10 Best Water Skis 2025 in the United States

The O'Brien Celebrity Combo Waterskis are designed with versatility in mind, making them suitable for adults of various skill levels. At 68 inches long, they are ideal for comfortable gliding and performance on the water. One of their standout features is the adjustable X-7 binding, which accommodates a wide range of shoe sizes from 4.5 to 13, ensuring that most users can enjoy a secure fit. The padded rear toe plate adds to the comfort, allowing for longer sessions without discomfort.

These skis are equipped with a performance side cut that enhances turning ability, making it easier to navigate through the water. Their dual tunnel design contributes to improved control and stability, which is particularly beneficial for intermediate skiers looking to boost their confidence on the water.

Weighing in at 12 pounds and constructed from fiberglass, they are lightweight yet sturdy, making them easy to handle. With a 1-year manufacturer warranty, they also provide assurance on quality. However, the skis' popularity means they can be ranked #2 in waterskis, reflecting a competitive market. These skis are a solid choice for adults seeking an all-around water skiing experience, but they might not be the best fit for complete beginners.

The O'Brien All-Star Water Skis are designed specifically for kids and beginners, making them a great choice for young skiers up to 85 pounds. The 46-inch length is well-suited for children, providing a good balance of control and ease of maneuvering. The skis feature a dual tunnel design with V-shaped tips that help slice through rough water, which adds stability and makes the ride smoother for those just learning. Additionally, the dual molded-in fins improve tracking, so beginners can maintain direction more confidently. The adjustable Jr. bindings use a pinch-slide system, allowing quick and secure foot placement that’s comfortable for small feet and grows with the child.

The package includes a trainer bar, handle, and rope, which are helpful tools for maintaining balance and control during practice sessions—this makes the set particularly useful for learning. Made of fiberglass, these skis are lightweight enough for kids to handle but durable for repeated use. The weight limit of 85 pounds means they aren’t suitable for older or heavier children, and more advanced skiers will outgrow these skis fairly quickly.

The skis are fairly narrow, which helps with speed and control but might feel a bit less stable compared to wider beginner skis. This combo offers a solid starter option that supports skill-building in young water skiers by focusing on stability, control, and ease of use.

The O'Brien Jr Vortex Widebody 54" Combo water skis are designed primarily for beginner kids, making them a solid choice for young water ski learners. At 54 inches long and 8 inches wide, these skis offer a stable platform that helps newcomers maintain balance more easily. The widebody design, combined with a plastic fin and stabilizer bar, improves control and tracking on the water, which is important for building confidence during early practice sessions. The adjustable Jr. X-7 bindings accommodate a wide foot size range (kids size 2 up to men's 7), allowing the skis to grow with the child for multiple seasons.

Made from fiberglass, the skis are lightweight (15 pounds) yet durable enough for typical beginner use. The plastic fin may not perform as well as metal fins in terms of precision and responsiveness, which could become noticeable as skill improves. Additionally, since one ski has a rear toe piece on the binding, some users might find it less conventional compared to fully adjustable bindings on both skis. These skis support users up to around 140 pounds, fitting most kids but possibly limiting for older teens or adults.

This product has a good reputation among buyers, with a 4.3-star rating, indicating satisfaction with its performance for starting out. If you're looking for stable, easy-to-use water skis to help a child get comfortable on the water, this O'Brien set offers a dependable and beginner-friendly option.