| Have you ever tried water skiing? It's like | | | | |
| flying, only cooler. As you glide across the | | | | * Jump skis look like old-fashioned skis, but |
| surface at top speed, cool water splashes | | | | are made from a hi-tech composite material to |
| over and around you. It's a fun and exciting | | | | make them stronger. As the name suggests, |
| sport that people of all ages can take part | | | | jump skis are used for jumping off of ramps. |
| in. If you're strong enough to hold yourself | | | | |
| up, you're strong enough to water ski. | | | | The other essential piece of water skiing |
| | | | equipment is a rope. This is what connects |
| To be really good at water skiing does take a | | | | you to the boat. Make sure that you have a |
| little practice; but even more important, it | | | | proper rope with an appropriate handle. Water |
| takes the right equipment. | | | | ski ropes have a flexible elastic quality, so |
| | | | they're able to change speeds and move with |
| Four basic types of water skis are available | | | | the skier. In normal conditions, |
| on the market: | | | | polypropylene ropes will stretch two to three |
| | | | percent of their standard length of seventy |
| * Combination: The most common types of water | | | | inches. |
| skis sold today are combination skis. The | | | | |
| skis have a wider tip, so they're the best | | | | The comfort of the rope handle is very |
| style to learn on and are preferred by | | | | important, and every water skier has his or |
| beginners and advance skiers alike. | | | | her personal preference. Recreational water |
| | | | ski handles usually have a plastic or rubber |
| * Slalom skis: Used by skiers who prefer to | | | | grip. The plastic molded handles are strong |
| use just one ski. By skiing on one ski, the | | | | and durable, and will float when dropped in |
| athlete is able to make sharp turns and reach | | | | the water. High-performance handles are |
| faster speeds. Recreational slalom skis have | | | | generally comprised of an aluminum bar |
| a wider tail and a flatter bottom to make it | | | | covered with a comfortable rubber grip. The |
| easier to get up and ride straight, while | | | | construction is lighter, but more comfortable |
| advanced skis have a more tapered tail with | | | | and durable than a molded plastic handle. |
| beveled edges and a tunnel bottom. These are | | | | Higher performance handles are hollow, so |
| more difficult to ski on, but will take the | | | | they sink when dropped in the water. |
| skier on a much faster ride. | | | | |
| | | | It's suggested that you wear goggles while |
| * Trick skis: Extreme athletes use trick skis | | | | water skiing, especially if you need to wear |
| to pull off the most outrageous stunts. Trick | | | | your eyeglasses. Protective goggles will stop |
| skis are for spinning, jumping and busting | | | | water and debris going into your eyes, and |
| extreme moves in (or over) the water. These | | | | will prevent your glasses from flying off and |
| are shorter and wider than other style of | | | | sinking if you fall into the water. |
| water skis, and require much more skill. | | | | |
| There are no fins on the bottoms of trick | | | | Water skiing is great exercise and a super |
| skis, so it's easier to slide and turn, but | | | | fun way to enjoy a sunny day with friends. |
| harder to make controlled moves while water | | | | Strap on a lifejacket, grab some skis and |
| skiing. | | | | make the most of your day on the water. |