Let’s face it, shredding on the lake all day is pretty awesome, but nobody wants raw, blistered and torn up hands slowing them down. A good pair of waterski gloves is your secret weapon for longer and more enjoyable sessions out on the water. This buyers guide to waterski gloves will help you navigate the distinct types of gloves and find the perfect fit for your next aquatic adventure.
Getting the right sizing
The key to happy hands is a super snug glove. Loose gloves or gloves that are too big are a recipe for blisters, cramps, and losing your grip on the handle. Waterski gloves are to a large part, made from neoprene, which will loosen up a bit when wet and after a couple of ski sessions. So, do not be afraid to go for a glove that feels really snug when dry. You want your fingers to extend to the ends of the glove with minimal bunching in your palm. Go with the smallest glove size that you can get your hand in whilst at the store. Here’s a tip: grab a friend and have them pull on the handle while you grip it to test the fit under pressure.
Glove Designs
Most gloves come in full-finger designs, offering maximum protection and warmth in cooler waters. But for some skiers, especially in warmer climates or ladies with long nails, three-quarter finger gloves provide a more comfortable feel and better dexterity. Here is the trade-off though: full fingers keep you warmer and allow for pre-curved finger designs, which reduce muscle strain and enhance grip strength on the handle whereas three-quarter finger gloves don’t offer this.
No matter what style you choose, all gloves should have a wrist strap to distribute pressure, and most waterski gloves will feature an additional strap across the back of your hand for a secure fit.
Palm Power: Materials That Make the Difference
The palm of your waterski gloves is your main protection against the ski handle and the boat. Here is a breakdown of some of the common materials used and their benefits:
- Amara: This soft, comfortable material is the standard padding in most gloves like the Masterline Master Curve Gloves. It reduces wear and tear on your hands but might not be as durable as other options. These are the type of gloves that one would typically use for recreational water skiing and give minimal wear on the ski handle.
- Kevlar: For the ultimate grip and durability, high-end slalom gloves like the D3 Enzo Gloves pictured below, more often than not use Kevlar. This super-tough material provides a responsive feel on the handle, and its stiffness works great with pre-curved fingers to keep you glued to the bar. These are the type of gloves that one would typically use for competitive skiing.
Clincher Waterski Gloves
Clincher gloves, like the Masterline Pro Lock Clincher pictured below, take a unique approach to waterski gloves. Instead of stitching material onto the palm, they use a heavy-duty strap that runs from your wrist to a piece of dowel on the middle fingers. When you tighten the strap, it forces your hand to grip the handle more effectively, transferring the strain from your fingers and wrists to your forearms. This is a lifesaver for those final few passes when your arms are begging for a break.
So, there you have it! With this guide, you should be well on your way to choosing the perfect set of waterski gloves for keeping your hands happy all season long.
If you get stuck or are still unsure on which gloves are best for you, give us a call, drop us an email or stop by the shop and we’ll happily assist you. Also remember to give us a follow on Instagram and Facebook for regular updates.
