The 7 best water skis 2024?

Water skiing has a long tradition and is still one of the most popular water sports activities today. Everyone has the opportunity to try out waterskiing at over 80 waterskiing facilities in Germany.

What many people don’t know:

Many advanced water skiers make the step from two skis to one at some point. Riding with a water ski is also known as slalom water skiing or monoskiing.

How to choose the right water skis:

BeyondSurfing has spent over 31 hours researching and presents the best models 2024. The buying guide will also tell you which water ski models are best suited to you and how you are guaranteed to make the right purchase decision.

The best water skis 2024?

In a hurry? Our favorite water ski:

These are the top 5 combo water skis in 2024

1. Jobe Allegre

Summary

This water ski set contains everything you need for your first attempts at water skiing. In addition to the 67” (1.70 m) long combo water skis, a swim vest, a rope and a carrying bag are included in the scope of delivery.

Thanks to their one-size binding, the skis are ideal as family or boat skis for several people. The binding is suitable for shoe sizes 36-47 and for people weighing over 50 kg.

The best:

These skis are also suitable for practicing slalom water skiing. One of the skis has a second binding and can be used as a monoski.

The V-Concave ensures stability in the water, while the skis remain maneuverable and a turn can be initiated with little effort.

Some people prefer a binding that fits the foot better. This does not play a major role for beginners.

Conclusion

Water ski set for beginners and the whole family.

Product details

Color: Lime Green | Binding Size: 36-47 | Length: 67 inches (1, 70 m) | Weight: N/A | Concave: V-Concave

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2. mesle combo

Summary

Radar is one of the major water ski brands and is known for its high-quality products. The Combo Origins are the manufacturer’s entry-level model and are suitable for anyone who wants to take their first steps in water skiing.

The included training bar is particularly helpful. It can be used to connect the two skis together. This makes it easier for beginners to keep the skis in a straight position.

Thanks to their thin profile, they feel agile yet stable on the water. The one-size binding is adjustable and is suitable for people up to shoe size 45. There is a second binding on one ski, so it can also be used as a slalom ski.

The one-size binding is not for everyone. Some water skiers prefer a binding that can be adjusted to the shape of the foot.

Conclusion

Very good water skis for beginners, incl. Lifejacket.

Product details

Color: Blue/Green | Binding Size: up to 45 | Length: 67 inches (1, 70 m) | Weight: N/A | Concave: N/A

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3. Mesle Junior

Summary

If you are looking for a good beginner’s water ski for your youngsters, the O’Brien Jr. Celebrity a good choice. The one-size binding is suitable for feet up to shoe size 39, which is ideal for growing children’s feet.

The tunnel concave ensures a stable ride on the water and the wide surface of the skis makes it easier to launch out of the water. The included training pole makes waterskiing easier for beginners. This connects the skis together.

The skis are designed for a weight of up to 55 kg and are therefore unsuitable for most adults.

Conclusion

Ideal water skiing for children and young teenagers.

Product details

Color: Black/White/Blue | Binding size: up to 39 | Length: Length 139 cm (55′), Width 17 cm | Weight: N/A | Concave: Double Tunnel

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4. Jobe Allegre Combo water ski

Summary

The Mesle Combo is a high-quality beginner water ski. Thanks to the Tunnel Concave, the ski is very stable in the water and the edges can be loaded well during turns.

These skis are suitable for people weighing over 50 kg. Thanks to the adjustable one-size binding, the water ski can be used with shoe sizes 36 to 47. This pair of skis is therefore also suitable for the whole family or as a boat ski for several people.

The slightly higher price for this entry-level model is justified by the good quality of the product. The one-size binding is not popular with many water skiers as it cannot be ideally adjusted to the foot.

Conclusion

High-quality entry-level ski in the mid-price segment.

Product details

Color: Blue | Binding Size: 36-47 | Length: 67 inches (1.70 m) | Weight: N/A | Concave: Tunnel

FAQ

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5. MESLE Comboski Strato

No product found.

Summary

The Mesle Strato is characterized by its hybrid wide shape. Thanks to its shape, this water ski can be ridden with very little effort and is perfect for water ski beginners.

The adjustable one-size binding is suitable for people with shoe sizes 36-47. Both adults and children weighing 50 kg or more can ride this water ski.

The Strato can also be used as a slalom ski thanks to the extra binding on one ski. If only one water ski is used, it can also be used by people weighing less than 50 kg.

The one-size binding cannot be ideally adjusted to the foot and is not suitable for very wide feet. A training bar is not included and must be purchased separately if required.

Conclusion

Beginner water ski that can be ridden with little effort, but without a training pole.

Product details

Color: Blue | Binding Size: 36-47 | Length: 67 inches (1.70 m) | Weight: N/A | Concave: Tunnel

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The top 2 slalom/mono water skis in 2024

1. Jobe Allegre slalom water ski

Summary

Ambitious slalom water ski beginners and advanced skiers are well advised with this water ski from Jobe. The medium rocker ensures smooth turns and makes the ski forgiving at the same time. Thanks to the tunnel concave, the ski is very stable on the water.

The binding can be tightened with laces and is suitable for people with a shoe size from 39 to 44.

However, slalom water skis like this one are not suitable for water ski beginners. The World Team Slalom water skis are priced in the middle segment.

Conclusion

High-quality water ski for ambitious slalom beginners and advanced skiers.

Product details

Color: Red | Binding size: 36-47 | Length: 67 inches (1.70 m) | Concave: V-Concave

FAQ

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2. Mesle Combo Strato

No product found.

Summary

The Strato monoski is ideal for switching from combo to slalom water skiing. Advanced users will also get their money’s worth.

Thanks to the Hybrid Wide Shape, the ski is suitable for people with a body weight of 40 to 100 kg and behaves calmly even in choppy water. The water ski also scores with a good price-performance ratio.

The one-size binding is both an advantage and a disadvantage. On the one hand, this means that anyone with a boot size from 36 to 47 can ski with this binding, but on the other hand, the binding cannot be ideally adapted to the shape of the foot.

Conclusion

Slalom water skiing for beginners and advanced skiers with a good price-performance ratio.

Product details

Color: Blue | Binding size: 36-47 | Length: 67 inches (1.70 m) | Concave: Tunnel

FAQ

Bestsellers: The most popular water skis

(**Last update 2024-11-18)

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Buying water skis:
How to make the right decision

Water skis have long been more than just wooden slats with leather straps. The sport and skiing have continued to develop over the last few decades. There are now a large number of water ski manufacturers who produce skis for every requirement.

Don’t lose the overview:

It is difficult to keep track of all the products on offer. That’s why BeyondSurfing has created this guide with valuable tips and everything you need to know about water skiing.

The right type of water ski

There are many different types of water skiing, each with their own advantages and disadvantages. A distinction is made between:

1. Combo water ski
2. Slalom water skiing
3. Crossover water ski
4. Wideboy water ski
5. Freeski

1 Combo water ski

The first water skis should be combo water skis. They help you get a feel for water skiing and are easier to ride than “normal” water skis. They are therefore ideal for beginners and children, as they make rapid progress on combo water skis.

The best:

Many combo water skis have two bindings on one of the skis. They sit one behind the other on the ski and can already be practiced on one ski.

Of course, two skis are less maneuverable than one and, as a consequence, extremely aggressive turns and maneuvers are not possible with combo water skis.

2 Slalom/Mono water skiing

Here, only one water ski is used instead of two. The water skier stands with both feet in the bindings of the ski, the two bindings are offset one behind the other on the water ski.

This type of water ski is very maneuverable, even at high boat speeds. This makes radical and very tight turns possible, which is why slalom skis are also used on slalom courses.

3 Crossover water ski

If you are looking for a water ski that delivers good performance and at the same time forgives minor mistakes, a crossover ski is the right choice. This type of ski is similar to the slalom ski, but is slightly wider and is also suitable for water skiing at low speeds.

Crossover skis strike a balance between stability and maneuverability. Tight bends are no problem and you don’t have to worry about losing control if you slip a little. Nevertheless, they are not suitable for complete beginners, but they are very suitable as a first monoski.

4 Wideboy water ski

Wideboys are particularly wide water skis. More width means more volume, which ultimately makes the water ski more stable. However, this stability also means that extremely tight turns are not possible with this ski.

Easy launches from the water:

Beginners, old or heavy people often find it difficult to launch themselves out of the water. With Wideboy water skis, most water skiers find it much easier to get started as they are more stable than other water skis.

5 Freeski

Freeskiing is becoming increasingly popular among water skiers. They are shorter and wider than other types of water skis. They also differ from the rest in terms of weight, as freeskis are lighter and therefore have more pop on the wake. This makes tricks and turns in the air easier and requires less effort.

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The right water ski size?

When buying water skis, make sure you buy the right size so that the fun doesn’t turn into frustration.

The size of the water ski(s) depends on the weight and ability of the rider, as well as the speed at which he/she is pulled from the boat or water ski facility.

• Water skis that are too small: often feel unstable and cause problems when starting in the water.
• Water skis that are too long: feel clunky and are difficult to ride in a straight line.

Once you have found a water ski that meets your expectations, take a look at the manufacturer’s specifications. It usually states the body weight and speeds for which a ski of the corresponding length is suitable.

For slalom water skiing, the following table applies for initial orientation:

The following table applies to combo water skiing for orientation:

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The right water ski width

Width also plays a role in choosing the right water ski. In general, it can be said that wide skis are more stable on the water than thin water skis.

A wide ski makes it easier to take off from the water and can also be skied easily at low speeds. However, turns and movements are more difficult to initiate than with a thin ski.

This is why beginners and occasional water skiers often opt for wide water skis. Advanced users who place more value on performance usually opt for thin models.

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The right flex for water skiing

Flex, stiffness or hardness basically all describe the same thing. It’s all about the characteristics of the ski. How much it can bend and how quickly the ski returns to its normal position after a turn.

A lot of force is applied to the ski during turns, causing it to bend. At the end of the turn, the ski straightens out again and releases the “stored” energy. The hardness of the ski depends not least on the rider’s personal preferences and ability.

• Soft skis/high flex: A soft ski is easy to turn, but is very unstable at high speeds. However, skis that are too soft quickly lead to a wobbly and unstable ride and little control over the ski. This quickly leads to unnecessary frustration, especially for beginners.
• Hard skis/ no flex: A stiff ski is fast and stable in the water. It is particularly suitable for high speeds. On the other hand, a very hard ski is difficult to control and requires a lot of power to initiate a turn.

Conclusion: If you are pulled at high speed by the boat or the water ski facility, you need a hard water ski. This prevents the ski from breaking out during radical turns. If you want to ski a lot of turns, go for a ski with more flex.

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The right rocker for water skiing

Rocker is the bend from the tip to the tail of the water ski. The term is also used for surfboards, wakeboards and other water sports equipment. The strength of the rocker influences the handling and the position of the ski in the water.

• A flat rocker: withstands high speeds well and gives the ski stability. Water skis with a flat rocker are easy to ride and are also suitable for beginners. A flat rocker is only not ideal for tight bends.
• A steep rocker: makes tight turns and an aggressive riding style possible. As the ski is deeper in the water, it has more resistance and therefore slows down.

The rocker of a water ski can vary along the ski. The middle of many water skis is flat and the ski is curved upwards towards both ends.

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Concave: The underside of the water ski

The underside of the water ski can take on different shapes that influence the riding behavior. The various elements can also be combined. Common forms of water skiing are:

1. V-Concave
2. Tunnel Concave
3. Full Concave (also called Edge-to-Edge Concave)

1 V-Concave

• Underside has a V-shape
• Often used for beginner water skiers

With a V-concave, the underside of the water ski has two sloping sides and a flat center. The V-Concave has two major advantages:

1. The water ski is easy to ride straight ahead. It holds its line well because the middle section of the Concave provides stability by being lower in the water and skis of this shape are usually relatively wide.
2. The weight can be shifted easily and the ski follows the movement as it is easy to tilt in one direction due to the V-shape.

2 Tunnel Concave

• The underside is curved inwards
• Tunnel shape
• Provides buoyancy and stability

In cross-section, the Concave tunnel looks like the upper part of a tunnel that has been cut off at the straight walls. The underside is therefore curved inwards and there are two flat pieces on both sides below the outer edge.

The curvature acts like a channel through which the water can flow. The Tunnel Concave provides good lift and stability and makes it easier to keep the ski straight at high speed.

This shape is also very advantageous during turns, as it allows pressure to be exerted on the edge of the water ski, preventing it from breaking away and tipping over so easily.

3 Full Concave

• Completely curved underside
• Very maneuverable
• The thickness of the curvature can vary

With the full concave (or edge-to-edge concave), the entire underside of the water ski is curved upwards from one edge to the other. Water skis with this concave are very performance-oriented.

The full concave makes the water ski very maneuverable, as this shape enables a quick change from one edge to the other. This is why most advanced and professional water skiers use a water ski with this concave.

The thickness of the camber can vary with different water skis. The deeper the camber, the more grip the water ski has. However, more force is also required to switch from one edge to the other.

The right water ski equipment

While water skis used to be made of wood, manufacturers are now much more advanced and use plastics and new manufacturing processes to produce the highest quality water skis possible.

Different materials are used to ensure that the skis perform optimally in the water. The two most common materials are:

• PU
• PVC

PU core water ski

These water skis consist of a polyurethane core, which is usually encased in fiberglass. This material can be found in most beginner and advanced models.

The material is inexpensive and forgiving. Alternatively, the core can also be coated with carbon. This makes the water ski very light, reacts quickly to movements but is less forgiving. Therefore, water skis with a carbon coating are more suitable for advanced skiers.

PVC core water ski

Water skis made from this material are lighter and stiffer than PU models. This enables aggressive driving behavior, especially at high speeds. Thanks to the PVC core, the skis react to slight movements and are less forgiving.

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The bevel for water skiing

The bevel is the point between the bottom of the edge and the underside of the water ski. The bevel provides grip in the water and can take on either a more angled or round shape.

• An angled bevel: Ensures good grip during turns.
• A round bevel: Ensures that the ski rolls onto the edge and is forgiving, as small corrections can be made during the turn.

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The right fins for water skiing

Whether wakeboard, surfboard or SUP board, hardly any water sports equipment can do without fins. Water ski fins are available in many different sizes, shapes and colors. They provide resistance in the water, help to steer the skis and give support during turns.

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The right water ski binding

The binding is the link between the rider and the water ski. It ensures that the foot is closely connected to the ski and that movements are optimally transferred from the body to the ski.

Most bindings are made of neoprene. Some bindings are one-size and are suitable for several shoe sizes. Other, mostly high-quality bindings are only suitable for one shoe size.

One-size bindings can be found on most combo water skis and those that are intended to be used by the whole family. Bindings that are adapted to one boot size are usually found on monoskis.

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The right water ski helmet

A water ski helmet protects your head from injury and is therefore absolutely essential at water ski facilities! But even behind the boat, a helmet can’t do any harm and gives you a feeling of safety.

Safety First:

When buying a water ski helmet, make sure that it is equipped with holes from which the water can drain. In addition, the helmet must not wobble or slip, otherwise there is a risk of injury in the event of a fall.

It can be even better:

There are water ski helmets that are equipped with ear pads. This keeps your head warm and prevents ear infections.

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The right water ski vest

If you want to go waterskiing, all operators without exception require you to wear a vest. The vest also protects against bruises and falls or hard impacts. After a fall, the vest provides buoyancy and makes it easier to swim back to land.

It gets even better:

In addition to regular life jackets, so-called impact vests are also used. These have less buoyancy, but protect the upper body much better than normal swim vests in the event of a fall.

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Where can I go water skiing in Germany?

The sport can be practiced on practically any lake, as long as it is permitted to use a motorboat. There are also a number of water ski lifts in Germany where you can try your hand at skiing for the first time.

These facilities also have a lot to offer advanced skiers. There are kickers or obstacles such as boxes and pipes that can be jumped or grinded over. But only with an impact vest, please.

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The right speed for water skiing

Which speeds are suitable for beginners, advanced and professionals? How fast is too fast?

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Well-known brands and manufacturers

The best-known and most popular surf wear brands & manufacturers include

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Jobe, O’Brien, MESLE, Radar

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So far there are no water ski tests from Consumer Reports or Öko Test. When buying, it is helpful to look at the brands mentioned, as they have established themselves as manufacturers of high-quality water skis.

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FAQ: Frequently asked questions and answers about water skiing

What is water skiing?

A water sport in which a person glides across the water on water skis and is pulled by a boat or water ski lift.

Where can you go water skiing?

On any lake where motorboats are permitted, or on one of the more than 80 water ski facilities in Germany.

How much horsepower do you need to go water skiing?

A boat with 90 HP is sufficient for water skiing. More horsepower naturally means higher speeds and more fun.

How do you water ski?

The skier starts out of the water in a sitting position and then lets himself be pulled by the rope with outstretched arms.

Which boat for water skiing?

It is possible to water ski even with small sports boats from 250 cm in length.

Which accessories for water skiing?

• At a water ski facility: helmet and buoyancy aid or impact vest.
• On the boat: rope, handle, swim vest and possibly a helmet.

What to wear for water skiing?

You should wear swimming trunks, a helmet and a life jacket or impact vest. For longer periods in the sun, we also recommend a Lycra shirt.

From what age is water skiing possible?

This cannot be said across the board and is at the discretion of the parents. It is important that the child can swim and already feels comfortable in the water alone.

Is water skiing possible with an inflatable boat?

No, inflatable boats do not reach the required minimum speed of approx. 30 to 35 km/h for this.

What to look out for when water skiing?

The focus should always be on your own safety. You should therefore always wear a life jacket or impact vest.

How expensive are water skis?

Good beginner water skis are available from around 150 $.

Where can I buy water skis?

Water skis can be purchased in well-stocked sports stores such as Empty or in online stores such as Amazon.

What is easier water skiing or wakeboarding?

There is no simple answer to this question and it depends very much on subjective perception. Water skiing is generally considered easier to learn.

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Conclusion: The most popular water skis reviewed

If you want to gain your first water skiing experience soon, you now know what to look out for when buying water skis.

Why buy your own water ski?

Rental skis will slow you down quickly and with your own equipment you will make faster progress. So off you go to the nearest waterskiing facility and onto the water!

The most popular combo water skis 2024 reviewed

The most popular slalom/mono water skis 2024 reviewed

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Specialist literature, sources & further links

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