Water skiers love the activity for the challenge, fun, and stress relief it provides. This may be exactly why you like it too. If you’re just starting out, choosing your first water skis is possibly the most important decision you’ll make—aside from the one you made to try waterskiing in the first place.
The key to success? Choosing the right type of water skis for your skill level, and as you can imagine, there are quite a few factors to consider. From beginner water ski types and shapes to length and bindings, we’ll walk you through the intricacies of each to help you find the perfect style.
If it’s personalized recommendations you’re after, get in touch with our expert team at Buckeye Surf.
Water Ski Types
Several types of water skis exist, from slalom skis to combo skis, sold as a single unit or a pair. The type you choose will change your experience, however, if you do purchase combo skis, you can always drop one and go the single ski route.
Check out the differences between a few different ski types below.
Combo Water Skis
These are sold as a pair. One has two bindings and the other has one binding. This allows you flexibility over how you ski. While two skis give you more stability and are often the chosen method for beginners, as you progress, you can drop one of the skis and just use one.
To sum this up, combo skis are:
- Flexible
- Great for beginners
- Great for families
- More stable
- Fit a wide range of skiers
- Are available in narrow and wide widths
Shaped Water Skis
Also called mid-skis, shaped skis are sold as a single ski. They have two bindings and when compared to slalom skis, are much wider. This means they’re more stable and allow for easier starts and turns, making them great for water skis for beginners.
Notable features of shaped skis include:
- Wider skis for greater stability
- Great for beginners
- Sidecuts or narrowing near the bindings
- Can be used at slower speeds
Slalom Water Skis
A single ski with two bindings, with one behind the other. With the widest part of the ski under the front binding and a narrow tail, these types of skis allow you to slow down and turn quickly. Slalom skis are:
- Ideal for experienced riders
- Provide a challenge
- For slalom courses and open water
- Great for skill development
- Designed for speed and precision
Youth Water Skis
Youth skis are designed to accommodate the weight, size, and skill level of younger skiers, from children to early teens. They’re typically lighter and shorter than adult skis, which makes them easier for kids to handle and maneuver in the water. They’re also often wider than adult skis for improved stability.
Youth water skis are:
- Designed for kids and teens
- Wider, shorter, and lighter
- Help kids stay balanced at slower speeds
- Adjustable to accommodate growing feet
Other Types of Skis
In addition to these common ski types, others designed for more advanced skiers include trick skis, which are shorter and wider without fins, allowing for easier spins and tricks. Along with jump skis, which are wider and longer, providing the lift needed for jumps.
Water Ski Construction
Every part of a water ski is intentional, including the material it’s made from. Common water ski materials include:
- Fiberglass: This is the most common water ski material and has a good balance between durability and flexibility.
- Carbon fiber: Stiffer but lighter than fiberglass, carbon fiber allows for quicker responses. Water skis made from this material often cost more.
- Wood: While wooden water skis are less common today, some skiers like the unique feel they provide.
Along with the actual material, water skis are made with specific build techniques, such as monocoque or traditional. Monocoque builds feature a shell construction where the exterior skin of the skis supports most of the load. Traditional builds use a core material like wood or foam which is encased by the ski’s outer material.
Water Ski Shape
You’ve read a bit about different water ski shapes when we mentioned the different types of water skis, and typically, the biggest difference in shape is the width.
- Wide body skis have a larger surface area which helps with stability and buoyancy. These features help beginners learn to stand up.
- Narrow skis provide less drag and faster movement in the water. They’re typically chosen by advanced skiers.
Water Ski Rocker
A rocker is the curvature from the tip to the tail of the ski. Continuous rockers have a smooth curve and deliver stable control and a predictable experience. Camber rockers are flat in the middle and curved at the ends, which allows for sharper turns and improved agility.
Water Ski Length
As a general rule of thumb, heavier or taller skiers need longer skis. Longer skis are also better for beginners as they provide more stability on the water. Shorter and more experienced skiers tend to opt for shorter skis as they’re easier to maneuver.
The length of ski you choose depends on your weight, height, and skill level.
Water Ski Bindings
Water ski bindings are just as important as the actual skis, and are responsible for comfort, support, and safety while skiing. Two of the most common types of bindings include adjustable and high-performance.
- Adjustable bindings can be adjusted to different foot sizes, ideal for family or shared skis.
- High-performance bindings are custom-fit to your foot, offering improved control and performance.
Water Ski Fins
Last but certainly not least, we have water ski fins. They look exactly how they sound, and are located on the bottom of your water ski. Helping to stabilize the ski in the water and direct its path, fins come in different shapes and sizes chosen for their tracking and turning abilities.
Choose the Best Water Skis for You!
Buying your first pair of water skis calls for a careful assessment of your skill level and preferences. As you’ve seen there’s a lot to consider when buying water skis, however, Buckeye Surf offers a fantastic selection of combo and slalom skis to meet your needs.
If you need any guidance along the way, contact our friendly team for expert recommendations.
FAQ
Is it easier to water ski with one or two skis?
Using two skis instead of one is easier for beginners as they provide more balance. Slalom skiing with just one ski allows for more speed and agility, which may not be your priority if you’re new to the sport.
What water skis are best for beginners?
Wider, more stable combo skis are best for beginners, but you should still consider the ski size and binding type to find the perfect fit.