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Waterski Buying Guide

Waterski Buying Guide
BuySki strives to bring you the best and most current guides, sizing help and gear tips to help you choose the right products and have the absolute best experience using it.

Dear customer, if you’re reading this you’re considering getting into one of the most challenging and fun watersports around, but face the tough decision on which WaterSki to buy. There is no denying possible that WaterSkiing is one of the most addicting disciplines in watersports, but to get the most out of it the correct WaterSki is a must have. It all starts with the right WaterSki equipment, and if you have already done some research you have probably already noticed there are many brands and models to choose from.

WaterSkis are available into two types with each one offering distinct advantages over the other. Whether you’re a beginner looking to get your feet wet for the very first time or an intermediate or advanced WaterSkiier looking for an upgrade, the following WaterSki buying guide explains you everything you need to know.

What is WaterSkiing?
WaterSkiing is one of the original forms of watersports that dates back to the early 1920’s and over the years we’ve seen other forms extend on its functionality offering a unique take on WaterSkiing. Wakeboarding, kneeboarding, tubing and many others have adapted the same concept while using different equipment that slightly changes the experience.

The same constant remains which includes a deep water start, rope attached to a boat or suspended cable, open water and of course the skis. The versatility of water skiing extends to any type of water including lakes, oceans, and rivers, but for the best experience calmer water is always indicated.

WaterSkiing takes place with either one (slalom) or two skis (combo) with each type serving a better purpose which is discussed in detail down below. The size, weight and design of the ski(s) helps define the user’s skill level, age and size which are more practical for one skier over another.

The depth of the water should be at least 150-180 centimeters with a large surface area of at least 60 meters. For safety, you’ll also want to make sure your path is free from obstacles and other underwater objects close to the surface that may be difficult to see.

We sell WaterSkis from well-known brands as Connelly, HO Sports and Radar.

The different styles of WaterSkis
Water skis are broken down into two types (combo and slalom) with each best suited for a specific subset of WaterSkiers. If you’re in the market for a new WaterSki, taking the time to understand the differences and who they’re better suited for will help you get the most of your experience. There are many factors when before buying a new WaterSki(s) including weight, age, skill level, speed, and the type of skiing you’re looking to do.

Combo WaterSkis
Beginners or children typically start out on combo WaterSkis which is a set of 2 skis and provide better balance than a single ski. Combo, or double skis offer a large surface area and makes it easier for beginners to start out. You’ll want to choose a set that has adjustable bindings (shoes) which offer a better fit and can be used by all people in the family.

Combo water skis for beginners typically come complete with trainer bars which lock both skis together which provide better balance and makes for easier starts. For adults, combos are typically rated to accommodate riders over 100-pounds and offer a weight range than slalom skis. After you’ve mastered getting up on the water, being able to balance, and landing tricks and jumps, then it’s time to graduate to the next type of ski.

Perfect for the beginner or first-time skiers
Will work in pretty much any conditions
Stable and easy to ride
Easy starts
Family friendly – perfect for kids also

> Shop Combo WaterSkis

Slalom WaterSkis
Slalom skis are a bit more user specific than combo skis which makes them less versatile. Choosing the right slalom ski comes with a better understanding of who they’re for, rider’s weight, style, times used, length of the ski, and the boat’s speed. This type of ski offers a competitive advantage tailor made to make the rider better, but specifically created to match the skier’s skill level.

Perfect for the intermediate to advanced skieers
For those people who want to challenge themselves
Less stable
Far more speed and manoeuverability
A fast (ski specific) boat is required

> Shop Slalom WaterSkis

Concave
The term "concave" pertains to the channel carved into the underside of a slalom ski, extending from the tip to the tail. The dimensions of this waterski concave have a direct impact on how the ski responds when you initiate a turn. A deep concave that spans from one edge to the other results in the ski offering highly responsive and aggressive turns. This design is commonly employed in advanced and tournament-level slalom skis, as it ensures that the ski consistently seeks an edge, perfectly suited for competitive style skiing.

The presence of a flat or rounded area on each side of a shallow concave contributes to the stability and predictability of your ski. Beginner and intermediate skis typically incorporate a shallower modified concave tunnel that includes a flat or rounded section in the middle of the ski, while maintaining a full concave in the tail section. This design combines the advantages of both worlds, providing a forgiving experience with gradual deceleration into the turn and swift acceleration out of the turn.

Bevel

The bevel on your slalom ski refers to the juncture where the vertical sidewall meets the base, and it plays a crucial role in determining the ski's edge grip. Sharper bevels enhance the ski's ability to maintain a precise course and provide maximum traction during a turn. On the other hand, rounder bevels facilitate a quick transition onto the ski's edge and grant the skier greater control for making minor adjustments during the turn. Bevel design is a precise and scientific process, and most modern slalom skis now incorporate a combination of carefully adjusted round and sharp bevels to achieve optimal performance from the ski's tip to its tail.

Rocker

Just as rocker affects the performance of a wakeboard, slalom ski rocker is all about the curvature of the ski from its tip to its tail. When the rocker lines are shallow and flattened, they help the ski maintain speed effectively and provide stability, thus making it easier to ride. However, this design comes with a trade-off: it results in a longer turn radius and makes it more challenging to generate a sharp angle coming out of the turn. On the other hand, introducing more curvature to the slalom ski rocker shortens the turn radius, enabling more aggressive skiing, but it comes at the cost of reduced speed. In the case of most contemporary slalom skis, they incorporate a flat section running through the middle of the ski to strike a balance between stability and speed, with the ski tapering up at the tip and tail to achieve that desired shorter turn radius.

Fins
The fin on a slalom ski plays a crucial role in generating the necessary drag to provide the grip required for turning and maintaining the edge. While there are various shapes and sizes available, here are three common types of fins you'll come across on modern slalom skis:

FREERIDE: The most fundamental type of fin is typically used on beginner and recreational skis. These fins are designed in a surf fin shape to provide maximum grip and stability. Freeride fins are intended to simplify waterskiing and can enhance your ski's performance even if your technique is less than perfect.

COMP: The comp fin is the traditional and most commonly used type on slalom skis. It allows for adjustments in the Distance From Tail (DFT) position, providing flexibility on the ski, while the Fin Depth (D) and Fin Length (L) remain fixed.

TOURNAMENT: Tailored for competitive course skiing, tournament fins are fully customizable, allowing for fine-tuning. Every element of a tournament fin can be micro-adjusted, enabling competition skiers to personalize their ski's setup according to their preferences and the specific water and weather conditions.

All of these fins feature a wing, or foil, attached to the side of the fin. The wing is set at an angle to increase drag and enhance deceleration into the turn. As modern slalom skis typically have less inherent drag compared to traditional shapes, wings are often included on beginner and intermediate skis to reduce the risk of experiencing slack rope when entering a turn too quickly. However, an excessive wing angle can make the ski less forgiving, so advanced slalom skis typically have a wing angle of around 9 degrees, while intermediate and beginner skis tend to stick to approximately 7 degrees.

Manufacturers conduct extensive testing to ensure that their slalom ski fin settings are optimal straight out of the box. Minor fin adjustments can significantly alter how your ski performs. We recommend leaving your fin at the manufacturer's settings and focusing on adjusting your technique if your ski doesn't feel right.

What kind of WaterSkier are you?
Slalom WaterSkis are available in three sorts. Course, Crossover and Freeride/Open Water. What kind of WaterSkier are you?

Course WaterSkiers
A Course WaterSkier skis primarily in the slalom course and in the tournament arena. Their ski feature needs include tight angle turns and responsive agility to handle maximum speed and load. Examples of WaterSki equipment in the Course range are

Connelly DV8 WaterSki
Connelly GT-R WaterSki
Connelly Carbon V
HO Sports Syndicate Pro WaterSki
HO Sports Syndicate Omega WaterSki
HO Sports Syndicate Alpha WaterSki
Radar Vapor Pro Build WaterSki
Radar Vapor Lithium WaterSki
Radar Vapor Graphite WaterSki

> Shop Course WaterSkis

Crossover WaterSkiers
A Crossover WaterSkier skis part time in courses and part time in the open water. This skier aspires to move up to the course arena or often skis at settings where no course is available but loves to make hard turns with big spray. Their ski feature needs include efficiency and versatility. Examples of WaterSki gear in the Crossover range are

Connelly Aspect WaterSki
Connelly Concept WaterSki
HO Sports Syndicate Omni WaterSki
HO Sports Omni Carbon WaterSki
HO Sports Omni WaterSki
Radar Senate Lithium WaterSki
Radar Senate Graphite WaterSki
Radar Senate Alloy WaterSki

> Shop Crossover WaterSkis

Freeride / Open water WaterSkiers
A Free Skier skis primarily in open water such as big lakes and rivers. Their ski feature needs include carve-ability and range, as their ski needs to cut through the most diverse waters and keep the ride smooth and free. Examples of watersports equipment in the Freeride / Open water range are:

Connelly HP WaterSki
Connelly Big Daddy WaterSki
Connelly Outlaw WaterSki
HO Sports Hovercraft WaterSki
HO Sports Freeride WaterSki
Radar Union WaterSki
Radar Terrain WaterSki
Radar Session WaterSki

> Shop Freeride WaterSkis

Different Skill Levels
A good rule of thumb to determine your own skill level is to know the frequency you plan on being on the water and whether you believe you’re an aggressive, or relaxed skier. Those who have an aggressive style and plan on skiing more than 2 times per month will want to consider an intermediate/advanced slalom ski and those who are more relaxed, just starting out, and plan on being on the water less than 2 times per month should consider a beginner/intermediate ski.

Beginner WaterSkiers
Beginners are just that, they’re just starting out. This can be kids and adult skiers alike who typically lack form, ski infrequently, and lack experience. Combo water skis should be used exclusively.

> Shop Beginner WaterSkis

Intermediate WaterSkiers
This is the skill level of those who have some experience, but only plan on skiing for fun. Courses and competition skiing is typically not an option with an over-riding concern on comfort, enjoyment and relaxation. There’s typically a preference with longer line lengths of at least 15-feet and slower speeds to 30 mph for intermediate slalom skiers is more than enough.

> Shop Intermediate WaterSkis

Advanced WaterSkiers
Advanced water skiers have a wealth of experience, ski frequently, and usually seek out competition or performance courses. These skiers have great form, and technique, seek out shorter lines of about 30-feet, and look to move at competition level speeds of at least 35 mph.

> Shop Advanced WaterSkis

Choosing the best WaterSki for you
The length of the ski doesn’t become a real factor until you’ve moved on to slalom skis. Typically, there are two factors to consider including the speed of the boat and weight of the skier. We’ve broken it down for you below to give you a better idea on the length of the slalom ski you’ll want to consider based on your weight and average speed you’re wanting to ski.

For beginners, the decision is a bit easier. Longer and wider skis are best suited for those new to skiing as they offer better balance and make it easier to get up. There are also features such as a trainer bar that interconnects both skis together which helps improve stability while allowing you to concentrate on the motion of one foot instead of both.

WaterSki Sizing Chart
The following water ski sizing chart gives you a great guide for those looking to pick up a new slalom water ski. With all our WaterSkis there is a brand specific Riders Weight Indication also.

WaterSki Bindings
The bindings, also referred to as boots are what you put your feet into and are attached to the ski itself. Some bindings are exclusive sizes while others are adjustable allowing them to fit different size feet. While it’s true the ski makes all the difference, but they’re only as good as the bindings attached to them.

Keeping it simple, the main purpose of the bindings is to hold your feet to the ski. Other functions include keeping your feet and ankles from moving around too freely which provides lateral support. This helps minimize any injury that can be seen with the ankle in the same manner high-top sneakers provide ankle support for basketball players.

When looking at bindings, you’ll want a pair that offers great support and allows you to get in and out easily. Beginners and those who plan on using the bindings for more than one person will want to look at adjustable bindings along with a single high strap on the front and a rear toe plate.

For those who will be using the bindings exclusively, you’ll want to consider double wrap bindings which are typically seen with advanced level slalom level skiers. These bindings are harder to get on and off the adjustable bindings, but offer more ankle support as they rest higher up and go completely around the foot.

> Shop Waterski bindings

Any more questions?
As you can see, there are many factors to take into consideration when buying your WaterSki. The more you research and read, the easier it will be for you to make the right decision, and we are sure you are ending up with a WaterSki that you and your family are truly happy with.

If you need more information or have any more questions please contact us. Our team is available

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