EQUIPMENT



COMBOS: EASY TO CHOOSE
By Sherron McClintock


Gone are the days of wood, flat-bottomed combos, because
fibreglass is here to stay!

	There are lots of different combo pairs to chose from.
	Many have similar characteristics.  Adult fibreglass
	combos are a standard 67" in length and are good for
	skiers weighing 110 to 300 lbs.  They have concave
	bottoms for stability and control.  The fins are plastic
	and bindings are plastisol pinch slide quick
	adjustable.  Retail price is in the $250 to $300 range.

	Jr. combos have all the same characteristics as adult
	combos, just sized down for junior skiers weighing 50 to
	110 lbs. The standard length is 57" - 60".  The
	plastisol pinch slide quick adjustable bindings are also
	sized down for smaller feet.  Unfortunately, the price
	is not sized down too ... they retail at about $200.

	Adult combos can be upgraded with aluminum fins that
	have holes drilled in them, which keeps the tail in the
	water better when using as a single slalom ski.
	Bindings are also being upgraded to neoprene rubber,
	which will hold up to wear and tear a lot longer than
	plastisol.  Retail on the upgraded combos is $350 -
	$400.

A young JD McClintock (Joel's son) demonstrates how Jr. combos
can help a youngster start skiing.  {tc  \f U "A young JD
McClintock (Joel's son) demonstrates how Jr. combos can help a
youngster start skiing.  "}

	Keep in mind that the single combo with the rear toe
	piece is great for learning to get up on one ski and
	learning to cross the wakes.  But as you get more
	aggressive and confident, you should move up to a good
	recreational slalom ski that is best suited for your
	weight, boat speed and ability.

	Trick skiing can be a lot of fun.  Before you try trick
	skiing, you should be very stable on a combo pair.

	Trick skis, commonly known years ago as banana skis,
	have changed a lot since then.  Banana skis were wood,
	long, narrow and curved up on each end.  Now the trick
	ski pairs are made of molded fibreglass,  are 42" long
	and 11" wide and curve up on each end.  The bottoms come
	grooved or ungrooved and do not have any fins.  Bindings
	are either plastisol or neoprene adjustable for a wide
	variety of foot sizes.  Retail is about $250 to $400.

	First time trickers find trick skis very difficult to
	ride and control the first few times;  they feel like
	they are going in different directions.

	Here's a quick tip for riding trick skis successfully -
	keep your knees bent forward with your weight over your
	toes, and arms slightly bent.  Gradually get your
	balance and start crossing the wakes.  Eventually you'll
	feel confident enough to try some real tricks, like side
	slides (90o turns) and 180 and 360o turns.  These are a
	lot of fun to learn, but be prepared for a lot of falls
	in the process.

	Remember to purchase your combos at a shop with a good
	selection and knowledgable staff to help you chose the
	skis best suited for your needs.


	Summer is just around the corner, so get ready to enjoy
	a whole summer, full of water skiing fun!

Sherron & Jeff McClintock are owner/operators of McClintock's
Pro Shop and McClintock's Water Ski School.  ??