So you or someone you know is just starting the skiing journey. So you undoubtedly need to know about the best water skis for beginners so that you can be successful.
There are many water skis on the market but the best beginner water skis are those that suit you specifically.
Research shows that between the years 2006 and 2017 the number of people engaged in water skiing amounted to 3.57 million for those over six years of age. This is a testament to its popularity as a fun activity.
Water skis have also been improved in recent years as they are now made from modern materials such as carbon fiber, graphite, or fiberglass. Users also benefit from sturdier bindings and graphics.
You do not need to fret if you need the best water ski for beginners as this article clears up your most pressing issues and provides a variety of options so that you can make the right selection.
8 Best Water Skis For Beginners (2022)
Brand | Skill Level | Gender | Rating | Check Now |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Editor's Choice | Beginner | Unisex | 100% | |
2. Radar Terrain Skis High Performance | Beginner/ | Unisex | 99% | |
3. Connelly Voyage Budget Friendly | Beginner | Unisex | 96% | |
4. Connelly Super Sport For Kids | Beginner | Kids | 97% | |
5. HO Excel Combo | Beginner | Unisex | 98% | |
6. Connelly Aspect | Beginner | Unisex | 93% | |
7. Radar Union Slalom Ski | Beginner | Unisex | 96% | |
8. Connelly Big Easy | Beginner | Unisex | 97% |
As a beginner, you will need the best beginner water skis especially because you need to get the hang of it before you can really focus on mastering the sport.
We take the research process quite seriously as we search for the most impressive options that can be found.
Note that several of the selections may be used for beginners along with intermediate skiers.
Make sure that you pay attention to the design and the materials they were made from to find the ones best suited to you.
1. Connelly Eclypse Water Ski
Best Water Skis For Beginners (Editor's Choice)
Design
If you are looking for the best water skis for beginners, look no further than Connelly Eclypse.
This water ski was designed to facilitate easy and fun skiing for everyone regardless of age. It is no surprise this ski is our number one pick.
It is designed with a wide tail and nose. It also has a narrow waist so that you have an easier time with deep water starts and those lively rides.
You have the benefit of Swerve with RTS bindings that are created with an outer wrap that is elastomer and also contour conforming.
This provides a superior level of flex and comfort. They are perfect for the entire family as they can be used for all skill levels as well as ages.
Features
Another useful feature is the lace adjustable bindings as you enjoy hours on the water.
It is designed in the shape of a standard tunnel so that you are set deeper in the water and starts are easier.
The standard tunnel also has the benefit of leaving more flat surface between the tunnel edge and the bevel for unmatched stability.
The front tracking will also remain straight becuase of the Connelly Tracking System (CTS) .
It can also fit most boot sizes due to the Swerve binding. It features an aluminium drop fin and a high gloss UV coat.
You can feel safe with these skis as long as you dont cross 275 lbs.
2. Radar Terrain Slalom Ski
High Performance
Design
Whenever the weather is right and you are on the open water, you can trust the Radar Terrain Slalom Ski + Prime & ARTP Bindings to deliver high performance.
It is designed with straight lines as well as the newly developed Grip Rails which allows speed maintenance.
When skiing you can easily carve through choppy water as if your skis are a hot knife going through butter. If high performance is what you seek as a beginner then the Radar Terrain Slalom Ski.
It is also expertly designed with a balance point called you flat spot which is located at the top of your foot by the toes.
This allows you to have a position of balance whenever you turn. You will be able to stand confidently as well as make turns symetrically on either sides of the course.
Features
The Radar Terrain Slalom Ski is made from 100% carbon fiber that is able to provide a consistent flex.
It also features a forgiving construction of a core made from polyurethane and wood stringers of paulownia. Becuase of this you can easily cross wakes and automatically initiate turns.
You can expect the ski to roll naturally on edge and the Grip Rails gives you an increased lift and decreased drag for better flow and ease.
The water will flow cleany down the centre because of the flat spine directly in the middle.
3. Connelly Voyage Water Ski
Budget Friendly
Design
If you prefer an option that is more budget friendly then look no further than the Connelly Voyage Water Ski + Slide Adjustable Bindings.
It is designed to make leaving the water much easier with its combination of a wider frame along with a traditional shape.
You will have stability while you are riding due to the step base technology that serves to reduce drag and the centre fin.
The bindings are easily adjustable wich means that everyone can have fun using them. Beneath the bindings and toward the tail end you will notice the usual shape with a frame that is a bit wider on this Connelly Voyage.
You will be able to get up and leave the water with ease because of the extra surface area.
The surface area also serves to provide balance and stability in your stance. Drag is reduced because of the step base technology.
Features
It features a beautiful highgloss UV coat and it is made from Reinforced Composite Construction.
There is also a spine feature running the ski’s lenght that is not too prominent and helps to keep you straight and stable.
The bindings are adjustable and the fins are constructed from glass filled nylon.
4. Connelly Super Sport Pair Water Skis
For Kids
Design
The Connelly Super Sport Pair Water Skis + Junior Slide Adj. Bindings was designed with wide tips for an easy ride and a stabilizer that is removable and gives great guidance.
Because the bindings are adjustable, they allow multiple users and therefore more control.
Adults would be able to use the double handed rope to control the pull. This feature puts Connelly a cut above the competition because it makes it easier for beginners to get started in the sport.
Perfect for the beginner skier, these skis were expertly designed with children in mind. It is parabolic shaped with a wider shovelled tip allows the child to have better and easier water start.
You don't have to worry about the skis spreading too far apart because it was designed with a detachable stabilizer bar for enhanced stability.
Features
Becuase of the slide adjustable bindings, you should expect the skis to fit a wide variety of smaller foot sizes (between 4-9). It would be perfect for anyone weighing less than 145 pounds.
The fin is made from glass filled nylon and constructed from reinforced composite. The stabilizer bar inserts also come in handy.
5. HO Excel Combo Water Skis
Design
The HO Excel Combo Water Skis + Adj. Horseshoe Bindings are an excellent choice for those who are just starting out at water skiing.
This is especially true if you would like to get up on and then work up enough skill to handle dropping down on one ski.
It is designed in the traditional shape however there is also a unique tunnel bottom design for a more stable ride.
When it comes to establishing your skiing ability, the HO Excel Combo Water Skis is exactly what you need.
Features
The HO Excel Combo Water Skis is proven to be dependable and has a speed recommendation of up to 26 miles per hour.
It also features a compatible trainer bar and an instructional video when you follow the link at HOsports.com/Learn2waterski.
This ski is perfect for beginners but skiers at the intermediate level can also use it. It is made from composite core material and you get a one year warranty with your purchase.
6. Connelly Aspect Slalom Water Ski
Design
As a beginner, you would most likely be in search of a ski that can perform well at lower speeds and the Connelly Aspect Slalom Water Ski with Swerve RTS Bindings is exactly that type of ski.
It is designed to be nimble and light especially for those beginner who want to have a high level of manoeuvrability but also the float of a wider ski.
It will also suit the needs of intermediate skiers who do not possess the big guns but still want to get out there.
You get everything you need with the Connelly Aspect Slalom Water Ski, like a speed base that is polished so that you can glide behind the boat. At the same time, you benefit from the Swerve with RTS Bindings for a lace up that can accommodate everyone’s toes.
Features
Expect to experience more edge hold because of the standard tunnel which is a concave feature designed to run along the middle of the ski and helps to set it a bit deeper in the water.
You also end up with a more flat surface for stability. It also features a closed cell polyurethane resin core with v-tech aluminum drop through fins
7. Radar Union Slalom Ski
Design
For a smoother and stable water skiing experience the Radar Union Slalom Ski + Prime & ARTP Bindings.
This ski is designed to offer the user a ride that is more forgiving and facilitates rapid movement. It has been around for many years, providing superior performance.
The flat spot is specially crafted to give balance and is located in the toe area and the front of your feet. You can have confidence in your stance and manuevre the skis effectively.
Features
You can expect the ski to roll naturally on edge and the Grip Rails gives you an increased lift and decreased drag for better flow and ease.
The Open water series features a design that allows more continuous carve. Also expect it to cross wakes easily as it is made from paulownia wood stringers and a polyurethane core.
8. Connelly Big Easy Slalom Water Ski
Design
The Connelly Big Easy Slalom Water Ski + Swerve with RTS Bindings are a new spin on a classic water ski that first appeared in 1997.
It was designed for easy, stable and smooth riding while also having superb stability. It is perfect for beginners attempting it for the first time.
Features
It features an expertly designed contoured build that can achieve stiffness and flex on the width and length.
It is made from an Acrylam base and a closed cell Polyurethane resin core. The standard tunnel give you edge hold and stability.
Factors To Consider When Looking For The Best Water Skis
Your Ski Level
When looking for the best slalom water ski, choose the one that matches your skill level. Slalom skis are considered the best for beginners, and they come in different types and fittings. However, the most important thing is going for a ski that helps you with where you are at skiing.
If you are a beginner, you should go for the less aggressive ski, as the aggressive ones may cause injury if you are unable to control it. Apart from injury, there could be cases of you unable to manage your movements.
Ski manufacturers have designed several skis to match all skill levels. Whether you are a beginner, intermediate, or an advanced skier, all you have to do is check, cross-check, and confirm that the one you get meets your needs.
Material
The material options of a water ski determine the performance of that particular ski. Water skis are originally made out of carbon fiber or a mixture of graphite and fiberglass. They are lightweight, strong, and durable.
Fiberglass, which is the most used water ski material, is strong, lightweight, and is durable. The polyurethane material used for water skis is usually injected with a high-density polyurethane foam into a heated mold, and it is found at the center of the ski.
This high-density foam is added to provide stiffness in different ski areas, which makes it more durable.
The last material to look out for is wood; a new addition used to make water skis. While looking out for water skis, check for those skis whose materials are either made from fiberglass, carbon fiber and those that have a little addition of wood and polyurethane. These materials provide the best durability and offer the best support when skiing.
Water Ski Types
- Slalom skis can be gotten as a single ski with two bindings, with one behind the other. Its shape is considered the widest under the forward binding, while the ski tail is narrow. The narrow tail allows advanced skiers to decelerate as fast as possible when coming into a turn. It is ideal for skiers wanting a quick-turning ski for recreation or slalom courses.
- Shaped skis, also known as mid-skis, are quite similar to Slalom skis as they can also be gotten as a single ski with two bindings. Shaped skis are wider than slalom skis, and they are more comfortable for stable rides.
These shaped skis can be used at a slower speed and are recommended for teaching deep water starts as well as slalom course techniques. - Combo skis can be gotten as a pair with one ski set up with two bindings and the other with single binding. Everyone can use combo skis. Beginners can use both skis for easier starts as it provides more stability. As they become advanced, they can drop one.
The Combos have adjustable bindings to fit different levels of skiers. They are available in narrow shapes similar to the Slalom skis and the wide shaped ski-types. - Youth skis or Junior skis are shorter for smaller, lightweight skiers. It is an entry-level ski, and it has a removable retainer-either a rope or bar-between the skis.
This set-up makes it possible so that a child or a lightweight skier doesn't get dragged underwater during starts or in case of a fall. It also makes it easier and safer for children to learn to ski and helps them master the traditional skiing techniques.
Bindings
Bindings in water skis are designed to hold your foot to the top of the ski. They are made from soft neoprene and are shaped to fit your foot perfectly while connecting you to the ski. By moving your weight from one foot to another or by twisting it, you control the direction of your skis.
Looking out for bindings in water skis is necessary because with the proper bindings, your foot is firmly in place, and the comfort makes you perfect your starts and turns.
Fins
Fins, just like the wood material, are another addition to water ski. They are shaped like the dorsal fin of a shark. That's why they are called fins.
Fins help to keep the ski from sliding sideways during turns and to keep it staying straight. They are mostly used to control the ski movement and can be found under the back end or by the tail of a water ski.
Water Skis FAQs
What Is The Best Boat Speed For Water Skiing?
You do not want to be going so fast that you get thrown off balance or too slow that the ride becomes boring and less fun.
Different speeds are suitable for various activities. Therefore, you can decide what speed is best for you and tell your boat driver how fast you would like to go.
For a recreational ride, 30mph is advised. However, you can go slower or faster according to your skills and capacity.
What Is The Difference Between Water Skiing And Wakeboarding?
The difference between waterskiing and wakeboarding has been a recurring question for ages. They are two different sports that can be done on the water.
Wakeboarding involves you using a wakeboard that looks like a large snowboard. You ride facing your side, just the way you would if you were snowboarding.
On the other hand, water skiing involves you riding on two separate skis or one ski with your feet facing forward while you are being tugged by a boat
Final Words
Without a doubt, the Connelly Eclypse Water Ski is the way to go if you're looking for the best water skis for beginners.
This ski check all the boxes in terms of design, convenience, performance and visual appeal. It is no surprise this ski is our top selection.
The water ski was made to foster easy skiing for all ages. It is has a wide tail and nose and a narrow waist so that you have an easier time with deep water starts.
The Swerve with RTS bindings that are quite impressive and useful. Many people like the aluminium drop fin and the high gloss UV coat.
As long as you dont weigh more than 275 lbs, you can feel safe with these skis.