- Determines how much a board will roll over on edge. If a board has a more side cut and narrower tip/tail when the board is on a rail a rider will notice the tip/tail dig even deeper in the water. A wider tip/tail with a fuller profile will give more of a solid boot and more lift off the wake.
- 3 stage rocker boards have always had the extra buck but they land harder because of the flat spot in the middle. It helps displace the water and reduces the slap of the water on landings. Now a rider has the best of both worlds, 3-Stage explosion with softer landings.
- Having a 11 or 6-degree angel towards the rail of the board helps roll the board quicker and easier on edge. This compeiments boards without as much side cut and a wider overall profile.
- The longer the step rail is the grippier the effective edge is, Its helps the board sit deeper in the water, increases the edge hold.
- The more exaggerated the step down rail is, the more effective it is. A moderate step down rail acts as an accent, where as boards that have a deeper version increases the edge hold.
- The closer the fin is to the board's edge the stronger it tracks and the quicker it hooks up. The further the fins are away from the edge the looser it feels.
Having additional water flow through the end of the board can actually speed up the board. It slightly reduces the amount of friction making for a faster ride on the water.
Additional water flow gives the rider more feel with the water. This tunnel also helps grips the board on landing.
This type of rail is even closer to the profile of the board. The deeper the Cupped rail, the more water flows through it-the grippier the board feels on the water. This type of design complements 3-stage rocker boards.
Is a smooth curve that does not change from tip
to tail, while three-stage rocker has two distinct bend points
almost like a skateboard deck but not nearly as drastic. When you
ride wakeboards with continuous rocker you lose a bit of your pop,
but you get a faster ride because the water flows without disruption
across the bottom of the wakeboard right out through the tail.
Wakeboards with a continuous rocker also makes for a more consistent
ride. Since a wakeboard with a three-stage rocker has two distinct
bends, it pushes more water in front of the wakeboard. This makes
you ride slower but you gain a lot more pop off the wake.
When you graduate from two water skis and are ready to tackle the world
of slalom waterskiing don't rush off to buy the slalom water ski you
think best matches the color of your wetsuit. Take a moment to consider
several factors. The two most important things to consider are your
weight and the speed at which you usually ski.
- Sizing Charts
Your weight and boat speed play a factor in how the slalom water ski
performs. Use the chart at the end of the article as a general guide
when choosing your water ski size.
Goode offers a Water Ski AMP Selector Guide
that may also be of use to you. AMP is short for Ampliation, which
means "sizing". Goode created an AMP chart to define a ski's length and flex.
- Skill Level
When considering the make of a slalom water ski, choose one to match
your skill level. If you are a beginner, do not go for an aggressive ski
which could cause injury if you are not able to control it.
Manufacturers design skis to match all skill levels.
- Bindings/Boots
You want your water ski bindings
to be snug but not tight. If the boot is too tight you run the risk of
breaking an ankle, leg, or knee because the ski may not properly release
from your foot upon falling.
There are several different kinds of boot make-ups. They range from
simple toe plates where you point your foot straight in, to advanced
highwrap bindings which snugly cover the entire foot as well as high on
the ankle.
- Fin System
You generally want to have an adjustable fin
system. This will allow you to change it to fit your skiing style,
whether you make smooth carving turns, quick round turns, or quick sharp
turns.
Slalom Water Ski Size Chart
| Boat Speed | 26-30 mph | 30-34 mph | 34-36 mph |
| 80-110 lbs | 63-64" | 62-64" | ------- |
| 95-120 lbs | 65-66" | 63-64" | 63-64" |
| 115-140 lbs | 65-66" | 63-64" | 63-64" |
| 135-160 lbs | 67-68" | 65-66" | 65-66" |
| 155-180 lbs | 69" | 67-68" | 67-68" |
| 175-200 lbs | 69" | 69" | 67-68" |
| 195-220 lbs | 72" | 69" | 69" |
| 215 lbs and up | 72" | 72" | 72" |
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