Water Sports

Tips for choosing water sports equipment

If you're an outdoor enthusiast, getting out on the water is fun when the weather warms. To make the most of your time on the river, lake, or ocean, it's important to choose the right water sports equipment. Here's what to look for when shopping for water skis, tubes, wakeboards, surfboards, snorkeling equipment, and other items.

Water skiing gear

For some people, there's nothing like gliding across the water on skis while being pulled by a power boat. When purchasing water skis, make sure you get the right specifications for your height and weight. If you're a new water skier, look for a combo package that allows you to use one or two skis, and choose a shaped ski if you fancy yourself an intermediate skier. If you're an advanced water skier, a narrower slalom ski allows for more control and quicker turns.

When shopping for a water skiing rope, look for one made from polypropylene. This material offers a slight amount of elasticity to reduce shock when you are cutting back and forth across the wake or when the boat changes speed. For versatility in distance to the boat, choose water skiing ropes with take-offs, which are segments of the rope that can be removed or added when needed.

Towable tubes

When it comes to time on the water, towable tubes offer hours of fun and demand limited skill. Depending on your needs, shop for a product that accommodates one or multiple riders, and make sure there are plenty of handles for a secure grip. For a more relaxing ride, search for a tube with seats, and choose a flat tube for a faster, more extreme experience. Boating tube ropes come in various sizes and strengths for two to six riders.

Wakeboards

What snowboarding is to snow skiing, wakeboarding is to water skiing. Wakeboarders use the wake of speedboats to do tricks and jumps in the water. When shopping for a wakeboard, always consider the materials used for construction. Most wakeboards feature a wood, foam, or graphite core wrapped in fiberglass. Boards made with a wood core offer more flexibility, but products with a foam core are less expensive and more durable. Wakeboards with graphite cores are stiffer and lighter than other boards.

Wakeboard design varies depending on your preference for riding. If you are used to slalom water skiing with the same foot forward, you may prefer a single-tip board with a narrower front and wider back. If you are used to switching your forward foot, as you do during snowboarding, you may lean toward a twin-tip board, which is rounded on both ends.

Make sure to purchase a wakeboard that's the proper size for your weight and height. If a board is too small, it will demand faster speed, which reduces control. If a board is too large, it can be harder to maneuver on the water.

Surfboards

Few water activities are more fun and exciting than surfing. When shopping for a beginning surfboard, choose a wide, thick board for better stability and balance. A beginning surfboard should also be roughly 1 to 3 feet taller than rider using it. These longboards are perfect for riding small, beginner-sized waves.

Bodyboards

Some wave riders prefer bodyboarding to surfboarding. This fun sport involves riding a board in a prone position as opposed to an upright one. To get the right size board for you, measure from the middle of your knees to your chin and choose a board in a corresponding length. If you're heavier in weight, opt for a wider board for proper buoyancy.

Construction materials are also an important factor for getting the right bodyboard. Are you planning to use your board in cooler water? Choose one with a core made from heavier polyethylene foam. If riding warmer waves, shop for a bodyboard with a core made from lighter polypropylene foam.

Snorkeling equipment

While some people enjoy riding the water, others relish exploring it. Before buying snorkeling gear, consider the three most important pieces of equipment: the mask, snorkel, and fins.

For firm placement and no slipping, choose a mask with a comfortable silicone seal. Look for a product with a lip guard to prevent saltwater from entering the mouthpiece. Choose a longer snorkel for adventures in deeper water. When shopping for fins, make sure they're easy to walk in and the fit is snug but comfortable.

Life vests

Life vests are essential when it comes to safe water sports. Look for one that features comfortable soft foam and reflective material for good visibility in low light. Neoprene construction offers comfort and durability. A zipper with adjustable buckles ensures the perfect fit.

Wetsuits

For sporting enthusiasts who enjoy extending water fun into the spring and fall, a wetsuit is a must-have accessory. Choose a product that feels like a second skin with no sagging or bunching. Wetsuits are typically made of neoprene, but higher-quality suits feature extra-stretchy neoprene in places like the elbows and knees for enhanced flexibility. Choose a thicker wetsuit for deep water activities like SCUBA diving and a thinner suit for pastimes like surfing and open-water swimming.