How to Get Up on Water Skis for the First Time: A Beginner's Guide
How to Get Up on Water Skis for the First Time: A Beginner's Guide
If your first attempt at water skiing ends with a face full of lake water, congratulations. You're doing it exactly like everyone else did. Getting up on skis is one of those classic Aussie summer moments that looks effortless from the boat and feels like a wrestling match the first few tries. The good news is that almost every mistake beginners make comes down to just a few fixable habits, and most first-timers are up and gliding within a single session. Here's how to get it right, faster.
Get Your Gear Right Before You Get In the Water
A good start is 50% setup and 50% technique. Before the boat even idles forward, check the basics:
-
Use combo skis (two skis, wider and more stable) rather than slalom skis for your first sessions. They're far more forgiving.
-
Match the ski size to the skier's weight; skis that are too long are harder to control, and too short means less flotation.
-
Wear a properly fitted, snug life jacket. It also helps you float in the right seated position between attempts.
-
Keep bindings firm but comfortable; too loose and your foot slides, too tight and you'll fight the ski instead of steering it.
The Body Position That Makes or Breaks Your Start
Almost every first-timer falls the same way: leaning back, arms bent, trying to "muscle" themselves upright. Do the opposite. Sit back in the water with your knees bent up to your chest, skis pointed up out of the water, and arms straight out in front of you, holding the handle outside your knees. Your job isn't to stand up. It's to stay in that crouched position and let the boat's pull do the work as it gently raises you out of the water.
Step-by-Step: Your First Time Getting Up
-
Get into the seated "cannonball" position described above, skis together and tips up.
-
Give the driver or spotter a clear thumbs up when you're ready.
-
As the boat accelerates, keep your arms straight and let the rope do the pulling. Don't try to stand yet.
-
Stay crouched low as the skis start to plane on the surface, then slowly straighten your legs.
-
Keep your eyes on the horizon (not your skis) and let your body rise naturally into a standing position.
Common Beginner Mistakes (and How to Fix Them)
-
Leaning back and sitting down mid-pull. Fix: keep weight centered over your feet, not behind you.
-
Bending your arms and trying to pull yourself up. Fix: arms straight, let the boat do the work.
-
Standing up too early, before the skis are planing. Fix: stay crouched a beat longer than feels natural.
-
Looking down at the skis. Fix: pick a fixed point on the horizon and keep your eyes there.
What Boat Speed Do You Need?
Speed depends on the skier's weight and experience, but as a general starting point for adult beginners on combo skis, most instructors use a range of roughly 24–30 km/h, with lighter or younger skiers starting slower. It's always worth checking with an experienced driver or accredited instructor for your specific boat and skier, and if you also ride a wakeboard, our companion guide on boat speed and rope length covers that setup in detail. See here.
FAQs
How many tries does it usually take to get up on skis?
Most first-timers are up within 5–10 attempts. Don't be discouraged if it takes longer on your first session. Muscle memory builds fast once you find the right position.
What's the best ski size for a beginner?
As a rule of thumb, choose combo skis rated for your weight range on the manufacturer's size chart. Slightly larger is generally more forgiving than too small.
Do kids need different skis to learn on?
Yes, kids should use junior-specific combo skis sized for their weight, ideally with an adjustable rear binding to grow with them.
Is it easier to learn on one ski or two?
Two skis (combo skis) are easier for almost everyone starting out, since they offer more stability. Most skiers move to a single slalom ski later, once they're comfortable.
Join the community: got up on skis for the first time this summer? Tag @jobesports_anz in your photo or video: we love featuring first-timers and family wins in our Rider Spotlight series.
