Waterskiing is one of the most enjoyable and exciting activities you can do out on the water, not to mention its a great workout. So before you hit the lake let's go over some of the essential equipment you need to get started!
A Boat
Basically, all we need is something that is capable of pulling us up and out of the water. You don't need anything too fancy, a lot of people first experience watersports behind a pontoon boat, a fishing boat, or even a jet ski. As long as your vessel of choice has enough power to get you up and on top of the water, you can waterski behind just about anything.
A Waterski
Well, this one might seem obvious, but there are a lot of options out there, and the choices can be overwhelming. Determining the type of ski you should get will be mainly based on two things; the type of skiing you will be doing, and your skill level. Are you completely new to waterskiing and aren't sure what to get? A pair of combo skis or even the HO Hovercraft would be great options to get you started. However, if you're looking for something a bit more slalom specific, you should take a look at our Top 3 Slalom Skis For Beginners.
A Rope and Handle
Ideally, a waterski specific rope and handle will work best. There are quite a few options when it comes to waterski ropes, and like most things, the more you spend the better quality and longevity you will get.
Want to learn the difference between Waterski and Wakeboard ropes/handles? Check out the blogs below, where we take an in depth look at the differences between the two.
A Life Jacket
Not only will a life jacket keep you safe and afloat when you fall, it will also make getting up out of the water much easier when you are starting out. When choosing a life jacket, it is important to get one that fits properly. Wondering if your vest is too big? Simply have someone pull the vest upwards by the shoulders while you have it on, if it slides up easily, that vest is likely too big. When taking a look at vests online, make sure to refer to the Size Chart to make sure you get the correct size.
*Never waterski without wearing a properly fitted life jacket
Gloves
Gloves can be an added luxury, and are definitely not required for everyone who decides to go out waterskiing. But if you find your hands hurting after every set, it might be a good idea to invest in some waterski gloves. There are a ton of great gloves out there, and if you are just getting started, there are plenty of options that won't break the bank.
A Swimsuit and a Positive Attitude
The age old saying, “Rome wasn’t built in a day”, can apply to learning anything new, especially waterskiing. It takes almost every new skier several tries to get up, so don’t get discouraged. Remember to keep your knees bent, arms straight, and let the boat do the work, you'll be waterskiing in no time!
Well, that’s about it. If you checked your shed and you have all this gear, you're ready to hit the water! Missing anything? Click Here to browse all of our waterski gear.
Already have everything on this list? Check out the 5 Water Ski Accessories You Need To Have.