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What's the ski scene like in Seattle area? Looking at a move there and want to get an early clue in. Any info on best areas, what to expect for typical water/wind conditions and hours, and length of season would be helpful. I know Sammamish has a club and plan to reach out, was also looking for the ski ambassadors page (https://www.ballofspray.com/ambassadors) but it seems to be gone. Thanks!

Ski arrives tomorrow. Planning to take it out Wednesday. Will keep you posted!

@Bunger PM'd you.

I ended up picking up a 65" 2013 Radar P-6 and double 2012 Radar Vectors for $300, all unused. Can't wait for them to arrive so I can take my first ski out on the water!

The 2012 Theory blem is so very tempting at $140.. but with all the recommendations for a P6, and if I can learn faster on it, I think I will be getting a P6. I plan to pick up double Vectors as well. BOS is the best! Thank you everyone for guiding me through my first ski purchase!

Thanks for all the recommendations, I will be sure to look into all of them! One of the main reasons I have been considering the Theory thus far is simply because there is a cheap blem available in 65", whereas the P6 blem I found is only available in 67". @slvrbulit I am based in San Jose, CA.

Thanks for the great tips! I have been looking at a 65" 2012 Radar Theory I found on sale, but I found their 2012 brochure (http://issuu.com/zoodsmak/docs/2012-radar-brochure) and it lists the 65" Theory for 95-135 lbs and 67" for 125-185 lbs. I weigh 140 lbs. Thoughts? Any other recommendations for a ski to take a look at? I understand that ski selection is very personal, but having only ever tried out one ski, I don't have a very good comprehension of the different nuances of skis.

Hello all, I am a beginner level water skiier who learned to water ski last summer and instantly fell in love with the sport. This summer I am working towards a goal of learning to slalom and have started shopping for my first ski. I've found an overwhelming amount of information and options, and frankly, I just don't know where to start. I apologize for the sheer amount of questions; I am just slightly clueless and very eager to learn. Some basics: I am age 22, 5'8'', 140 lbs, and my budget including bindings is $500. I have no problem with buying used or demos. I generally free ski at 28-31, but boat speed has generally just been left to whatever the boat driver feels comfortable towing a new skiier at. I can get up fine on one ski but currently I am a bit of a ways off from being able to run the course. First, what size ski should I be looking at? And what speed does one usually start to learn the course at? Next, I have taken a look at Ski-It-Again but the options are overwhelming. What ski materials and model years should I be looking at in my price range? Are there any popular models you would recommend that I keep an eye out for? With my budget and inexperience, would it be recommended to demo newer models of skis I'm interested in as a point of reference, or should I not worry too much about it? Any insightful answers or tips would be hugely appreciated. Thank you for your patience.

Thank you all again, especially @oldjeep. I picked up the Radar X-Vest from the closeout sale and a pair of Radar Vice gloves for $60. I had been looking at the X-Vest before, but it was way out of my price range until you linked me to that closeout sale! I already put in my order, but why is it so cheap? Is it last year's stock?

Thanks for all the tips! I forgot to mention in my original post, I do need a USCG vest due to regulations around here. As a beginner, would it be beneficial to look at gloves with dowels?

Hello all, I am a beginner who just learned to ski recently and am looking to improve. I can get up on a slalom ski but I am very far from being able to ski the course. What are your recommendations for good gloves and vests? My budget is $130-150 for both, but I would prefer to stay on the lower end. Also, if anyone is in the San Jose, CA area, do you have any recommendations for good pro shops to visit? Thanks for your help!