Adult Skiers

[ralphy670]

Is it possible to be too heavy to water ski or wakeboard. I tried skiing this last summer and could not get up. As soon as I started to stand up the skis sank under. Are there any skis or wakeboards rated for a guy my size.
Thanks

 

[lrdchaos]

Re: Adult Skiers

How big are you exactly? I would bet there are numerous ski's and wakeboards for a guy your size. What boat are you trying to ski behind?

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Adult Skiers

the bigger you are the more hp it takes to get you up. years ago my 5 year old sister could get up under 10 mph.

your size, and boat you are using. what type ski?????

 

[ocb_dave_ocb]

Re: Adult Skiers

Like they said, there are factors.. I weight 330 lbs, and Im 6'3" not that im fat most people guess me @ 225 but anyway they make ski's and wake boards for bigger people.. My Evinrude 135 will pull me..

 

[ralphy670]

Re: Adult Skiers

I have a Tahoe Q4 with the 4.3L in it. I am not that fat either, I am a long time weight lifter. I tried last year with 2 slolom skis and all I did was sink.

 

[lrdchaos]

Re: Adult Skiers

What size salom ski's you might try something in the 72" range? Also what prop do you have on your boat. I would think that with a larger person you would want to forget a cruising prop and just go with a solid hole shot prop.

 

[aerenson]

Re: Adult Skiers

I would suggest calling one of the catalog companies and ask for suggestions. Whether I am buying something for my over 40 over weight friends who have not skied in 20 years or elite teenagers, they have been great at listening to my needs and guiding me to the right product. It might also be the right time to justifying the purchase of a bigger more powerful boat.

 

[qaztwo]

Re: Adult Skiers

I have 280lbs-300lbs budies that ski all day, well they used to. I believe you came out of the water to quick. If you are new to skiing and come out before there is enough speed you will sink back down. It happens to me when I get real aggressive and pull my self out of the hole before the boat really gets going.

Don't give up, good luck.

 

[kenmyfam]

Re: Adult Skiers

A lot of failure can be attributed to trying to get up too quickly, the skis you are using and the power of the boat. My outfit in my signature pulls me up no problem. For newer or heavier skiers I use a lower pitch prop and they are up in no time with that. I use that one for training newbies to skiing mainly though.

 

[flatbudget]

Re: Adult Skiers

I would say this. It all comes down to the power of the boat and the skis you are using. On some of my quotes regarding skis. Again, before you invest on a set of used skis make sure you allow room for growth and skill progression. If you are between 180 to 200 lbs. Skiing on a 67 or so would be perfect. Anything more than 200 you would want at least a 68 cm sticks. At any rate, for power the bigger the Cubic Inch the better. It's not just a V8 anymore now a days. You want the displacement to move a heavier object from the water. I am not bragging but I have had all kinds of boats from a 4 Cyl. Sea Ray to what I now have a Custom Boat 22' Laser with a 496 H.O. Mercruiser Motor with a Bravo 1 Outdrive. I have a 22 pitch prop and let me tell you what. With 10 adults on my boat pulling a 300 lb skier is never a problem. I have pulled 3 slalom skiers behind my boat ranging from 180 lbs to 330 lbs. That is with 8 adults on board.

 

[OhWellcraft]

Re: Adult Skiers

It sounds like either you may be under powered OR you are wanting to get up too quickly(which would be my guess). Its very common to want to stand up too early which leads to sinking skiis. With two skis it shouldn't make that much of a difference between 66" or 68" skis. I was messing around last summer and got up on a pair of my 6 year olds trainers that are probably 50" max. Just remember to stay leaned back with your skis on a bit of an angle so you are pushing a bit of water until the boat has a chance to pick up. Then let them plane or flatten out once you have a bit of speed. Keep those knees bent well and leaned back the whole time till your going along good then straighten up a bit to where your comfortable. Also make sure the driver is putting the hammer down to get you up then back off a bit to suit your needs. Stay with it you will get it.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Adult Skiers

they make wider skis, get more surface under you. i also agree you may be trying to stand too quickly. if you use 2 skis, a single handle rope, with skis on, get in the fetal position, with you elbow locked around your knees. when the boat takes off at full power, stay in that position, when you come out of the water, you arms will come up, you can ski all day with your butt on the back of the skis. the ski is basic a pair of small boats, it has to plane inorder to support you weight.