Adult trick skis come in three standard sizes by rider weight. Riders up to 59 kg (130 lb) ride a 41-inch (104 cm) ski; 60–74 kg (132–163 lb) ride a 42-inch (107 cm) ski; 75 kg and over (165 lb+) ride a 43-inch (109 cm) ski. The calculator above gives you a specific recommendation. Brand-specific charts can vary by ±1 inch depending on the ski's width and base profile, so check the manufacturer chart for the exact model you're considering. For riders at the boundary between bands, the general rule is to size up — the longer ski gives more stable landings while costing very little rotation speed.

Go longer in most cases. A trick ski one size up gives a drier, more stable ride between tricks and a more forgiving base for landings — both more useful at recreational and intermediate level than the rotation speed you give up. Size down only if you're an advanced trick skier chasing maximum spin rate, or a competitive toe-pass rider who wants a quicker-rotating platform. Riders returning to the sport after time away should always size up; the extra surface area takes pressure off body position you haven't refined yet. With only three adult sizes spanning the whole weight range, the boundary calls matter — and longer is the safe default.

Use the chart as your starting point — the calculator's recommendation by weight applies whether you're new to the sport or experienced. The bigger consideration for beginners is sizing up if you're near a band boundary. A slightly longer ski has more surface area, which means a drier ride and more forgiving landings while you're learning rotation timing. For very light junior riders under about 40 kg, the standard 41-inch adult ski may be too long — shorter junior trick skis in the 38–40 inch range exist for kids and are worth asking about. Contact our team for help selecting a junior-specific ski.

Around 26–30 km/h for adult riders is the typical range. Much slower than slalom (30–58 km/h) — the slower speed is what makes trick skiing's rotations, slides and flips physically possible. Higher speeds make the ski track too straight and the water too firm to slide on; lower speeds make the ski sink. Boat speed is controlled by the driver via the speedometer; some inboard ski boats also have Perfect Pass or Zero Off speed control systems that hold a precise speed automatically. If you're learning, ask the driver to start at the slower end of the range — easier to control rotations as you build technique.