The Best Intermediate Water Skis: What To Look For and Why

A day of fun in the sun begins with preparedness. When it comes to water skiing, you can’t expect a beginner to be successful on the water when provided with equipment meant for an advanced skier. Ski manufacturers design skis to match skill level. Features meant to help beginner skiers can actually hinder advanced skiers. 

Let’s say an intermediate skier struggles with getting out of the water. Short and slim skis will not serve them well, but long and wide skis would be an excellent fit. Without the proper skis, what is supposed to be a day of fun can quickly turn into a day of frustration. You cannot expect an intermediate skier to effectively progress while attempting to learn new skills on the wrong set of skis. 

Hallmark Characteristics of the Best Intermediate Water Skis

So when shopping for the best intermediate water skis, always remember to consider the abilities of the skier. Check out these three options that fit the bill as the best water skis for intermediate skiers.

Rave Sports Rhyme Combo Water Skis

If you want a steady and secure ride, the Rave Sports Rhyme Combo Water Skis are for you. The wider body shape provides stability, while also allowing a skier to make large, curved turns with little effort. 

The increased surface area produces more lift and less drag, which simplifies deep-water starts. This is good news for boat owners. Pulling a skier requires a lot of power, but the wider shape of these combo water skis puts less strain on your boat since a skier can get up and out of the water with ease.

Furthermore, these skis have comfortable, reliable, and adjustable bindings that fit most adults. Better yet, one ski has a rear toe hold. This means you can slalom waterski with the Rhyme Combo Water Skis by RAVE Sports. 

O’Brien Vortex Widebody Combo Water Skis

Known as “Big-Daddy” wide-body skis, the O’Brien Vortex Widebody Combo Water Skis are an excellent match for intermediate skiers. You get all the best intermediate water skis features in one set of skis. 

Wide Forebody: Intermediate skiers need surface area as they learn to navigate the water and try out more advanced moves. With wide forebody skis, the large amount of surface area offers less drag and makes for easy deep-water starts. (And think about just how much boat fuel you can save when it takes less horsepower to get a skier up and out of the water.) 

X-7 & RT Bindings: You will have no problem getting in and out of these ski bindings made with pinch-slide adjustments. Also, the O’Brien Vortex Widebody Combo Water Skis have a rear toe piece on one ski in case you want to slalom water ski.

Nylon Fins: Skis designed with nylon fins and a wide body create a comfortable and controlled experience. Plus, this combination provides a skier with plenty of lift and loads of stability.

Dual Tunnel Design: A dual tunnel design is ideal for skiers that need a smooth and stable ride, yet want to practice cutting through the water and making large, curved turns. 

Airhead S-1400 Wide Body Combo Skis

Oftentimes, the best water skis for intermediate skiers also work well for beginner skiers, too. But with the Airhead S-1400 Wide Body Combo Skis, the unique shape accommodates intermediate to advanced skiers. 

The Airhead S-1400 Wide Body Combo Skis have no shortage of surface area, since they are still considered long, wide-body skis. It’s the extra wide tip that sets these skis apart. 

These Airhead skis have an hourglass shape that makes turning a breeze, even at slower speeds. You get extra wide tips for jumping the wake and fiberglass-reinforced nylon fins for tracking. Whatever skill you are trying to improve, the Airhead S-1400 Wide Body Combo Skis are up for the challenge. 

Not to mention, they come with adjustable, dual density bindings that fit adult sizes 5 – 12. 

The Best Water Skis For Intermediate Skiers

Purchasing the best intermediate water skis is all about finding a style of ski that fits the skills of the skier. You need skis that can push a skier to develop new skills, yet provide a comfortable ride that fosters confidence. Intermediate skiers are caught in this middle ground between not needing too little nor too much support. 

And of course, intermediate skiers need plenty of practice. So when shopping for the best water skis for intermediate skiers, don’t forget to look for locations in our WakeScout Directory where you can create that ultimate day of fun in the sun.