Which boats are best for water skiing
Water skiing runs on our boats from the 22' Bayliner up to the 29' Sea Ray. That range includes our 27' Yamaha jet boat, which leaves from East Hampton. These boats pull a skier cleanly out of the water. You can also ski behind our 26' MasterCraft, which runs with a water sports instructor.
Some East End outfits rent boats you drive yourself, with skis on board. Then someone in your group has to drive. On our charters, the captain drives, so nobody in your group has to.
Getting up on your first try
You start in the water, leaning back like you're sitting in a chair. Knees stay bent and close to your chest. Ski tips point up, with the rope between them. When you're ready, you tell the captain, and the boat pulls.
Here's the part that trips up most beginners. Let the boat do the work. If you pull back on the rope or stand too soon, you fall forward. Stay crouched until you feel steady, then rise slowly. Your captain will adjust speed for your size and skill.
Hand signals matter
Once you're up, you can't shout to the boat. Skiers use simple hand signals. A thumb up means faster. A thumb down means slower. A pat on the head means take me back. Go over the signals with your captain before your first ride.
New York towing rules
New York requires a second person aboard, at least 10 years old, to watch the skier at all times. Skiers must wear a fastened Coast Guard approved life jacket. Inflatable belt-style jackets aren't a good fit for skiing. Towing is only allowed from sunrise to sunset, so our 7:00 pm sunset cruise isn't a ski trip.
Local speed zones near shore
You won't ski along the beach in Sag Harbor. The Village code sets a 5 mph limit within 200 feet of shore west of the breakwater and within 500 feet east of it. The Town of Southampton sets 5 mph within 500 feet of its shore, outside of channels. So your captain runs out to open bay before anyone gets in the water.
What is included
Charters on boats from the 22' Bayliner to the 29' Sea Ray include up to two hours of towed sports on a 4-hour trip. Skis, the rope, and life jackets come with the boat. Morning trips leave at 10:00 am, and morning water is often the flattest of the day, which skiers love.
If some of your group would rather ride than ski, tubing uses the same boats. See all of our watersports for the full list.
Plan around the wind
Skiing is best on flat water. A breeze that builds through the afternoon can make the bay choppy. If your group is serious about skiing, book the 10:00 am trip. Your captain checks the weather 2 hours before departure and won't go out in rain or a small craft advisory. If that happens, you get a rain date to rebook.
What to bring
Ice and bottled water are aboard. Bring towels, sunscreen, and any food or drinks you like. Please skip red wine, since it stains. A snug swimsuit beats board shorts for a deep-water start. Skiing is just one part of our boat rentals in the Hamptons.
