Editing Water skiing (section)

===Skis===
[[File:Datteln - KF2011 - Ostufer 06 ies.jpg|thumb|Several types of water skis and [[wetsuit]]s, seen at the Kanalfestival 2011 in [[Datteln]]]]
Younger skiers generally start out on children's skis, which consist of two skis tied together at their back and front. These connections mean that less strength is necessary for the child to keep the skis together. Sometimes these skis can come with a handle to help balance the skier as well.<ref name=childrens-skis>{{cite web | title = Children's Waterskis | url = http://www.mademan.com/mm/5-best-childrens-water-skis.html | first = Houlihan | last = Macaco | date = 27 January 2011 | work = Made Manual | publisher = Break Media | access-date = 23 October 2013 | url-status = live | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20131029195032/http://www.mademan.com/mm/5-best-childrens-water-skis.html | archive-date = 29 October 2013 | df = dmy-all }}</ref> Children's skis are short – usually {{convert|45|-|60|in|cm|sigfig=2|order=flip}} long<ref name=childrens-skis/> – reflecting the skier's smaller size. Once a person is strong enough to hold the skis together themselves there are various options depending upon their skill level and weight.

Water skiers can use two skis (one on each foot, also called "combo skiing"<ref name=about.com>{{cite web | url = http://waterski.about.com/od/tipsslalombegin/a/drop_a_ski.htm | title = Dropping a Water Ski to Go Slalom Waterskiing | first = Julie | last = Bostian | publisher = About.com | access-date = 29 October 2013 | url-status = dead | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140413041818/http://waterski.about.com/od/tipsslalombegin/a/drop_a_ski.htm | archive-date = 13 April 2014 | df = dmy-all }}</ref>) or one ski (dominant foot in front of the other foot,<ref>{{cite web | url = http://waterski.about.com/od/tipsslalombegin/a/forward_foot.htm | title = Determining Which Foot to Put Forward in Slalom Water Ski or Wakeboard Bindings: Are You Goofy Footed In Your Wakeboard Bindings or Slalom Water Ski Bindings? | first = Julie | last = Bostian | publisher = About.com | access-date = 29 October 2013 | url-status = live | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140413040447/http://waterski.about.com/od/tipsslalombegin/a/forward_foot.htm | archive-date = 13 April 2014 | df = dmy-all }}</ref> also called "slalom skiing"<ref name=about.com/>). Generally the heavier the person, the bigger the skis will be. Length will also vary based on the type of water skiing being performed; jump skis, for example, are longer than skis used in regular straight-line recreational skiing or competitive slalom and trick skiing. A trick ski is around 40 inches long and wider than combo skis. Again the skier rides it with his or her dominant foot in front. It has no fins which allows for spins to be performed.

Modern water skis have evolved from wooden barrels and snow skis to sophisticated composites of thermoplastics, aluminum, Kevlar, and carbon fiber. These materials make the skis not only high-performing but also sustainable, as manufacturers now use recycled materials to reduce waste and environmental impact. The incorporation of these advanced materials has led to skis that are incredibly strong, lightweight, and flexible, enhancing both performance and durability. Classic water skis are approximately 1.7 meters (5.5 feet) long and 15 centimeters (6 inches) wide, equipped with a stabilizing fin and rubber foot bindings for safety during falls. In contrast, skis used for trick or figure waterskiing are shorter, lack fins for complete rotation capability.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Waterskiing {{!}} Equipment, Techniques & Safety {{!}} Britannica |url=https://www.britannica.com/sports/waterskiing |access-date=2024-02-06 |website=www.britannica.com |language=en}}</ref>