Category Archives: Water Skiing

What Size Water Ski Do I Need?

This guide will help you decide what size water ski you will need to get the best from your water skiing!

The size of water ski will depend upon your weight, height and ability. For example if a water skier was on a ski that was too small and skiing at a slow speed; the ski would not support them and they would start to sink. Likewise if the ski is too large the ski will sit high on the water and it will take too long to turn.

The width of the water ski can make a big difference too; as a general rule (but not in all cases) a wider water ski is suited to helping people learn and develop their water skiing because it helps them get up on top of the water.

Water Ski Sizing

The table below should be used a guideline in purchasing your water ski, but with most things it is not an exact science. If you need any assistance please call 01778 381154 and ask for #Brown.

26-30 mph 30-34 mph 34-36 mph
80-110 lbs 63-64″ 62-64″
95-120 lbs 65-66″ 63-64″ 63-64″
115-140 lbs 65-66″ 63-64″ 63-64″
135-160 lbs 67-68″ 65-66″ 65-66″
155-180 lbs 69″ 67-68″ 67-68″
175-200 lbs 69″ 69″ 67-68″
195-220 lbs 72″ 69″ 69″
215 lbs and up 72″ 72″ 72″
Facebooktwitterredditpinterestlinkedinmailby feather

Rear Toe Plate or Rear Boot Water Ski Binding?

To use an RTP or not to use an RTP: that is the question:

We often get asked, by water skiers, whether a Rear Toe Plate (RTP) or a rear boot water ski binding is better for water skiing. Unfortunately there isn’t a definitive answer; its all down to personal preference. I preferred a rear boot!

Rear Toe Plate (RTP)

Most  water skiers like the RTP because when deep water starting the rear foot can be trailed behind the water ski like a ruder for balance. Skiers also like the freedom to adjust their rear foot during skiing, if needed, depending on what they were doing.

ho water ski with rtp
HO water ski fitted with front boot and RTP bindings

Rear Water Ski Boot

The rear boot will make you feel more secure because the foot is held in place; keeping the heal on the ski. This will prevent the rear foot lifting or sliding as you cross the wake at speed, which can be a little unnerving! The deep water start may need a bit of concentration to start with,  but after a while it will become second nature!

ho water ski with rear boot
HO water ski fitted with front and rear boot bindings.

So are you a RTP skier or a rear boot skier? There is not test for this apart from just trying both; and finding out which you feel most comfortable/confident with and which best suits your style of water skiing!

Facebooktwitterredditpinterestlinkedinmailby feather

Glenn Campbell Water Skier at Tallington lakes

Tallington Lakes are proud that O’Brien Water Ski Team Rider, Glenn Campbell, has made our spring fed lakes and homologated water ski slalom course, his home water skiing site and training ground.

Pulled by his MasterCraft water ski boat, driven by International Boat Driver Ian Campbell, Glenn regularly practices his slalom skiing on our World class water ski lake. Check out his latest video, shot at Tallington Lakes, thanks to O’Brien Watersports!

Facebooktwitterredditpinterestlinkedinmailby feather