Best Waterskis of 2026
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Waterskis are a must-have for any water sports enthusiast. These skis are specially designed to help you glide smoothly on the water's surface while being towed by a boat. They come in a variety of sizes and shapes to cater to different skill levels and water conditions. Some waterskis are made for beginners, while others are designed for advanced skiers who want to perform tricks and jumps. They are made from high-quality materials that are durable and can withstand the harsh conditions of the water. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a beginner, waterskis are an excellent way to enjoy the water and get your adrenaline pumping.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks
Top 10 Waterskis
O'Brien Celebrity Combo Waterskis
O'Brien Combo Waterskis are versatile waterskis suitable for the whole family. The X-7 adjustable binding accommodates various foot sizes, ensuring a comfortable fit for users from US Men 4.5-13. With a padded rear toe plate, these skis offer added support and stability. The performance side cut enhances turning ability, making it easier for you to maneuver on the water. Additionally, the dual tunnel design improves control and stability, providing a smooth skiing experience for all skill levels.
RAVE Sports Pure Combo Water Skis
The RAVE Sports Pure Combo Water Skis, also known as RAVE Sports Water Skis, are designed to bring pure joy to the sport of water skiing. These water skis feature secure and comfortable bindings that are easily adjustable, making it effortless for everyone in the family to start skiing in no time. The center ridge and deeper edge channels provide stability during deep water starts, giving users control and responsiveness while cutting over wakes and through waves. With a length of 67" (170 cm) and suitable for riders over 125 lbs, these water skis offer a thrilling and enjoyable experience on the water. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced skier, the RAVE Sports Pure Combo Water Skis are sure to enhance your water skiing adventures.
O'Brien Jr Vortex Waterskis
The O'Brien Jr Vortex Waterskis, also known as the O'Brien Jr Vortex Skis, come with Jr. X-7 adjustable bindings suitable for kids to men's size 7. These skis include a stabilizer bar for better balance and durable plastic fins for stability. The 54-inch length provides maneuverability and control on the water. The adjustable bindings ensure a comfortable fit, while the stabilizer bar assists beginners in finding their balance, making learning to waterski easier.
O'Brien 64" Celebrity Waterskis
The O'Brien Celebrity Waterskis are perfect for family fun on the water. With adjustable bindings that fit US men's shoe sizes 2 to 7, you can easily find a comfortable fit. The padded rear toe plate adds extra comfort, allowing you to enjoy longer sessions without discomfort. Designed for all-around performance, these skis feature a special side cut that improves your turning ability, making it easier to navigate the water. Plus, the dual tunnel design enhances both control and stability, giving you confidence as you glide across the surface.
CWB Connelly Cadet Combo Waterskis
The CWB Cadet Combo Waterskis are a great choice for young water sports enthusiasts. These waterskis feature reinforced composite construction and the Connelly Tracking System, ensuring durability and stability on the water. The high gloss UV coat adds a sleek finish to the skis. The removable stabilizer bar with a rear strap keeps the front and back of the skis in place, allowing for easy learning and control. Additionally, the skis come with a two-handle Cadet rope that allows an adult to safely control the pull from the boat and drop the handle in case of a fall. With a weight capacity of up to 80lbs, these skis are perfect for children. The CWB Cadet Combo Waterskis provide a fun and safe water skiing experience for young riders.
O'Brien 64" Water Skis
The O'Brien Water Skis are designed for family fun on the water. Their durable composite construction ensures longevity, allowing you to enjoy skiing season after season. The Jr. X-7 adjustable binding fits a wide range of foot sizes, from US Men 4.5 to 13, making it easy for everyone to find a comfortable fit. Additionally, the padded rear toe plate provides extra comfort and support while skiing. With a performance side cut, these skis enhance your ability to turn smoothly, giving you greater control and a more enjoyable ride.
AIRHEAD S-1300 Combo Skis
Experience the AIRHEAD Combo Skis designed for various skill levels. These 67" water skis feature wide tails and tunnel-shaped bottoms for top performance, control, and stability. The composite construction and fiberglass-reinforced nylon fins ensure durability and agility. The adjustable bindings accommodate US sizes 5-12, offering a snug fit for enhanced stability and comfort. Glide effortlessly on the water, enjoying the freedom and excitement of water skiing with confidence.
O'Brien Vortex Combo Waterskis
O'Brien Vortex Waterskis are designed with X-7 adjustable bindings, suitable for men's foot sizes 4.5-13. The wide body of 65.5 inches provides excellent stability for smooth skiing. The adjustable bindings make it easy to customize the fit for your comfort. With one ski having a rear toe piece, these waterskis offer versatility for different skill levels. The O'Brien Vortex Waterskis are ideal for both beginners and experienced skiers looking for stability and performance.
O'Brien Celebrity Combo Water Skis
O'Brien Water Skis are designed with an X-7 adjustable binding to fit various foot sizes, a padded rear toe plate for comfort, and a performance side cut for improved turning ability. The dual tunnel feature enhances control and stability on the water, making it a great choice for the whole family to enjoy. The adjustable binding ensures a customized fit for users, while the padded toe plate adds extra comfort during use. The performance side cut facilitates smoother and more efficient turns, enhancing the overall skiing experience.
O'Brien Kids All-Star Trainer Combo Waterskis
The O'Brien Kids All-Star Trainer Combo Waterskis are perfect for young skiers up to 85lbs. It comes with a stabilizer bar for easy learning, adjustable bindings for various sizes, and a trainer rope to make it a complete package. The stabilizer bar will help you to learn balance and control, and the adjustable bindings will ensure that you can use the skis as you grow.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the max speed for water skiing?
The maximum speed for water skiing varies depending on factors such as skill level and gender. For average-sized women, speeds between 24 MPH to 28 MPH are recommended. Advanced open-water skiers may reach speeds even higher than those used in the slalom course. In the slalom course, the top speed for men is 36 MPH and for women, it is 34 MPH.
2. What is the safe depth for water skiing?
For safe water skiing, a minimum depth of five to six feet of obstacle-free water is suggested. This depth helps to ensure that the skis do not drag bottom during starts, reducing the risk of accidents or injuries.
3. Can a water skier go faster than the boat?
Yes, when a water skier starts to move on a curve around the boat, they can accelerate. The combination of centripetal, water, and boat forces acting on the skier causes them to move faster than the tow boat. This allows the skier to experience increased speed and excitement while skiing.
During our waterski research, we found 24 waterski products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 5,964 customer reviews through our big data system to write the waterskis list. We found that most customers choose waterskis with an average price of $204.15.
The waterskis are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of waterskis, including O'Brien, RAVE Sports, Connelly, AIRHEAD. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 385 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.
Jason Kiser is an editor who lives in California, he previously worked in a travel agency for ten years, which enabled him to travel a number of interesting countries and experience several different cultures along the way. His range of job and travel experiences grant him expertise in hiking, camping, outdoors and fitness.