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