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Short answer: For a kid who's up on one ski and ready for their own slalom ski, start with the HO Future Omni or the KD Cobalt. Both are forgiving and easy to control. For a junior who's progressing fast and wants to carve harder or try the course, the Radar TRA (in boys and girls) is the next step. The Radar Vapor TRA is a course ski for juniors running the buoys. Still learning on two skis? Start with our combo water skis guide instead.
Our picks at a glance
| Ski | Category | Skiing speed | Sizes |
|---|---|---|---|
| HO Future Omni | Social carver | 39–55 km/h (24–34 mph) | 65" |
| KD Cobalt | Social carver | 39–55 km/h (24–34 mph) | 63" |
| Radar TRA boys / girls | Social carver | 34–55 km/h (20–34 mph) | 63", 65" |
| Radar Vapor TRA | Tournament | 43–58 km/h (26–36 mph) | 65" |
Every ski here comes as a package with a boot and a rear toe plate, so your junior can ride it out of the box.
Is your kid ready for a slalom ski?
Most kids learn on two skis first. Once they can get up and ride confidently, they're ready to move to one. If they're still learning, the combo ski size guide and our combo water skis buyers guide are the place to start, and there are more tips in 5 awesome ways to teach kids to waterski.
A junior slalom ski is built for a lighter skier: softer flex, a lighter build and shorter lengths, so a kid can control it without being worn out. Like adult skis, they're sorted into our social carver category for skiers linking turns and progressing, and tournament skis for running the course. For how shape and construction change the ride, see The Breakdown: Slalom Ski.
First junior slalom ski
HO Future Omni with Stance boot
The Future Omni is the junior version of HO's Omni. It has a wide platform for stability and forgiveness, and a rocker line with dual flat spots that keeps it balanced through the turn and steady crossing the wake. That lets a young skier concentrate on technique instead of fighting the ski.
The Stance boot has dual lace zones, so you can adjust the top and bottom of the boot separately, and flex zones that make it easy to get in and out of.
Size: 65" · Speed: 39–55 km/h (24–34 mph) · Boot: Stance, 4–8, 7–11
KD Cobalt with Axcess boot
The Cobalt is a cut-down version of KD's top-end Titanium, in a construction that stays forgiving for a young skier. Softer flex and rounder bevels suit lighter skiers, and a narrower shape with a rounded tail makes the turns predictable. Carbon in the forebody adds speed without demanding advanced technique.
KD rates it for kids aged 8 to early teens who are moving beyond the basics. The Axcess boot has a low cuff for easy on and off and a floating toe.
Size: 63" · Speed: 39–55 km/h (24–34 mph) · Boot: Axcess, 3–7
Stepping up
Radar TRA boys and girls
The TRA is built on the same platform as Radar's Senate, in a kid-specific carbon construction that keeps it light enough for a young skier to control. It rolls into the turn early and consistently and carries its speed, so a junior spends less energy fighting the ski and more on technique.
It's for skiers aged 8 to 14 who are building technique and may want a go at the course. It's rated 34–55 km/h (20–34 mph), so it covers a lot of progression. Boys and girls get the same ski, both with the Prime boot.
Sizes: 63", 65" · Boot: Prime, 2–6, 5–8.5, 7.5–11.5
Radar Vapor TRA with Vector BOA boot
The Vapor TRA is a course ski. It has an M-80 core with Sigmatex carbon for predictable edge hold at speed, and it's rated 43–58 km/h (26–36 mph). This is for the junior who's already running the buoys and wants a ski built for the course rather than open water.
The Vector BOA boot tightens with a dial, so it holds a secure fit through a long session.
Size: 65" · Speed: 43–58 km/h (26–36 mph) · Boot: Vector BOA, 5–8.5, 7.5–11.5, 10.5–14.5
Getting the size right
Size a junior slalom ski on weight first, the same as an adult ski. On our slalom ski size chart for social carvers, a 63" suits skiers from about 40 to 54 kg and a 65" from about 55 to 69 kg. The slalom ski size calculator starts at 20 kg and takes height into account too. Boot sizes are on the slalom ski boot size guide.
Kids grow, so if your junior sits near the top of a range, the longer size will last longer and give easier starts. It will feel a little less responsive.
Common questions
What age can a kid start on a slalom ski?
There's no set age. Most kids learn on two skis first and move to one once they can get up and ride confidently. KD and Radar rate their junior skis for kids from about 8 to early teens.
What is the best first slalom ski for a kid?
The HO Future Omni or the KD Cobalt. Both are forgiving and easy for a lighter skier to control.
Is there a difference between boys and girls slalom skis?
Not in the Radar TRA. Boys and girls get the same ski and the same boot.
What size slalom ski does my child need?
Size on weight first. On our social carver chart, a 63" suits about 40 to 54 kg and a 65" about 55 to 69 kg. The slalom ski size calculator takes height into account too.
What should a kid ski on before a slalom ski?
A pair of combo skis. They're easier to learn on, and once a kid can get up and ride confidently, they're ready for one ski. Our combo water skis guide covers the best pairs for kids and juniors.
Related guides
- Slalom ski size calculator
- Slalom ski boot size guide
- The Breakdown: Slalom Ski
- How to set up your slalom ski
- The Breakdown: Water ski ropes and handles
- Best combo water skis, for kids still learning on two skis
- Best beginner and intermediate slalom skis, for teens moving onto adult lengths
- Buyers Guide: Best Kids Life Jackets
- 5 awesome ways to teach kids to waterski
Or see all kids slalom skis.
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