10 Best Water Skis for Beginners [Review & Buyer’s Guide] In 2020
Today, we’re reviewing the ten best water skis for beginners.
So, let’s get started with the review…
As the beginner, if you want to learn some skills of water skiing, then it is essential to take into account the superior and best quality of the water ski for yourself.
Table of Contents
10 Best Water Skis for Beginners – Review & Guide
So many options and products are ruling around in the marketplaces that are best with their manufacturing and durable aspects. But choosing the best one is instead an important task to do with.
Types of Water Skis
There is no doubt that water Skiing is one of the extremely interesting and recreational sports. In this kind of sport, a skier is usually and mainly pulled behind by a fast-moving powerboat. Here you will now come to know about the main types and kinds of water skis:
The first main type which is the part of water skis category, it is these combination pairs. It is the most common and one of the easiest to use and operate skis.
If you are a beginner then you should always buy this kind of water ski. This option comes with wider tips so that the learner can enjoy and experience better control.
Then we have Slalom skis for you. They are great skis if you want to make sharp turns as well as if you want to ski faster and faster. We have seen that beginner level slalom ski comprises wider tails and also flat bottoms.
In this way, it will become convenient for the skier to get up and to remain and stay straight. For intermediate levels skis and advanced skis, they are featured with tapered tails and beveled edges and they also have this concave bottom.
These levels of Slalom skis are more difficult and tough to use. By using them, you will notice that you are going all faster and making sharper turns.
Moving to another type of water skis, we have trick skis for you. They are mainly utilized for jumping, spinning and too for doing and performing tricks.
They are wide and short at the same time. These kinds of water skis have no fins. As they are without fins, for the reason that they are tough to control and handle but at the same time easier to turn and convenient to slide.
These jump skis are mainly and primarily designed for the purpose of jumping off ramps. They are extremely long but lightweight.
They comprise a highly specific design in them. These kinds of skis resemble a lot with long and old-fashioned skis which used to have a wider and longer profile and high-tech construction.
Advantages of Using Water Skis
There can be enormous advantages and benefits of using water skis, below we have listed a few for you:
Below we will discuss upon the list of top ten best water skis for beginners! Check out below!
Water Skis for Beginners – Our Top Picks
Last update on 2023-01-30 / Source: Amazon Affiliates / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
1. CWB Cadet Combo
- Brand exclusive Connelly tracking system
- High gloss UV coat to protect the ski from elements
- Boat side safety handle
- Glass filled nylon fin for a smooth glide over the water
The CWB Cadet Combo is a serious water ski for a serious sports enthusiast. A good pick if you don’t have the money to splurge, it touts a super robust, heavy duty composite construction to assure you a reliable performance every time you step on it.
Meanwhile, the detachable stabilizer bar ensures that the ski stays in place, even when cruising at a maximum speed of 28kmph. Further, the strategically placed rope attaches to the stabilizer, taking some load off your little skier. That way, he/she can float on the water for a long distance without losing balance.
You will love the cadet rope that allows you to control the ski safely from the boat or drop the handle smoothly in case of a fall. And so you may know, this unit can handle skiers with a total weight of up to 80 pounds. It measures 2 x 45 inches so carrying from the water to the shore or storing it on your boat shouldn’t be a problem.
Verdict
The CWB Cadet Combo has our vote if you’re in for a water ski for a lightweight skier. Make no mistake about it though – it is sturdy enough to meet the demands of frequent use. Plus, it comes at a price that will not leave a hole in your wallet.
2. O’Brien Jr Vortex
- Tunneled bottoms for control and stability
- Removable stabilizer bar
- Oversize rear boot and a larger fin
- Easy to use with an adjustable lock at the heel
The O’Brien Jr Vortex is great for beginner and intermediate skiers alike. With a combination of a directional tail and rocker tip, this thing is for anyone who wants to play some, dodge some and have some fun while at it. It is the unit to go for if you’re after a perfect balance of tail release and stability of the edge.
Unlike the CWB Cadet Combo, this water ski is relatively larger, with dimensions of 54 x 8 x 0.5 inches and an estimated weight of 15 pounds. Besides, it has an extra wide front body, complete with a parabolic shape for quick water starts. And there’s the stabilizer bar for a more relaxed, comfortable pull.
Indeed, this workhorse deserves mention among the best water skis for kids. It touts dual density adjustable bindings to fit children’s size 2 and men’s size 7′. The weight capacity stands at 140 pounds, making this one of the most versatile skis in its category.
Verdict
The O’Brien Jr Vortex is a water ski that your little monster can grow with. Reviewers say it can work for children as young as five years and teens as old as 17 years. Moreover, it is perfect for both boys and girls. Now, that’s a unisex ski for beginners’ right there!
3. CWB Supersport Combo
- Heavy duty composite construction for durability
- Patented Connelly Tracking System
- High gloss Ultra violet coat
The CWB Supersport is an excellent alternative to the CWB Cadet Combo if you’re searching for a water ski that can handle more weight from the same brand. More specifically, this baby can handle a total weight of 135 pounds, up from 80 pounds offered by the Cadet Combo.
What’s more? It sports an innovative design to make skiing super easy and fun for people trying to learn the ropes. It has a wide nose and longer tail so that your young skier can get up and out of the water even in the deep starts.
Meanwhile, the narrow width underfoot ensures that the ski is both responsive and playful. While this isn’t the biggest of modes (it measures 2 x 55″), the downsizing makes it a supersport pair for the lovers of speed. As you’d expect for top-rated water ski, this comes with an included stabilizer to allow you to keep a safe distance between the skier and the boat. Of course, you can remove the bar once you learn the basics for optimal performance.
Verdict
The CWB Supersport Combo has our vote for beginners transitioning into intermediaries. It is a “wide body ski” that offers more control than most in-class models. Reviewers say it can accommodate foot size anywhere between 4 and 9, making it perfect for small kids and teens alike.
4. Nash Hydroslide Legend
- Trendy, modern design
- Ability to handle heavy users
- Big frame to accommodate adults
- Quicker turning
- Adjustable binding for more rapid maneuverability
You don’t have to be a kid to start water skiing. The Nash Hydroslide is for any adult who wants to try his/her hand in the sport. We recommend it if you are in for a unit that can offer intermediate performance. Arguably one of the brawniest models on the market, this workhorse can comfortably carry skier weighing over 120 pounds.
Setting this ski apart from others in its category is the tapered tail that allows you to make quick turns at top speed. The universal fit slide binds enable you to adjust your position quickly on the water or in case of sudden waves.
We love the stylish design of these babies. They flaunt a black body with red prints to make you stand out both on the water and on the beach. As for the weight, the duo is 17.35 heavy.
Verdict
The Nash Hydroslide Legend is potentially the best water ski for adults on this list. Sure, it doesn’t look strapping, but it can carry skiers as heavy as 150 pounds. Reviewers say this unit is relatively big, so you should only consider it if your shoe is size not less than 10. Otherwise, it will not work for small kids or teenagers. One more thing – this ski combo comes in an assortment of vibrant colors ranging from gray to white and black.
5. Rave Sports Combos
- Perfect fit aided by the flexible bindings
- Stable and responsive performance
- Square narrow and narrow fin
- Soft step inserts for added comfort and support
Are you in the mood to freestyle? Well, these water skis by Rave Sports have got you sorted, whether you’re riding backward or forward, thanks to the super responsive design. Another good option for adults, it measures 170 centimeters long so you shouldn’t have a maintaining your balance over a long stretch.
The center ridge combines with the edge channels to keep you stable on deep waters while allowing you to fiddle with the direction your ski takes quickly. More than that, the thin top and symmetrical flex pattern enables you to cut over wakes and through waves effortlessly.
Even though this pair doesn’t have the whistles and bells of most water skis, it offers a five-star performance for beginners and pros alike thanks to the lightweight carbon inserts that provide the much-needed stability when charging hard. And, the pricing is reasonable as well, so you don’t have to worry if you’re on a tight budget.
Verdict
The Rave Sports Combos are high rated water skis for beginners from an equally highly rated brand. With the ability to carry up to 125 pounds of weight, these will meet the needs of any adult no matter their skill level. We recommend the pair if you want to transition from combos to slalom quickly and easily. Regarding the size, these measure 68 x 8 x 7 inches and have a total weight of 17 pounds.
6. AIRHEAD Trainer
- Simple, no frills design
- Robust fiberglass rudders
- Double handle rope
- Attractive, yellow and blue pattern
The name couldn’t have been more appropriate. The AIRHEAD is all about training you how to ski on water. A low budget option, this one comes with everything you’d want to get started from binding and double handle tow rope. With such features, it is also a brilliant choice for teaching the sport.
One of the most notable highlights of these skis is the crossbar at the tip. Not only does it distribute the tension evenly throughout the board, but also enhance control. The fiberglass reinforced nylon rudders come in handy when you want more stability and tracking.
Reviewers praise the crossbar and tail that you can detach from the slide depending on the age of the user. And, speaking of the skier, this pair is ideal for children size 12 and adult size 5. You can count on the ski’s broad tail to provide lift as you take off.
Verdict
The AIRHEAD Trainer, tick every box the best ski for beginners should, and more. For starters, the duo is available in 45-inch sizes for kids and 67 inches for adults. It is the pair to go for if you’re a lightweight learner weighing less than 100 pounds.
Did we mention that these are all wood? Well, they are! Do you know what this means? Well, it implies that you can trust the ski to handle the rigors of frequent use and last through the years.
7. CWB Connelly Big Daddy
- Top speed cruising speed
- Advanced profile technology
- High rider weight capacity
- Closed cell polyurethane body with a resin core for reliability
Do you have the money to spend? If your answer is yes, you need to check out Big Daddy by the renowned CWB. Our pick if you’re after a high-end water ski, this thing is for anyone one who isn’t scared of a unit that can cruise effortlessly at a top speed of 30mph.
The manufacturers named this ski “Big Daddy” – and rightfully so. For starters, it can carry over 220 pounds of weight. Do you know what this tells you? Well, it implies that this is the water ski to go for if you’re a heavier skier. Moreover, you will appreciate the generous 550 square inches of surface area for stellar stability.
The wide tip and narrow tail combine with the brand-exclusive Connelly Tracking System to provide swift, deep water starts. Add the small underfoot design and the revolutionary flex pattern. The result is a water ski that any beginner will appreciate.
Verdict
The CWB Big Daddy is in a class of its own – literally speaking. Designed for adults and young skiers, it offers a foot size of 9 to 14. The ski 69 inches long so you can bet it’ll float conveniently on the water while allowing you to cut corners and jump over waves in a breeze.
8. Rave Jr. Shredder
- Soft binding for a comfortable and secure grip
- Easy to adjust bar
- Great for transitioning from combo skiing to slalom
These racing inspired water skis to excel where others fail – at slow speed, and the tide is high. They have a well-thought-out, massive edge that allows them to turn quickly without affecting the rider’s grip. Reviewers say this pair is darn steady and has very minimum chatter.
These can support riders weighing anywhere between 80 to 125 pounds. With such a capacity, they’re a perfect choice for getting your pre-teen or early teen skier up and out the water and cutting through waves in no time. They can also work for lighter adults.
You will love the wide shape and the center bottom to keep you up and skiing without affecting your balance. And then there’s the train bar, an essential feature for a beginner. You can remove the bar as you gain confidence through the training session.
Verdict
The makers for Rave Jr. Shredder had a water ski trainee in mind. One of the reasons the sport love it is the compact sizing to make the duo manageable by both light and younger skiers. At 54 inches long, this unit brings forth the benefits of adult-sized models while allowing learners to enjoy maximum fun. And, like most models from the brand, this one has soft step inserts to hold your feet in place comfortably.
9. Hydroslide Junior
- Drop through plastic fins
- Slide adjustable bindings for a comfortable fit
- Included training crossbar
- Can double up as a recreation pair
The Hydroslide Junior is incredibly stable and quick when making turns. While this compilation primarily focuses on best water ski for beginners, we had to throw in this one if you’re scouting for a model designed for intermediate skiers.
The pair comes with a tunnel concave bottom allows you to perform low-key tricks and maneuvers on the water while allowing you to maintain your balance. The cleverly placed trainer bar helps keep the ski parallel to the boat so you can perfect your moves quickly.
Those who have used this thing praise the fit slide bindings, enabling you to get it effortlessly and adjust the grip as you ski on water. For those who may want to know, this duo is for riders weighing anywhere between 80 to 120 pounds. It is 138 centimeters long and weighs 17 pounds.
Verdict
The Hydroslide Junior is for anyone whose skill set is beyond the beginner level. It is for the people with a boot size of 4 to 10. The only thing to note here is that the pair doesn’t come with a trainer rope so you’ll have to buy separately. But then again, this is a mid-budget option.
10. Ho Blast Combo
- Tail weights for beginners
- Lightweight (weighs about 21 pounds)
- Smooth glide
The Ho Blast Combo wraps up our best ski for beginners roundup. Featuring a traditional design, these seek to take skiing to the next level by boosting a starter’s confidence in the water. Top on the list of notable highlights is the wider half front that allows riders to pop out of the water without using a lot of strain and effort on deep water starts.
On than that, this pair has a deep V bottom design to enable you to enhance tracking on both starts a couple of minutes after you get the balance. It touts a solid shaped body, reinforced with a cut design so you can turn from side to side swiftly.
Each ski is 74 inches long. It is ideal for skiers with a weight of 70 to 15 pounds. Further, exclusive Horseshoe style binding fits most size foot not to mention that you can adjust the sliding heel in a cinch.
Verdict
The Ho Blast Combo is a great ski for beginners and intermediate kids. It fits boots size 9 and can also serve lighter adults. And, with the long, slim tail, you can bet that this duo will provide stability and comfort level required for skiers to remain on the water for hours upon hours. You will love the directional flex to give you a softer landing at higher speeds whether even during hard start. Be sure to view the Ho Blast – you will like it!
Conclusion – Wrapping It Up!
We are sure that this list of top 10 water skis for beginners will help you a lot in letting you know which kind of the water ski will best for the beginners to choose it right now. Find the one that suits your best requirements and needs!
Things to Consider While Purchasing Water Skis
So, before you buy any kind of water ski, make sure that you keep in mind these important points with respect to the buying guide. This guide will help you buy the best water skis for yourself:
Water Ski Length
Your chosen water ski length should match with your weight range as well. This is an important aspect which you should consider and always keep in mind. It means that before buying water skis, the length of your chosen ski should be and needs to be largely dependent on the size of yours.
If your weight is about 90- to 150-Pounds, then you need to go for that kind of skis which are mainly in between the length range of 64- and 66-inches. On the other hand, if your weight range is about 150- to 200-Pounds then skiers should buy that type of ski which falls in the length range of 66- and 69-inches.
Construction Material
This is the next important aspect which the skiers have to keep in mind. Water skis are made of varied and different materials. They can be made of fiberglass as well as composite carbon graphite. These kind of materials are going to make your water ski more flexible and lightweight.
You can buy the water skis which are made of aluminum too. This material will also be going to make your water ski option extremely durable. It is always seen that buoyant materials are used in the making and manufacturing process of water skis.
Sharp & Rounded Edges
Look for that kind of water ski option which has sharp and rounded edges. It is because of the sharper edges, the easier the skier can increase the speed. Due to the presence of more rounded-edges, it will be easier for the skier to slow down.
For the beginners, it is suggested for them to buy a water ski which has rounded edges, such a water ski will give and offer them more control.
Fins & Bindings
Most of the water skis, they are featured and packed with a bottom side fin, this feature will add more stability in your chosen and bought water ski. You can remove these fins as well. They come in several shapes and various kinds of sizes.
Moreover, search for that water ski whose bindings are adjustable. Note that bindings are the important part of a water ski that where your foot is going to be inserted into.
Flex & Rocker
It is this flex feature which is going to let your water ski to bend vertically as well as horizontally. This flex feature heavily and immensely contributes to turning job.
When you buy a water ski, this feature has to be present in it. And if there is a more rocker on your water ski, then it will eventually help and guide a skier to turn easily and fast.
