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Written by Christine Stanley/Tahoe World
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Monday, 26 June 2006 |
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 Face it, the water in Donner and Tahoe is balls cold, so if you are looking to jump in for a ski, like, rightthisminute, investing in a dry suit might be wise.
They’re pricey — $390 for O’Neill’s Fluid Drysuit, a lightweight, wind-resistant, 100 percent sealed cocoon of bliss — but it’s a hell of a lot cheaper than the hospital bill for your hypothermia and rehab.
In case you don’t opt for the drysuit (and even if you do), a top-of-the-line, last-you-forever, snug-as-a-bug-in-a-rug neoprene vest is a must to keep you afloat while your internal organs are shutting down from cold. (Also works well for floating the Truckee river sans innertube. Simply clutch coozie, point feet down stream, and off you go.)
Body Glove and O’Neill both make great vests for both men and women that fit just right and wont ride up. And ladies, you’ll love this, they come in multiple bold colors and at $60 to $100, will likely cost less than that new bikini you just picked up.
Now here comes the tough part, picking out a ski that is going to fit both your body and ability.
 I’ve skied Kidders, Connellys and OBriens and they all have their pros and cons, so unless you are competitive or have an affinity for a particular name, the brand probably won’t make much of a difference.
For the recreational skier, the Connelly FX is cut like a shape ski and offers smooth carving turns up to 34 mph. From O’Brien, check out the World Team. It’s the #1 selling slalom ski in the world and is a great ski to progress on. Prices on water skis vary depending on how nice you are to the sales guy and whether or not you’re purchasing them with bindings.
And then of course, you will need a rope.
 Remember that the shorter the rope, the faster the tow, so don’t throw Junior on a 12-footer and expect him to love you after. Many ropes on the market are sold without handles, which is great if you’re picky. But if you just want one good rope with one good handle that’s good for the whole crew, pick up the Master Line Package, by Masterline. It’s $75 and works for skiers, kneeboarders, wakeboarders, and anyone who falls overboard.
Photos by Court Leve/Tahoe World
 Top to bottom: Truckee resident Dave Blank tearin' it up on Boca Reservoir this June.
Chris Lange of Cope and McPheters in Tahoe City shows off the bottom of a good all around/beginer ski. It has a V hull design which provides stability and helps a beginer get up and out of the water faster. Fatter than a competition ski, this ski by HO is more stable and forgiving. It's also about $350 with bindings.
In addition to a variety of skis careid at Cope and McPheters there is also a wide variety of ropes and handles to choose from. Prices range from $30 for a rope and handle combination to around $100 for just a handle, depending the model.
Chris Lange of Cope and McPheters in Tahoe City shows a few of their curent slalom skis which range from $900 without bindings for the top of the line carbon fiber ski to skis which run $200 - $300 with bindings. The $900 Mon monza is built for competition skiing. Other skis are wider, sharing the same fat ski technology as winter downhill skis making it easier to get up and provides a more mellow and relaxing ride than a ski like the monza.
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Last Updated ( Friday, 07 July 2006 )
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