Water Skis
Waterskiing is a fun and challenging water sport that requires strength, stamina, and a good pair of skis! The first step in figuring out what you need is choosing the style that would best suit your ability. As you can see below, there are a few types to choose from.
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Combination  - This classic set of two skis is recommended for the beginner because they are the easiest to use.
- They teach you the basics of waterskiing -- how to get up, maintain balance, and how to do some basic moves.
- Combination sets adapt to your skills so that as you grow stronger you can eventually learn slalom on the one adjustable ski that features a double binding.
- Their versatility makes this an excellent choice for the budget-minded consumer who is seriously interested in the sport, as well as for families with multiple skiers.
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Slalom - Unless you are at least an intermediate to advanced skier, buying a slalom ski is not recommended. It will be much harder to learn proper placement and to get up out of the water if you haven't skied normally before.
- Slaloms are more difficult to balance on, making it harder to master. Plus, tricks are harder to do on a slalom.
- With a slalom you can make sharper turns and ski at higher speeds.
- When buying, note the shape. Recreational slaloms are flatter and wider, while advanced slaloms taper at the tail and tend to be narrower with a special concave bottom.
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Trick and Jump Skis - Solely for the advanced rider who has skied significantly.
- They come in pairs like combination skis, and they still have the ability to adapt to a slalom ski if the user wishes.
- You will notice that trick skis are much shorter than recreational skis, plus they tend to be a little wider. They allow a skier to do jumps and spins with greater ease.
- Jump skis are the longest type of ski. Built for strength and flexibility, these lightweight skis give you maximum lift off ramps.
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How to Choose the Correct Size Skis
As far as size, length should be chosen according to your height and weight combined with the average speed you maintain. Speed has to do with several things, namely your skills and the speed of the boat. The guide on the right is a rough guide. You might also want to check out Goode.com, which has an "AMP" rating that determines the best size and flex for your skis depending on your weight and height.
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Weight
- Under 90 lbs.
- 90 - 150 lbs.
- 150 - 180 lbs.
- 180 - 225 lbs.
- 225lbs. or more
| Ski Length
- 62 - 64"
- 64 - 66"
- 64 - 69"
- 66 - 70"
- 68 - 70"
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- Your Level -- Those with more skills will probably prefer going faster or doing more tricks. Thus, to adapt to these interests, choose a slightly shorter ski for increasing speed. If you are an intermediate skier, go for the normal size ski for your weight. People who are new to the sport would benefit from longer skis that offer plenty of balance and control. They will make carving turns more difficult than shorter skis, and they will reduce your overall speed.
- The Boat Speed -- The faster the boat, the shorter your ski can be. For example, if you are a 145 pound female skiing with a boat going under 30mph, you might need a 66" ski. However, if you are behind a boat going 35mph, you would want a 64" ski. The more you weigh, the more length you should subtract as your boat speed increases.
- Ski Width -- The wider a ski, the better your balance will be. Pair a wide ski with a narrowly cut tail to get a better turning radius.
- Special Considerations -- If you fall on the cusp of a weight limit, opt for longer skis instead of shorter ones.
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The Bindings
Skis are nothing without something to hold them to your feet. That's where boots and bindings come in. The boot is what encloses your foot and the binding is what keeps the boot sole and the ski together. The binding consists of a heel and toe plate, while the boot is usually two semi-rigid, rubber flaps that wrap around your foot to provide support and stability. On slalom skis there might be a full boot with two flaps for the front foot and a slipper type boot for the back foot. Depending on your comfort, you may elect to have two full boots instead. Keep in mind that this is the standard for recreational skis. However, advanced skiers who jump and do tricks might prefer a boot that looks more like alpine ski boots with buckles. Sometimes skiers might choose lace up bindings as well. - Sizes -- There are four basic sizes to choose from (XS, S, M, L ). Not all manufacturers follow the same rule, but here is a rough guide of
- XS = 4-6 Men, 5-7 Women
- S = 6.5-8 Men, 7.5-9 Women
- M = 8.5-10 Men, 9.5-11 Women
- L = 10.5-13 Men, 11.5 Women
- Adaptibility -- Adjustable bindings are best at providing comfort for various users.
The great thing about boots and bindings is that they are relatively inexpensive. So, for example, say you buy a used pair of skis. You can simply replace the bindings and the skis will feel brand new again.
The Details
When talking about water skis you might hear some of the following terms.
Flex -- The more flexibility a ski has, the easier it is to turn. The stiffer it is, the faster the ski is. It all has to do with the responsiveness of the ski. It is measured both longitudinally (length) and torsionally (width).
Rocker -- Lay the ski on the floor or another flat surface. The more it rocks from tail to tip (the more curvature the length of the ski has), the more of a "rocker" it has. More rocker will make it easier to turn tightly and less will improve speed but limit turning radius.
Material -- Skis can be made of several different types of material, such as magnesium, aluminum, steel, fiberglass, and carbon graphite. Fiberglass and carbon graphite are the lightest, strongest, and most flexible materials.
Bevel -- Advanced skiers should choose a sharper edge that increases speed. Rounded edges are best for beginners because it not only slows you down, but it also helps provide control, making it less likely to fall down.
Bottom Design -- Choosing either a narrow tunnel or a concave design depends on how you ski. Most likely a beginner will be prone to leaning back more and keeping their legs straight, so they should go for a narrow tunnel. For more advanced skiers who like more flexibility, it may be best to choose a concave design that makes it easier to turn.
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