Wake boarding and water skiing are entirely two different sports although there appears to be some similarity between the two.

The nature of both the rides is a key point of difference between the two. Water skiing is a relatively straightforward sport while wake boarding is a derivative of several different games. In water skiing a person uses skis to ride the waters while being pulled along by a moving speed boat. Wake boarding, though it adopts the same principle also includes skills derived from other sports like surfing, snow boarding and skate boarding.

Water skiing is generally a sport involving the simple pleasure of skiing on water. This is pursued for the simple pleasure of skiing over waters. It is more of a smooth sailing ride unlike wake boarding which is a rough riding sport . Wake boarders, like surfers, ride on waves or rather wakes left by the speed boat behind which it is towed and as such a major factor in wake boarding is the size of the wakes.

The equipment and gear used in both these sports are again entirely different. Skiers use simple water skis while wake boarders use boards similar to surfing boards but with fins and foot straps included for better balance. Unless you are slalom skiing, skiers generally use two different skis for both feet whereas wake boarders use a single board.

The boats used to pull these sports riders are also of different makes. A water skier’s tow boat can be any simple boat but the wake boarders need to use specially designed speed boats. The difference in wake boarding boats is in the structure designed to increase weight at the rear which aids in creating larger wakes behind the speeding boat. The wake board boats have increased weight at the rear to create larger wakes. The lower the stern the higher the waves produced. Most manufacturers spend a lot on R&D for new knowledge in further weighing down the stern as a means to create higher wakes for wake boarding.

Ropes used in wake boarding again differ from the ones used in water skiing. Ropes used for wake boarding should not be of an elastic nature as this will tend to tip the balance of the wake boarder whereas stretchable ropes are needed in water skiing as the stretch factor helps in maneuvering curves behind a speeding boat.

OK, so much for the differences between water ski and wakeboards.

A common misconception believed by many is that the water skiing and wake boarding sports are similar in nature yet nothing can be farther from the truth.

The nature of the sport by itself provides the most striking difference between the two. Water skiing is a relatively straightforward sport while wake boarding is a derivative of several different games. In water skiing a person uses skis to ride the waters while being pulled along by a moving speed boat. Wake boarding also includes being towed around by a speed boat but it includes features also common to surfing, snow boarding and skate boarding.

As mentioned earlier water skiing is a simple water ride. The size of the wake is not a factor in this sport. A water skier prefers smooth sailing over the waters. Wakeboarding on the other hand is a sport based on the thrill and excitement of jumping the wakes created by the boat and thus the size of the waves play a huge factor here.

The equipment and gear used in both these sports are again entirely different. Skiers use simple water skis while wake boarders use boards similar to surfing boards but with fins and foot straps included for better balance. Wake boarders make use of a single board at a time whereas the number of skis used by a water skier will depend on the type of skiing being done.

The speed boats used for these purposes also differ from each other. Water skiers use any simple motor boat for water skiing. The difference in wake boarding boats is in the structure designed to increase weight at the rear which aids in creating larger wakes behind the speeding boat. Almost all wakeboard boats have the engine placed backwards at the rear of the boat as a load increasing measure. The lower the stern the higher the waves produced. Most manufacturers spend a lot on R&D for new knowledge in further weighing down the stern as a means to create higher wakes for wake boarding.

The ropes used to pull the skiers and the wake boarders also belong to opposite categories. Ropes used for wake boarding should not be of an elastic nature as this will tend to tip the balance of the wake boarder whereas stretchable ropes are needed in water skiing as the stretch factor helps in maneuvering curves behind a speeding boat.

OK, so much for the differences between water ski and wakeboarding.

If you love to water ski and want to take it up a notch then you might like to indulge in slalom water skiing. This is an exciting form of this sport that requires a certain amount of skill and poise. Instead of skiing on 2 skies you are putting both your feet on just one slalom water ski. It is imperative that the right skis be purchased so that you are able to maintain your balance and also enjoy the sport.

Slalom Water Ski

When you have decided that you want to learn the sport, then purchase the slalom water ski.

The body weight and the speed of skiing would decide on the ski to be purchased. These are the two basics which need to be kept in mind when buying the slalom water ski. Generally the heavier you are the larger the ski will be.

Do your research about the price and quality and also get in touch with the salesperson at the sports shop before you end up buying. People who like speed should go in for a smaller ski. Expertise in skiing is the deciding factor.

The manufacturer will recommend a ski to fit certain skill levels. A controllable slalom ski is ideal for beginners to start with. Overestimating your ability would prove fatal to you. Depending on the practice and the improvements you make, you could always go in for the latest skills.

Size matters! Be sure that the boots fit you well. Boots which are too tight would lead to an ankle twist or a broken knee if you trip all of a sudden. Similarly, if the boots are too loose, they are unsafe. There are a variety of boots like toe covers and full boots and many more.

Always select the right fit boots which lend a comfy feel. Fin systems are very much in demand as it adds up the enjoyment associated with the slalom water ski. Individual preferences need to be kept in mind before buying water skis.

Individual style tagged with the method of turns taken would be the deciding factor.

Utilize your slalom water ski carefully.

Positioning your feet: Put your weakest foot in front and the strongest behind. Balancing the back foot helps in steadiness and maintaining balance. This approach helps in allowing us to rise above water when the boat tries to pull you.

Slowly accelerate: The boat should slowly get faster to allow the rope to get tight. Once it is firm, bring it into alignment with your body, arms and legs parallel to the rope. Do not move your palms and keep it steadily facing down for better balance.

Be patient if you are not able to do things carefully, you need to understand that balancing on one ski calls for a lot of dexterity and proper control. Once you have managed to maintain stability and balance, you are going to love water skiing.

Visit us for information on: Water Ski Equipment
TK