Best Water Skis for Beginners to Advanced

Most water skis may look similar, but they vary massively when it comes to performance. Before you hit the water, it's critical to select the best water skis for your skill level.

Beginner water skis make it easier to get up and ride, while advanced skiers need skis that can handle higher speeds and tighter turns. Men's and women's skis vary in weight, flexibility and balance. Choosing the right gear can make all the difference to your water ski experience.

Different water skis for sale vary in their weight-bearing capabilities, how high or deep they ride in the water, their overall size and their flexibility. Sometimes, a taller or heavier woman may feel more secure on men's skis, while a smaller man might prefer women's skis. While these are our top options, you may find that a slightly different water ski better suits your individual body and style.

If you've been water skiing before but aren't sure how to categorize yourself, here's a simple guide to skill level.

A beginner may water ski a handful of times a year or is just starting to make water skiing a habit. Beginners ski at speeds ranging from 20 to 28 mph. At slower speeds, a water ski naturally wants to sink below the water. The best water skis for beginners have a wide surface area to keep you stable and upright.

An intermediate skier enjoys water skiing as a regular practice. They ski at the high end of the beginner's speed range, from 28 to 32 mph. They often ski on a longer line and either in open water or starting to transition into the course at a slower speed. Intermediate skiers graduate from long, wide slalom skis or combo skis to shorter and thinner slalom skis. 

Advanced water skiers ski at high speeds of 32 to 36 mph. At these speeds, a water ski doesn't have to be wide or stiff to stay on top of the water. Advanced skiers may ski courses — a series of buoys on the water to weave through — for an extra challenge. Thinner, lighter and more flexible skis give advanced skiers improved speed and finesse in turns.

The best water skis for adults don't fight you when you're on the water. We love Radar skis for their carbon laminate construction that rides high instead of sinking. Radar's water ski bindings are also ahead of the curve.

Men's water skis are typically stiffer, larger and able to support more weight than women's skis. Here are our top picks for men.

The 2025 Radar Union Water Ski offer a versatile design with a broader shape and wider tip, making it easier for beginners to get up and stay stable on the water. Enhanced grip rails direct water toward the center of the skis, improving balance and control as you learn. With a durable all-terrain core, the Radar Union is built to handle crossing wakes and skiing through slightly choppy waters. 

Pair it with a Prime boot binding for the perfect setup to start your waterskiing journey.

The Radar Alloy Senate can handle medium-to-high speeds, roughly 26 mph - 30 mph, while delivering a smooth ride high on the water. It's .2 inches wider than a typical advanced slalom ski for improved stability but narrower than a traditional beginner ski. Paulownia wood stringers in the front of the ski can handle rougher water than other beginner and intermediate options, making this one of the best water skis for open water.

This ski packages well with both the standard Vector boot and ARTP or with the double Vector boot depending on the skier's preference. The Vector is a great all-purpose boot, while the BOA boot features an advanced lacing system for a custom fit and Carbitex CX6 strips for handling.

The 2025 Radar Senate Graphite is built for skiers who want the perfect blend of speed and performance. Designed with the width of a traditional Senate ski, but with the advanced Graphite construction, it offers increased response and precision on the water. This ski excels in maintaining speed and control, while its additional width behind the front foot provides extra stability, especially in high-speed turns. 

Ideal for skiers who like to push the limits between 28 and 34 mph, the Senate Graphite is a solid choice for intermediate to advanced riders looking for a high-performance option. Pair it with the double BOA boot for maximum control and comfort on the water.

Our top pick for advanced course skiers is the Radar Vapor Pro Build, which comes in stealth and alpine color options. Its PMI core is a lightweight high-density foam that is faster and more responsive than other core options on the market. The Vapor Pro also features Textreme Carbon, Radar's lightest composite.

The Radar Vapor Pro carries speed like no other ski and is recommended for 32 to 36-mph advanced skiers. There are no package options for the Vapor Pro, but it pairs excellently with front and rear Vector Boa bindings.

Women's water skis are shorter, lighter and contain balance adjustments for a lower center of gravity. Here are the best water skis for women and water ski packages by skill level.

The Radar Women's Session makes it easy to get up and start skiing. This ski is wide for stability and comfort at low speeds, but it can still reach speeds of up to 30 mph. Grip rails and a flat spine funnel water beneath the ski for an easier start and less drag. There is also a sizable flat spot on the ski to help with balance.

The best package option for the Radar Women's Session is the Prime & ARTP. Easily ski for hours with this well-designed beginner set.

Tackle open water to challenging courses with the Radar Women's Graphite Lyric. This ski's Aero core is light and responsive at speeds of 28-34 mph. The shape is finely honed to provide peak turning capabilities with less effort.

The Graphite Lyric packages well with Radar's most advanced Lyric boots. The two package options are the Lyric BOA boot with Lyric BOA ARTP or double Lyric BOA boots, again, depending on the skier's preference. The BOA fastening system allows for a more responsive binding than the standard Lyric boot.

The best sports adventures start with top-tier gear. At Wakesports Unlimited, we offer a huge selection of the best water skis and accessory options. Shop our water skis to find your perfect ski.