Water Ski Selection
Types of Skis
In water skiing, there are four (4) basic types of water skis that are available to choose from: Combination Pairs, Slalom Skis, Trick Skis, and Jump Skis. Of the four (4) types, two (2) of them – Combination Pairs and Slalom Skis – represent the majority of water skis purchased.
Combination
* The most common type of water ski that is purchased. Perfect for recreational use and the easiest of the four types to learn on.
* Features wider tips designed for better control for beginners to advanced skiers alike.
* One ski is also set up as a combination ski, containing a double binding that allows for the function of slalom skiing as well.
Slalom
* Higher speed ski that is ideal for sharp turns. Consists of one ski only.
* Recreational style slalom skis are typically wider in the tail and flatter on the bottom. This makes it easier for a rider to get up and go straight.
* Intermediate-to-Advanced slalom skis will have a more tapered tail with beveled edges. Additionally, they will have moderate or tunnel concave bottoms. This creates a more challenging ride, but the opportunity for faster rides and sharper turns.
Trick
* Skis designed for tricksters. Riders who perform jumps, spins, and various tricks on the water.
* A shorter and wider design of the ski makes trick skis designed for intermediate to advanced skill level riders.
* Trick Skis do not use fins. This creates a challenge for riders in controlling the skis, but makes them easier to turn and slide.
Jump
* Specifically designed for ramp jumping.
* Similar in design to old-fashioned water skis. Jump skis are designed with a longer and wider profile, but with a high-tech composite construction.
* Jump Skis are strong and durable, while at the same time lightweight.
Construction and Design
Construction
* The Water Skis of today are manufactured from fiberglass or a fiberglass/graphite composite. This makes for a ski with better durability and waterproofing.
Bottom Designs
* Concave
o Design is ideal for skiers who ski with their weight forward and very bent knees.
o Improves turning and maneuverability.
* Narrow Tunnel
o Design is ideal for skiers who ski with their weight on the back of their skis and an up-right stance.
o Partially concave bottom. Ski is wider.
Beveled Edges
* Sharper edges allow for faster speeds, but create a greater difficulty in control.
* Rounded edges are easier to control, but result in less sharp turns.
Rocker
* The rocker of a ski is the measurement of the curve on the bottom of a ski.
* Larger rockers result in greater in turning ability, but less acceleration.
Fin
* Located on the bottom of the ski.
* Makes turning and maneuvering easier.
Flex
* The measurement of stiffness in a ski.
* A lower flex represents a stiffer ski. This means that you can go faster on the ski, but turning is more challenging.
* Higher flex ratings indicate a more flexible ski that is easier to turn. Speed is sacrificed as a result.
Length
* Standard water skis measure 5 to 6 feet in length, 6 to 7 inches in width, and 1/2 to 3/4 inches in thickness.
* Longer skis are ideal for beginners because they provide better control, but they do not go as fast.
* Advanced skiers should use shorter skis because they provide greater rates of speed, but are more challenging to control.
* How to choose your correct ski length:
o Ski size is greatly dependent on the weight of the rider. If the weight falls on the line of two sizes, choose the larger ski size.
o Children: 30 – 80 pounds: 40-52 inches in length and 5-6 inches in width.
o Young Adults/Women: 80 – 150 pounds: 66-67 inches in length and 6 1/2 inches in width.
o Adults: 150 – 200 pounds: 68 inches in length and 6 1/2 inches in width.
o Adults: 200+ pounds: 69-72 inches in length and 7-8 inches in width.
Bindings
* The element of a water ski that holds your foot to the ski is the binding.
* Typically constructed of gummed rubber or neoprene with adjustable straps and reinforcing pieces on the heel to make them fit similar to a shoe.
* Combination Pair Skis: Will usually have one ski with one binding, while the other has a double for slalom ski capability.
* Combination Bindings: Are typically adjustable for multi-user use. They are also easier to put on and take off.
* Slalom Skis: Have a binding for each foot. Will be adjustable or fixed (plate) bindings, and have double boots or a rear toe piece.
* Single Boot Bindings: Convenient in-and-out, less secure than double booted bindings.
* Double Boot Bindings: Keep your feet in place better, but are less convenient to get in-and-out.
* Rear Toe Piece/Adjustable Bindings: Easier to get up on but provide less feel for your skis.
Rope Selection
* Water ski ropes require a slight bit of elasticity that can provide give as the skier changes his or her speed and goes from one turn to the next.
* Standard rope lengths are 70 feet. 75 feet with the handle included.
* Typically water ski ropes are made from polypropylene that will stretch 2-3% of its length under normal conditions.
* Rope give absorbs shock as a skier goes side-to-side cutting through boat wake.
* A recommended rope is one-quarter-inch diamond braid polyethylene or polypropylene with breaking strength greater than 800 pounds.
* Take-Offs: Allow for the shortening or lengthening of a rope from one attachment loop to the next. If you would like to ski closer to the boat, “take-off” loops, or further away, add loops.
* Standard ropes will contain up to 10 colored sections that you can “take-off”.
Handle Selection
Handle Diameters & Lengths
* Diameters can range anywhere from 1 inch for small hands to 1 1/4 inches for larger hands.
* Lengths typically range from 11-18 inches. The length is dependent on the size of the skier.
Recreational Handles
* Generally feature injection-molded rubber or plastic grips.
* Molded Grips: Will float because no water can get inside. May or may not have anything inside to provide strength and durability.
* Molded Grips: Typically less expensive than high-performance handles and uses less expensive rope materials.
Higher Performance Handles
* Typically feature construction based around an aluminum bar. Has had a soft, comfortable rubber molded to it.
* Provides lighter, stronger, comfortable, and more durable features than a molded handle. But is hollow, leaving the likelihood of water getting inside and causing the handle to sink.
http://www.WaterOutfitters.com
Author: Leo Shim
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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