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    • Waterski Guide

    Waterski Guide

    Jan 15th 2026

    A general guide to finding the right ski for you, along with some basic tips and tricks.

    Types Of Slalom Skis

    Open Water

     These skis are for the  more recreational skier focusing on easy starts, stability, and smooth carving, featuring more surface area, concave bottoms, and grip rails for lift and reduced drag, making them great for learning or cruising.

    2026 Options: Radar Session, HO Hovercraft, Connelly Big Daddy, Connelly Big Easy, HO Omni - Jungle

    Crossover

     If you're looking for an all-around ski that performs well at different speeds the crossover is for you. These skis are versatile hybrids blending high-performance course skiing with easy open-water fun, featuring designs like wider shapes and specialized rocker lines for stability and acceleration, letting skiers enjoy both competitive-style runs and recreational carving. 

    2026 Options: HO Omni, Radar Senate, Radar Lyric, Radar Union, Connelly Outlaw '26, Connelly Concept

    Course

     A course ski is for the hardcore enthusiast that participates in competitions. These skis are built for speed, balance, and agility to carve across the boat's wake. 

    2026 Options: Radar Vapor, Radar Vapor Pro Build, HO Sabre, HO Syndicate Works 01/02, Connelly C1, Connelly Rocket 

    SLALOM WATER SKI SIZE CHART

    SKIER WEIGHT 

    BOAT SPEED

    20-30MPH

    BOAT SPEED

    30-34MPH

    BOAT SPEED 

    34-36MPH

    60-100LBS

    59”-63”

    59”-63”

    59”-63”

    95-125LBS

    62”-64”

    62”-63”

    62”-63”

    115-140LBS

    64”-66”

    63”-66”

    63”-65”

    135-160LBS

    66”-67”

    65”-66”

    64”-65”

    150-180LBS

    67”-68”

    67”-67”

    65”-67”

    170-200LBS

    68”-72”

    67”-68”

    66”-68”

    190-215LBS

    72”

    68”-72”

    67”-68”

    210LBS & UP

    72”

    68”-72”

    68”-72”
    Materials
    There are a lot of factors when it comes to choosing a ski, and materials are one of them. Typically, you will see options like alloy, graphite, and lithium. Different material effect skis' overall weight, flex, reactivity, and speed. It is important to have a basic understanding of what makes each of these material different and which material is best for your current skill level.
    Alloy: Alloy is going to be the most forgiving material, good in choppy waters, and best for beginners, as it is the most stable. They often have a Polyurethane (PU) core with carbon/glass layers.
    Graphite: Graphite skis are going to be stiffer than alloy-based skis. They typically have more carbon in them. This material gives a more balanced fast responding ski for course activites.   Graphite is great for those who are moving up in skill level and is a great mix of performance and value.  They often have a PU core with extra carbon for stiffness.
    Lithium: This is going to be the most expensive material, as they are highly responsive, being the lightest and the fastest, but the least forgiving. This material is best for advanced course skiiers, best used on the water with ideal conditions. These skis have the highest-end cores (like PVC or PMI) with a full carbon core.
    COMBO SKIS
    Combo water skis are a pair of wider, more stable skis, one for each foot, designed for beginners to easily learn how to water ski by providing stability and easier deep-water starts, often allowing for progression to a single slalom ski by dropping one ski when ready.  They feature simple, adjustable bindings, a broader surface area, and sometimes a V-bottom for better tracking, making learning balance and turns simpler before mastering advanced single-ski techniques. Combo water skis are typically shorter and wider than slalom skis. Most adult combo water skis are 65" to 68" long, and most kids' combo water skis are 45" to 47". 

    Standard skis: They measure 6" to 7" wide and are considered skinnier than other options. Getting up and moving is more difficult on skis this wide -- but you get better speed and responsiveness.

    Medium skis: They measure 7" to 8" wide and provide some extra surface area. This makes getting up and riding easier for beginners, while still being nimble. This width is a "happy medium" that allows new riders to get faster and get more aggressive as their confidence grows.

    Wide skis: They measure 8" to 9" and are the easiest to learn on, especially when it comes to getting started in deep water. They provide the most stability, making them ideal for brand-new and large riders. But they do sacrifice some top speed and maneuverability.

    Combo Water Ski Size Chart
    Weight  Size 
    50 - 100 lbs 58" - 60"
    80 - 130 lbs 62" - 64"
    120 - 160 lbs 65" - 66"
    150 - 200 lbs 67" - 68"
    180 - 220 lbs 69" - 70"
    200+ lbs 71" - 72"

    Beginner Tips

    • Start with a combo pair (children may need trainer skis) 
    • Better to start with a longer ski than normal 
    • Starting with double skis will help with getting up and more surface area for easier starts

    General Maintenance

    • Store your equipment in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to prolong its lifespan  
    • Rinse all equipment with freshwater and immediately dry it thoroughly in a shaded, well-ventilated area
    • Protect fins 
    • Never place a ski bottom-side down on any surface as it can cause damage  to the fins and scratch the base 

    If you have any further questions about waterskis, please call or email us!
    Open Monday — Saturday
    9AM - 5PM
    Sales@WileySki.com
    206-762-1300