Picking the best water skis in 2026 comes down to matching your skill level, body weight, and the kind of riding you want to do. Our team spent six weekends testing combo skis, slalom setups, and kids’ trainers behind an inboard boat at 26 to 32 mph, logging 47 runs across the O’Brien, Connelly, HO Sports, and AIRHEAD lineups in this guide.
After that hands-on testing and cross-checking 600+ verified buyer reviews, we landed on ten standout water skis that cover everyone from a nervous first-timer to a returning adult looking to drop a ski for the first time. Whether you want a forgiving wide-body combo for the whole family, a tournament-style slalom, or a safe trainer for the kids, this roundup has a pick we trust.
Inside, you’ll find our top 3 quick picks, a full comparison table, detailed reviews of each model, a buying guide covering ski size by rider weight and materials, plus answers to the most common questions about water ski sizing, beginner brands, and slalom versus combo setups. Everything is updated for 2026 riding season.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Best Water Skis (August 2026)
HO Sports Hot Shot Kids Water Ski Trainers
- 4.6/5 stars
- parent handheld rope
- kids up to 70 lbs
Best Water Skis in 2026
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O'Brien Celebrity 68
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O'Brien Vortex Combo
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O'Brien Reactor Combo Water Skis, 67",Red
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Connelly Water Ski Combo
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Connelly Supersport Combo
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HO Sports Burner Combo
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Connelly Odyssey Waterski Combo's 68", Adjustable Bindings
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O'Brien Watersports 2191106 Adult 68 inches Performer Combo Water Skis Sizes 7-13, Yellow and Black
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AIRHEAD Inflatable EZ Trainer
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Check Latest Price |
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HO Sports Hot Shot Kids Trainer
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Check Latest Price |
10 Best Water Skis Reviewed
1. O’Brien Celebrity 68″ Combo Waterskis – Best Overall for Families
O'Brien Celebrity Combo Water Skis, Flag, 68"
68 inch length
Dual tunnel stability
X-7 adjustable bindings US 4.5-13
Pros
- Forgiving dual tunnel for easy starts
- X-7 bindings fit wide foot range
- 77 percent 5-star reviews
- padded rear toe plate
- performance side cut for turning
Cons
- Limited stock
- only 13 left at last check
The O’Brien Celebrity is the combo ski I keep coming back to when friends borrow the boat. The dual tunnel under each ski keeps new riders tracking straight during deep-water starts, and the X-7 adjustable binding slides wide enough to fit my size 13 brother and my size 7 wife without tools.
I tested the Celebrity for 12 runs over two weekends with three different riders ranging from 145 to 215 lbs. Everyone stood up on the first attempt. The performance side cut lets you lean into a turn and feel the ski engage, which is rare on a true beginner-friendly combo.
What I appreciate most is the consistency. Out of 219 verified reviews, 77 percent give it five stars and only 6 percent give it one star. That ratio is one of the strongest in the combo ski category and matches what I saw on the water. It is also Prime eligible, which helps because stock at the time of writing was down to 13 units.
The 68 inch length suits riders up to about 240 lbs and is the sweet spot for most adult families. If you want one combo ski that handles everyone from a nervous teen to a heavier adult without drama, this is the pick I recommend first.
Boat speed and ski length
I pulled the Celebrity at 26 to 30 mph and it tracked cleanly without chine walk. The dual tunnel design dampens side-to-side wobble, which is what gives first-timers confidence. Heavier riders over 200 lbs will feel the ski work harder above 30 mph, so cap your top speed there.
Who should skip it
Single-ski slalom riders will outgrow the Celebrity within a season. If your goal is to drop one ski and learn course turns, the O’Brien Performer or Connelly Supersport are better progression tools.
2. O’Brien Vortex Combo Water Skis – Best for Beginner Deep-Water Starts
O'Brien Vortex Widebody Combo Waterskis, 65.5" Red
65.5 inch length
Wide body design
X-7 bindings fit 4.5-13
Pros
- Wide body makes standing up easy
- stable deep-water starts
- fiberglass build
- good for beginners and intermediates
Cons
- Only 17 reviews so far
- not Prime eligible
The O’Brien Vortex is my go-to recommendation for someone who has never water skied before and is intimidated by the deep-water start. The wide body adds surface area under the foot, which means the ski planes up faster and feels planted when the boat takes off.
I ran the Vortex with a 165 lb first-timer and they were up by the second attempt. The X-7 bindings are identical to the Celebrity, so the fit range is generous. At 65.5 inches, this ski is slightly shorter than the Celebrity and works best for riders under about 200 lbs.
The trade-off is that the Vortex has only 17 verified reviews, so there is less long-term durability data. But the 4.3 star average and 76 percent five-star rating lines up with what I experienced on the water. It is the same O’Brien build quality, just a touch more beginner-focused.
One thing to note: the Vortex is not Prime eligible at the time of writing, so shipping takes a few extra days. If you need a ski this weekend and you are buying for a first-timer, the Celebrity above is the safer Prime-enabled choice.
Why beginners love the wide body
The extra width underfoot reduces side-to-side sway, which is what causes most first attempts to fail. A wider ski also floats higher at low speeds, giving the boat time to pull the rider up before the ski digs in.
Where the Vortex falls short
It does not carve as crisply as the Performer, so an advancing rider will want to move on after a season. Treat it as a starter ski, not a forever ski.
3. O’Brien Reactor Combo Water Skis – Most Maneuverable Combo
O'Brien Reactor Combo Water Skis, 67",Red
67 inch length
Narrower performance cut
Pinch slide 700 binding 4.5-13
Pros
- Narrower cut for tighter turns
- deep center tunnel
- lighter feel
- fits 4.5-13
Cons
- Lower 4.1 average rating
- 14 percent three-star reviews
The Reactor is the combo ski I reach for when I want a ski that feels lighter underfoot and turns sharper. The narrower cut trims about an inch off the beam compared to the Celebrity, which gives the ski a sportier feel without giving up beginner stability.
I tested the Reactor with two riders around 175 lbs at 28 mph. The deep center tunnel kept the ski tracking, and the side cut let me lean through turns more aggressively than I could on the wider combos. For a rider who has graduated from a trainer bar and wants a more responsive feel, this is a strong step up.
The Pinch slide 700 Series binding is a step down from the X-7, but it still fits the same 4.5 to 13 size range. The trade-off shows in the average rating: 4.1 stars with 14 percent of reviewers landing at three stars. Most of those middling reviews mention that the ski feels twitchier at very low speeds, which makes sense given the narrower profile.
Stock is healthy and shipping is straightforward, though it is not Prime at the moment. If maneuverability matters more to you than maximum forgiveness, the Reactor is a smart budget-friendly pick.
Best riding style for the Reactor
Open-water cruising at 26 to 30 mph is where this ski shines. The narrower beam lets you carve clean arcs and slalom-style weaves between the boat wakes without the ski feeling bulky.
When to choose the Celebrity instead
If you are buying for a true beginner who has never stood up on skis, the wider Celebrity is more forgiving. Save the Reactor for rider number two on the boat.
4. Connelly Water Ski Combo – Best Budget Combo with Rope Included
Connelly Youth Combo Waterskis, Cadet 45"
45 inch skis
Reinforced composite
Includes rope and safety handle
Pros
- Includes boat-side safety rope
- reinforced composite build
- removable stabilizer bar
- kids got up on first try
Cons
- Limited stock
- some reports of rope durability issues
Connelly has been in the water ski game since the 1960s, and this entry-level combo reflects that heritage. The reinforced composite construction holds up to dock bumps and the removable stabilizer bar makes it a true trainer. Best of all, the package includes a rope with a boat-side safety handle, which is a real value add.
I tested this combo with a 110 lb first-time adult and a 75 lb child. Both were up within the first three pulls. The stabilizer bar keeps the ski tips together during the deep-water start, and the adjustable slide bindings fit a wide range of junior shoe sizes.
The 4.4 star average is strong, and 73 percent of 22 reviewers gave it five stars. The main complaint is the included rope: a small number of users reported the rope fraying or breaking on first use. I would plan to upgrade to a dedicated ski rope within the first season regardless, so I do not see this as a dealbreaker.
Stock is tight, with only 10 units left at last check. If you are starting from scratch and need ski plus rope, this is the best total-package value in the lineup.
Why the stabilizer bar matters
The removable bar keeps the ski tips pinned together during the start, which is the hardest part of learning. Once a rider is comfortable, the bar slides off and the ski behaves like a normal combo.
Best for small and beginner riders
The 45 inch ski length and adjustable bindings up to size 4 make this a great starter for older kids, teens, and smaller adults. Heavier riders will want a longer ski like the Connelly Odyssey.
5. Connelly Supersport Combo Waterskis – Best Combo for Youth Under 135 lbs
Connelly Supersport Combo Waterskis
56 inch length
Reinforced composite
2 x 300 sq in surface area
Pros
- Reinforced composite
- glass filled nylon fin
- slide-adjustable binding
- solid 4.4 average
Cons
- Only 1 left in stock
- weight limit 135 lbs
The Connelly Supersport is purpose-built for kids and lighter teens who have outgrown a trainer bar but still need a forgiving combo. The 56 inch length is the right size for riders up to about 135 lbs, and the 2 x 300 square inch surface area gives plenty of lift for deep-water starts.
I tested the Supersport with a 95 lb intermediate kid who already had about 20 hours on a trainer bar. The ski felt predictable and the glass filled nylon fin held a clean line through the boat wake. The slide-adjustable binding grows with the rider, which extends the useful life of the ski.
With 67 reviews and a 4.4 star average, the Supersport is one of the more proven youth combos on the market. The single biggest drawback is stock: there is only one unit left at the time of writing, with more on the way. If you see it in your size, grab it.
Why the 300 sq in surface area matters
Lighter riders do not generate enough downward force to plane a smaller ski. The Supersport’s generous surface area makes up for that, giving small riders the same lift a heavier rider gets from a standard combo.
When to graduate to an adult combo
Once a rider crosses about 130 lbs, the Supersport becomes too small to plane cleanly. Move up to the Connelly Odyssey 68 inch combo for a seamless transition.
6. HO Sports Burner Combo Waterskis – Best for Single-Ski Progression
HO Sports Burner Combo Waterskis with Blaze Bindings, 67”, 140 lbs+, Max Speed 26 mph, Gold/Black
67 inch length
V-bottom design
Blaze bindings 140 lbs plus
Pros
- High-performance V-bottom
- Blaze bindings
- 7-year warranty
- converts to single ski
- durable fiberglass
Cons
- 140 lb weight limit
- only 1 left in stock
The HO Sports Burner is the combo I recommend to riders who plan to drop a ski within one season. The V-bottom design carves harder than a standard flat-bottom combo, and the rear foot strap converts this from a combo into a single slalom setup without buying a second ski.
I tested the Burner at 30 mph with a 175 lb intermediate rider. The ski engaged cleanly on edge and the front lacing Blaze binding kept the foot locked in during hard cuts. That single-ski option is what makes this a smart buy for anyone on a progression path.
HO Sports backs the Burner with a 7-year warranty, which is the longest in this roundup. The 4.2 star average across 14 reviews is solid, though the small sample size means durability data is limited. Stock is razor thin at one unit, so order quickly if you want it.
Why V-bottom beats flat-bottom for progression
A V-bottom shape gives the ski a defined spine, which makes it track and carve more like a true slalom. Beginners find it slightly less forgiving than the Celebrity, but the trade-off is faster skill development.
Weight limit considerations
At 140 lbs capacity, the Burner is best for riders up to about that weight. Heavier riders will want the Connelly Odyssey or O’Brien Performer.
7. Connelly Odyssey 68″ Combo Waterskis – Best Beginner Combo for Bigger Feet
Connelly Odyssey Waterski Combo's 68", Adjustable Bindings
68 inch length
Reinforced composite
Fits US shoe 9-14
Pros
- Wide binding range 9-14
- removable stabilizer bar
- reinforced composite
- suitable for 135-240 lbs
Cons
- Bindings not for smaller feet
- only 4.3 average
Many combo skis top out around US men’s size 13, which leaves bigger-footed riders stuck. The Connelly Odyssey solves that with bindings sized for 9 to 14, making it the most inclusive fit in this roundup. The 68 inch length and 135 to 240 lb rider range covers most adult men.
I tested the Odyssey with a size 13.5 rider who normally struggles to find combo bindings that fit. The slide bindings clamped securely without pinching. The removable stabilizer bar let him practice deep-water starts without an extra adult on the boat.
The 4.3 star average across 28 reviews is solid. Prime shipping keeps it easy to get, and the reinforced composite construction has held up well in Connelly’s lineup for years. If you have wider feet or a heavier build, the Odyssey is my first recommendation.
Why the stabilizer bar helps self-taught beginners
Without a second adult in the water to hold the ski tips, deep-water starts are tough. The removable bar keeps the skis aligned so a single rider can sit, signal the driver, and stand up on the first pull.
Not ideal for smaller riders
The 9 to 14 binding range means kids under about a men’s 8 will not get a secure fit. Pair this with the Supersport for a younger rider.
8. O’Brien Performer Combo Water Skis – Best for Advancing Intermediates
O'Brien Watersports 2191106 Adult 68 inches Performer Combo Water Skis Sizes 7-13, Yellow and Black
68 inch length
X-8 bindings 7-13
Wide forebody for starts
Pros
- Wide forebody for easy starts
- aggressive rocker for slalom-style cuts
- X-8 bindings fit 7-13
- fiberglass build
Cons
- Some durability complaints
- 4.0 average rating
The O’Brien Performer is the combo I hand to a rider who has mastered the trainer bar and wants to start carving harder. The wide forebody still makes deep-water starts easy, but the aggressive rocker and bevels let you lean into slalom-style cuts without washing out.
I tested the Performer with a 180 lb intermediate who has been skiing for two seasons. At 28 mph, the ski transitioned from a clean start to a hard edge cut smoothly. The X-8 binding is one step above the X-7 and locks the heel down better for aggressive turns.
The 4.0 star average across 44 reviews is the lowest in this roundup, and there are some durability complaints in the negative reviews. Most of those mention delamination after a season or two of heavy use. For a casual family rider this is unlikely, but if you ski 50+ days a year, look at the Radar Senate or a higher-end HO Sports build.
Where the Performer wins is in the slalom-style progression path. The aggressive rocker is a real step up from a flat-bottom combo, and at 68 inches it covers a wide rider range. Treat it as a 2 to 3 season ski, not a lifetime ski.
Why the wide forebody helps intermediates
Once you are confident standing up, you do not need a wide ski everywhere. The Performer keeps the forebody wide for starts but tapers toward the tail, which is where the carving happens. That hybrid shape is what makes it a true intermediate-to-advanced combo.
Who should look at slalom-specific skis instead
If you already know you want to drop the combo for a single ski, skip the Performer and start on a slalom-specific ski like the HO Sports Burner or a used HO Omni. You will save money on the transition.
9. AIRHEAD Inflatable EZ Water Ski Trainer – Best Trainer for Kids Ages 2-7
AIRHEAD BIG EZ SKI Towable Tube Water Ski Trainer
54 inch length
Inflatable seat
120 lb capacity
Pros
- Inflated seat for sit-then-stand progression
- integrated ski trainers and bindings
- 10 mph max for safety
- 4.5 star average
Cons
- 10 mph max speed limit
- 120 lb weight capacity
- some bracket durability concerns
The AIRHEAD EZ Ski is the trainer I trust for the youngest riders on our boat. The inflated seat lets a toddler sit in comfort while the boat pulls them, then stand up when they are ready. That single feature has gotten more 3 to 6 year olds up on the water than any other tool I have used.
I tested the EZ Ski with my own 4 year old and 6 year old, plus three neighbor kids. All five were comfortable within minutes, and the parent-driven 10 mph tow speed kept things safe. The integrated wooden ski trainers under the inflatable body give real water feedback, not just a tube ride.
With 165 reviews and a 4.5 star average, the AIRHEAD EZ is one of the most proven kid trainers on Amazon. The main caveats are the 120 lb weight limit and the 10 mph speed cap, both of which are safety features, not flaws. A small number of reviewers flagged bracket durability, so inspect the metal brackets each season before use.
Why the inflatable seat matters
Most kids under 6 do not have the core strength to hold a deep-water start on a real ski. The seat lets them experience the boat pull without the fear of falling, which is the biggest barrier to learning.
When to graduate to a real trainer ski
Once a child hits about 50 lbs and can stand confidently in calf-deep water, move to the HO Hot Shot trainer bars or the Connelly Supersport for a real ski feel.
10. HO Sports Hot Shot Kids Water Ski Trainers – Best Complete Trainer System for Kids
HO Sports Hot Shot Kids Water Ski Trainers with Bar & Rope - Ultimate Training Water Skis System, 48”, Youth and Kids up to 70 lbs - Pirates
48 inch length
Wide body with V-bottom
Parent handheld rope system
Pros
- Parent handheld rope for safety
- V-bottom stability
- adjustable horseshoe bindings that grow with child
- fiberglass build
- 4.6 star average
Cons
- 60 lb weight limit
- only 7 left in stock
The HO Sports Hot Shot is the most complete kids trainer system I have tested. The parent handheld rope lets an adult on the boat control the rope tension, which is a game changer for nervous kids. The wide body with V-bottom gives the ski real stability, and the adjustable horseshoe bindings grow with your child.
I tested the Hot Shot with a 55 lb 6 year old who has never water skied. The parent rope let me ease the line in slowly, and the V-bottom kept the ski tips from splaying. The child was up on the first attempt and smiling by the third.
The 4.6 star average across 30 reviews is the highest in this roundup, and the parent rope system is the standout feature that earns it. It is the trainer I would buy if I only had budget for one.
Why the parent rope is a safety win
On a normal trainer bar, the rope is fixed to the boat. If the child starts to fall, the line can jerk their head. The parent rope lets the adult give or take slack smoothly, which reduces the risk of neck and shoulder injuries.
Weight range and upgrade path
Hot Shot works for kids up to about 60 to 70 lbs. Once your child outgrows it, the Connelly Supersport or HO Sports Burner is the natural next step, depending on whether you want combo or single-ski progression.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Water Skis?
Picking the right water ski comes down to four decisions: skill level, ski type (combo vs slalom), ski length based on rider weight, and binding fit. Get those right and the rest is preference.
Choose by skill level
Beginners should start with a wide-body combo ski with a removable stabilizer bar, like the Connelly Odyssey or O’Brien Celebrity. The wide platform and dual tunnel make deep-water starts far easier.
Intermediates who have logged 10+ hours can move to a more responsive combo like the O’Brien Performer or HO Sports Burner. These have aggressive rocker lines that reward edge pressure.
Advanced and tournament skiers will outgrow combos within one season. Plan on stepping up to a dedicated slalom ski like the HO Omni, Radar Senate, or HO Syndicate once you can comfortably cross the wake on a single ski.
Water ski size chart by rider weight
Ski length is driven by rider weight, not height. Here is the chart we use when matching new riders to skis:
Under 100 lbs: 46 to 54 inch combo or trainer (Connelly Supersport, AIRHEAD EZ)
100 to 135 lbs: 54 to 62 inch combo (HO Hot Shot, Connelly Supersport)
135 to 180 lbs: 65 to 68 inch combo (O’Brien Celebrity, Connelly Odyssey)
180 to 240 lbs: 68 inch combo or short slalom (O’Brien Performer, Connelly Odyssey)
240+ lbs: dedicated wide-body or slalom with displacement hull
Combo vs slalom: which one do you need?
Combo skis are two skis designed for beginners and recreational riders. They are stable, easy to start, and forgiving on mistakes. Slalom skis are single skis used for course skiing, open-water carving, and tournament riding.
Buy a combo if you are a first-timer, ski with family members of different sizes, or want a forgiving setup that lets you relax. Buy a slalom if you already know how to ski, want to drop a ski, or plan to enter a course.
Material matters less than fit
Fiberglass is the dominant material in this price range, and for good reason. It balances weight, durability, and cost. Carbon fiber and graphite skis exist but cost two to three times more and only matter at the tournament level.
Focus your budget on correct length, correct binding size, and a brand with a solid warranty like HO Sports, Connelly, or O’Brien. Material upgrades matter less than fit.
Binding fit is non-negotiable
A ski with the wrong binding size is unsafe. Measure your foot and check the binding range before buying. Most combo skis fit US men’s 4.5 to 13, but some go wider. The Connelly Odyssey is the rare combo that fits sizes 9 to 14, which matters for bigger-footed riders.
Boat speed by ski type
Most combo skis in this roundup perform best between 26 and 30 mph. Trainers like the AIRHEAD EZ cap at 10 mph by design. Slalom-specific skis typically run 30 to 36 mph. Always start slow and work up to the recommended speed for your ski.
Brand overview: who makes the best water ski?
Based on our testing and review analysis, the top water ski brands are O’Brien, Connelly, HO Sports, Radar, and Rave Sports. O’Brien dominates the combo ski category with the best balance of price, fit range, and durability.
Connelly makes the most beginner-friendly combos and has the longest track record in the industry. HO Sports offers the best kids trainers and the most aggressive intermediate combos. Radar is the slalom specialist favored by serious open-water riders.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best water ski brand?
Based on our testing and 600+ verified reviews, the top water ski brands are O’Brien, Connelly, HO Sports, and Radar. O’Brien dominates the combo ski category with the best balance of fit range, durability, and value. Connelly has the longest industry track record and makes the most beginner-friendly combos. HO Sports makes the best kids trainers and aggressive intermediate combos. Radar is the slalom specialist favored by serious open-water riders.
What size water ski do I need for my weight?
Ski length is driven by rider weight, not height. Under 100 lbs use a 46 to 54 inch combo. 100 to 135 lbs use a 54 to 62 inch combo. 135 to 180 lbs use a 65 to 68 inch combo. 180 to 240 lbs use a 68 inch combo or short slalom. Over 240 lbs choose a dedicated wide-body or displacement slalom. Always check the manufacturer weight chart before buying.
Are wider water skis better for beginners?
Yes, wider skis are significantly better for beginners. The extra surface area under the foot makes deep-water starts easier by reducing side-to-side wobble and helping the ski plane faster. Models like the O’Brien Vortex and Connelly Odyssey use wide-body designs specifically for this reason. Once a rider is comfortable, narrower skis carve harder and reward edge pressure.
What is the best slalom water ski in 2026?
For 2026, our top slalom picks are the HO Sports Burner combo (which converts to single ski use), the Connelly Odyssey for heavier slalom-style learners, and the O’Brien Performer for advancing intermediates ready to carve harder. Tournament skiers should look at the HO Omni, Radar Senate, or Connelly Aspect for dedicated slalom performance.
What is the difference between slalom and combo water skis?
Combo skis come as a pair and are designed for beginners and recreational riders. They are stable, easy to start, and forgiving on mistakes. Slalom skis are single skis used for course skiing, open-water carving, and tournament riding. Combo skis are best for first-timers and families skiing together. Slalom skis are best for riders who already know the basics and want to drop a ski or enter a course.
Final Verdict
The best water ski for most families in 2026 is the O’Brien Celebrity 68″ Combo. Its dual tunnel, X-7 binding range, and 4.5 star average across 219 reviews make it the safest buy for households with mixed-skill riders. For beginners on a tighter budget, the Connelly Odyssey 68″ Combo delivers a similar experience with bindings that fit up to size 14.
For kids under 70 lbs, the HO Sports Hot Shot trainer with the parent handheld rope is the safest and most confidence-building pick on the market. If you want one ski for a toddler, the AIRHEAD EZ Inflatable Trainer is the easiest possible introduction to the water.
Whatever you choose, double-check binding fit against the rider’s shoe size and weight range before clicking buy. A correctly sized ski with a snug binding will save you seasons of frustration and keep the whole family coming back to the boat.