Slalom Water Skis

Don't get us wrong, we love to wakeboard, surf, wakeskate, etc. but here at BoardCo we love to ski just as much. Skiing is our roots, where we began over 20 years ago before wakeboards were even invented. Our staff takes early morning pulls through the local slalom course behind our company direct drive regularly. Water skiing is engrained in our DNA and we love to spread the good word of 36 mph turns.

This page is designed to help you pick out the best water ski to fit your needs. The right water ski can make a huge difference. If you are just starting out or are a bit rusty, the right ski will help you get up easier and make it more fun; if you are an experienced skier, the perfect stick can take your abilities to a whole new level. Feel free to contact our customer service reps and they can answer any questions you may have and help in the quest for the perfect ski. In the meantime, here is a breakdown of some of the basics you will need to know when selecting a water ski:

Skill Level
Determining your skill level is the most important thing you can possibly do when choosing a new water ski. Identify your level and then choose a ski that will help you take your game to the next stage:

Beginner: First time skier to cruising back and forth through the wakes. Beginner water skis are much easier when getting up and are extra stable on top of the water. These skis are great for rough water conditions, slower boat speeds (under 28 mph).

Intermediate: Turns and harder cuts through the wake but not skiing in the course. Skis on this level are typically easier to get up on than more advanced skis. Intermediate water skis are good for taking things up a notch and will help you move into pulling through the wakes and making sharper turns. These skis are great options for skiers that haven't strapped in in a while and may have gained a few extra pounds since the last time. Most intermediate skis work best at speeds around 26-32 mph.

Advanced: Pulling through the wake with smooth methodical turns; possibly skiing the course. This breed is designed for the skier that wants to take things to the next level. Advanced skis are designed to ski fast, turn quick and constantly seek for an edge. Sometimes they can be a bit intimidating if you haven't ever been on one, but they will help you elevate your skills considerably. Advanced water skis are best at faster boat speeds (30 mph plus).

Tournament: Skiing in a buoy course. These water skis are the real deal; the most technical, highest performing skis on the planet. Tournament level water skis are faster, lighter and more responsive than any other skis and are specifically tuned and designed for rounding buoys at faster speeds. Though they can be skied at slower speeds 32-26 mph are where they perform best.

Boat Speed
How fast you ski is a major determining factor when choosing a new ski and is typically linked closely with your skill level. A ski that is designed for slower boat speeds will have more surface area so it won't sink too deep in the water, where a ski designed for faster speeds will respond and accelerate quicker if you ski at a faster speed. Once you determine your skill level you might discover that changing your boat speed could bring additional benefits to your performance.

Sizing
Getting the proper water ski size is extremely important, especially at faster speeds and higher skill levels. A full breakdown of what size ski would be best for you is available under each water ski, as each ski has different weight recommendations based on surface area. The longer a ski is, the higher it will ride in the water and the less effort it will be to ride. The shorter a ski is, the quicker it will turn and the better it will track in the water. If you are getting a ski that multiple people will use, always pick a size that will work for the largest person.