Tag Archives: water ski

Water Ski Fin Settings

The fin on a water ski can be moved to a wide range of positions to make the ski react differently when water skiing. Here is a guide to what effect moving the fin will have, but as always we recommend getting expert advice – like speaking to #Brown.

Water Ski Fin Adjustment

If you move the fin backwards it can make the water ski feel longer, and moving it forward will make the ski will feel shorter. The fin can also be adjusted to be deeper or shallower in the water, which will effect the amount of tail slide you want the ski to have in the turn. Adjusting the leading or trailing edge of the fin can also improve how the ski turns on the 1,3,5 side or the 2,4,6 side of the slalom course.

radar vapour water ski fin settings
Example of fin settings for the Radar Vapour water ski.

A water ski fin can also come with a foil or wing. This is used to help you slow the ski down ready for the ski to turn. The foil does not become effective until the water ski is travelling at speeds of 34/36mph; so any adjustments are only useful for expert skiers.

For the beginner water skier, both slalom course and free ride skier, we would recommend leaving the fin at the factory settings; and learning the correct technique, including how to slow the water ski down , before making any adjustments.

 

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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″
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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!

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