjusted to get the desired gates.
This is all good information; but, someone please answer his question and mine. You are adjusting all of the above things to get to the perfect spot and time in the universe. Where is that?
Assuming you are at the perfect width and speed, how do you know the perfect spot and time to begin your turn in to the gates? What do you see? Do the gates appear to be a certain distance apart? Is there a certain alignment with the gates and one ball? Is there some other visual cues for the actual turn into the gates? Does Regina whisper in your ear to turn now?
Do these cues change based on line length? If so, how?