Welcome to the world of waterskiing and towed watersports. In waterskiing, your handle can be the difference between a thrilling, or a frustrating experience. Waterski handles come in multiple varieties, grips and stretchiness from line type. A good handle should provide comfort and a solid grip to suit your skiing style. We’re breaking down the things you need to know, from the material types, to grip technique, and designs, Below you’ll find all the essential features you need to consider before buying a ski handle.

Configuration and design of Ski Handle

Water ski handles come in various formats:

• Straight Handle: The most common handle for water skiing. Skiers can use it to learn slalom skiing.
  
• Double Handle Pull: For those who don’t like the regular, straight handle. 
  
• Slalom Handle: This lightweight handle works best in slalom performance and is specifically designed to assist with switching hands and quick transitions.
  
• Surf Style: Less surface area to grab on to, but gives excellent pulling power and control, preferred by most ski instructors. 
  
• Deep V Handle: Ideally suited for learning how to deep water start and how to maintain body position
• Toe Harness: These handles are usually similar to the Deep V except they have a spot for your toes to go, usually done with trick skiing.

Key Features of a Waterski Handle

The right handle should balance comfort and control. Look for a grip secure enough to help you make sharp turns without being too hard on your hands.

• Construction Material: Most handles are comprised of aluminum wrapped in tough rubber to provide the much-needed grip. Some float, some are coarse, material is highly subjective although this article writer usually rides with wood ones.
• Handle Width & Diameter: A 1-inch diameter may be considered typical. However, it may vary depending on the make and model. A handle should fit snugly in your hands. So, choose a width according to the length of your fingers. Avoid choosing smaller-diameter ski handles if you don’t wear gloves, as they can be tough and tear up your hands.
  

Grip on the handle

One of the most controversial topics in waterskiing. Everyone has their own unique opinion on the best way to grip the handle, and these two camps of people usually don’t get along. Baseball grip or both palms down. Then depending on foot in front, the hand on top switches. However you do, experiment with lots of different grip styles to find the one that works best for you.

With ski handles, there’s no “one size fits all.” Just pick up the handle and look for a grip that suits you the best. We advise wearing gloves for an extra grip on the handle.

Get the Best Handle at Miami Nautique

You’d need the perfect handle to get dialed in and sharpen your skills. That’s where we come in.

At Miami Nautique, our team of professionals will provide you the beginner tips and suggestions to help you find the right types of ski handles. Our list of reputed manufacturers includes HO Sports, D3, Radar, Masterline, Connelly, Goode, Reflex, and many other brands. Stop by our pro shop or browse our site to find the perfect waterski handle.