We've covered how to pick the right slalom ski. But maybe you just want some recommendations to keep it simple. Well, here they are: Our top picks for the best beginner slalom skis.
"Wait! Which length ski do I need?"
Water ski length is chosen based on the rider's weight. We list the recommended rider weights for each ski's length options. Just check the description for each ski (linked below) to find the right length for you!
If your weight falls close to the recommended weight for two different lengths then, as a beginner, it's best to pick the longer ski. The extra length provides more lift and stability, making it easier to learn to ride.
"Wait again! Bindings?!"
All the recommendeded skis below come as packages that include the ski and bindings. Some have options that include two boots --one for the front and rear foot -- while others come with a front boot and rear toe plate.
Select the rear toe plate option as a beginner!
The RTP (which is basically a fancy slip-on sandal) is far easier to use as a new water skier, as it allows you to easily free one foot and leg for those inevitable first wipe-outs and restarts.
HO Hovercraft (Easiest Overall)
The Hovercraft gets its name because, well, it practically rides itself! This is by far the easiest beginner slalom ski to learn on, thanks to its ultra-wide frame.
It also includes a triple fin setup under the rear, making the Hovercraft handle like a super stable surfer, with virtually no need to master edge control -- just lean in a bit, and let the ski carve for you.
The Hovercraft might look bulky, but it's actually incredibly light, making it perfect for beginners. Its "Flexbody" core is nimble and springy, providing high damping for those twitchy first runs and smoothing out the ride feel so you can build confidence.
The Hovercraft's available as a 65" (good for riders up to 175 lbs) or 67" ski (good for 175+ lbs). Includes a Stance 110 front open-toe boot and an adjustable rear toe plate.
Connelly Big Daddy (Most Affordable)
Available w/ Shadow Bindings or Swerve Bindings (both RTPs)
The Connelly Big Daddy's the perfect beginner ski for any new rider who needs to buy all the other equipment -- a tow rope and handle, a tow pylon or boom, life jacket, and so on -- without busting up your budget.
That's not to say the Big Daddy's a "cheap" ski. It is, in fact, one of the most popular slalom skis even for experienced riders, thanks to its float-y, smooth carving qualities.
The Big Daddy has the patented "Connelly Tracking System," which uses a special underside spine near the tip of the ski to generate immediate lift and turn you into the pull of the boat, making deep-water starts a breeze for beginners.
Once you're up, you'll enjoy the high flex and reaction of the layered fiberglass core, shaped with a concave tunnel that gives loads of edge hold for effortless turns.
The Big Daddy comes packaged with affordable, one-size-fits-all Swerve bindings, or more tailored Shadow bindings (pictured above) with extra support and padding, and specific sizing.
Either option will keep you under $500, making this one of the best values for beginner slalom skiers.
HO Omni (Best for Women)
The Omni isn't just one of the most popular beginner women's water skis -- it's one of the top favored skis among all women water skiers. The new Mark II version of the Omni provides the perfect balance of beginner-friendly and high-performance features to make this a beginner ski that'll grow with your skills.
For starters, the Omni's hybrid width falls between a conventional slalom ski, and a "wide-ride" ski, making deep starts easy, without feeling cumbersome as speed.
Underneath, the Omni's fitted with HO's "Clean Edge 3.0" rail and a deep concave tunnel that work together to provide effortless carving and high stability with low drag, making the Omni the perfect ski for riding at lower speeds.
The Women's Omni includes HO's premium Stance 110 bindings, which feature high support and padding, loads of adjustability, and just the right amount of feed for dialed-in feedback.
Connelly Big Easy (Best for Big/Tall Riders)
The Big Easy is famous for being one of the most beginner-friendly water skis, maybe ever. That's no surprise given its nearly wakeboard-sized profile that provides immense lift for even the biggest and tallest riders.
Offering a massive 635 sq. in. track, the Big Easy is, in fact, the largest slalom water ski on the market today. But it's still one helluva reactive and easy-to-control ski. Its fiberglass construction houses a lightweight, closed-cell poly resin core that provides low density and high flex, making the Big Easy a dream to ride, even at low speeds.
Like other top beginner skis, the Big Easy's deep concave underside tunnel offers maximum edge hold and easy deep-water starts. The Big Easy includes Shadow bindings which offer a user-friendly, highly adjustable fit.
Radar Session (Best High-End Option)
Radar makes more water skis than perhaps any other manufacturer, so it's no surprise the Session -- their largest and widest slalom ski -- is one of the best "premium," performance-focused beginner water skis.
With a 100% carbon laminate construction, the Session is one of the most reactive and flexible skis on the water. Coupled with high-hold "Grip Rail 2.0" rails, the Session offers increased lift and lower drag, making it excel in control and lift, even when riding at the lowest tow speeds.
For all its performance, the Radar is still incredibly forgiving. An oversized flat spot causes the ski to auto-level, promoting natural balance and making it easier to transition from left to right, and vice versa, when learning to carve the wake for the first time.
The Radar comes with Vector BOA bindings that feature an adjustable rear toe plate and Radar's new Feather 2.0 Frame Chassis, providing one of the best fits of any water ski binding.
O'Brien Pro Tour (Best for Junior Beginners)
Got a young rider who's ready to learn? Despite its name, the O'Brien Pro Tour Junior is one of the best beginner junior slalom skis. It's got everything your grom needs to be confident on his or her first starts behind the boat.
A wide track provides extra lift, while a large and forgiving "Carve" fin provides low-speed control and stability. The Z9 binding cuts far above this package's entry-level price, offering a comfortable and highly supportive fit with an open toe that makes sizing it right even easier.
At 58" long, the Pro Tour Junior's perfect for any youth rider weighing up to 100 pounds.
