How combo ski sizing works

Double water skis — also called combo skis or trainer skis — are sized primarily by rider weight, with height as a secondary check. Ability level and the type of boat you're towing behind also matter, but weight is the variable that does most of the work.

A ski that's the right length makes deep-water starts easier, gives more stability at recreational speeds, and lets beginners and families progress with confidence. A ski that's too short sits low and takes more throttle to plane. A ski that's too long feels stable but is harder to turn and control.

Use the calculator above to get your starting recommendation, then check the size guidance below.

Combo ski size chart

Kids — 42–50" — up to 32 kg — 107–114 cm
Junior — 55–59" — 35–52 kg — 145–152 cm
Youth — 60–64" — 52–80 kg — 152–168 cm
Adult — 65–68" — 55 kg and up — 168 cm and up

When to size up

You're taller than average for your weight — longer skis ride higher and need less throttle to plane.
You're a beginner doing deep-water starts behind a smaller boat. More ski equals more float.
You're between two bands (e.g. 50 kg, on the line between Junior and Youth) — size up for easier starts.

When to size down

You're shorter than average for your weight — a shorter ski will feel more natural underfoot.
You're riding a wide-body combo. Wide-body skis have more surface area at a shorter length, so you can drop one size from the chart above.
You ride frequently and want a more responsive feel through turns.

Wide-body vs standard combo skis

Most modern combos are wide-body — wider in the middle and at the tip, which makes the deep-water start substantially easier and the ride more stable. Brands like O'Brien Vortex, Connelly Quantum and HO Excel are wide-body combos. If you're learning, or buying for a heavier rider who finds standard combos a struggle to get up on, the wide-body shape is the safer call.

Traditional narrower com