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Step 1
Choose between a pair of combo water skis or a single slalom ski. If you're a beginner, buy combo skis. They have wider tips that make them more manageable for the novice skier, and one of them comes with two bindings so you can begin slalom skiing when you are ready. Slalom skis are designed for faster speeds and sharper turns, but they are harder to keep on top of the water.
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Step 2
Visit a sporting goods website for tips on sizing, style and design selection. Dick's Sporting Goods and Sports Authority offer similar comprehensive water skiing equipment feature and fitting guides, and they also explain how things like boat speed and ski shapes should be factored into your purchase decision (see Resources below).
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Step 3
Buy combo or slalom water skis with adjustable bindings, especially if more than one person plans to use the skis. The bindings are often removable, and are simple for a specified user to adjust to his foot size.
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Step 4
Take a look at the Connelly Crossfire if you're looking for novice combo skis. A trusted brand, Connelly offers beginners a stable, wide tip with the Crossfire model. In addition, they come with an optional crossbar attachment that will help first-time skiers keep skis aligned while learning to stay on top of the water. O'Brien, another leader in water skiing equipment, also offers a pair of recreational combos worth considering. Their Traditional Combo Ski model is priced to sell and is a great novice-to-intermediate ski for the money (see Resources below).
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Step 5
Be a bargain hunter. If you don't mind slight imperfections in the appearance of your skis, stores and websites sell "factory blemish" versions of top model skis that perform the same with a scratch here and there. Overtons.com carries many of these bargain ski offerings (see Resources below). This is a great option for beginners or recreational skiers on a budget.
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Step 6
Check out the O'Brien World Team Slalom water ski for a practical, affordable buy. With a wide front and an adjustable fin, this ski is a top seller worldwide, and is a good choice for beginner or intermediate slalom skiers.
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Step 7
Visit the D3 website if you're looking for high-end, high-performance skis (see Resources below). Owner Denny Kidder specializes in manufacturing custom-built, cutting-edge ski designs. If your budget isn't tight, D3 has an impressive inventory of combos and slaloms.
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Step 1
Buy a water skiing rope that is durable, but has enough elasticity to place minimal strain on the skier's body. Being pulled through the wake can be an intense experience, and a rope with some give helps skiers acclimate to the shock involved in turns and speed changes.
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Step 2
Look for a rope with multiple "take-offs," or sections attached with metal loops. This feature allows you to shorten or lengthen the rope to change the distance between you and the boat.
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Step 1
Choose a rubber or plastic molded handle if you're a beginner or a recreational water skier. The molded design is fairly lightweight and allows the handle to float. While not as durable as other designs, it is quite functional and practical for the novice to intermediate skier.
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Step 2
Buy an aluminum-reinforced handle for higher performance and durability. Aluminum is very lightweight, and is typically covered in a rubber sheath to make it comfortable to grip. The disadvantage of this type of handle is that it is not always watertight, and begins to sink as water accumulates inside.
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Step 3
Try out several handle diameter sizes. Handles typically range from 1 to 1.25 inches in diameter, so make sure the one you choose fits comfortably in your hand without slipping.
Comments
wadewilliams said
on 8/22/2009 More on this subject at www.proskicoach.com