Must-Have Water-Sport Equipment

Wake and ski gear

For the adventurous, towing sports include water skis, wakeboards and kneeboards.

Water ski

Water skis come in various models from entry-level to tournament-style gear. Beginning water skis are sold in pairs and can be sized for all riders from the smallest kids to the heaviest dads. For the more advanced, slalom competition skis from brands like Connelly, Radar and HO Sports will track through the wake and around the buoys with precision.

Wake board

Wakeboards are great for those who like to catch air and do tricks. Wakeboards are sized according to the rider and are available as basic or advanced models from brands including O’Brien and Hyperlite. Basic wakeboards may be sold packaged with boots while competition boards are sold blank with advanced boots sold separately.

Kneeboard

Kneeboards are the water shredder’s dream. They’re generally easier to master than skis or boards, and they still allow for the thrill of jumping the wake or doing flips. Brands like O’Brien and ZUP have a variety of boards to suit the beginner or advanced rider alike.

Towables

Everyone can have fun on a towable. Tubing used to involve just that—an old truck inner tube towed behind a boat, but the new towables have evolved. Choose from single tubes in bright colors and graphics to multi-rider lounges and sofas. Long sleds or toboggans will keep your whole crew entertained. You’ll be surprised how the old tubes have been reshaped and accessorized by brands like Airhead and WOW, so you can pile on and go for slow and scenic or fast and exhilarating.

Wearables

Make sure everyone enjoys being the one at the end of the line with a professional tow rope that floats and has a good, comfortable handle. Gloves will help you grip as you pull hard to slice through the wake on your water skis. If you boat in cooler climates, a thin (3/2 mm) full or shorty wetsuit from O’Neill or Body Glove may be just the ticket to entice people into the water.

Be sure you have an assortment of life jackets aboard for everyone on and behind the boat. Sport vests are lighter, thinner and have low profile clasps and larger armholes so you can move easily during your ride, which may involve quite a bit of athleticism. These vests come in various sizes, colors and even shapes for men and women. Don’t forget Fido’s life jacket because you want him to be safe when you’re zipping around at 30 mph with a water skier behind you.

Water-sport toys add to your boating fun, and there’s plenty of room aboard your Lowe boat to store them. Load up on boards, skis, towables and life jackets and head out with your whole crew.