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Kristin
Here at WaterSki, we are well aware not everyone can be so lucky as to live in a semitropical climate all year round, as we do. In an effort to share the love, we aim to bring our readers a list of some of the best off-season ski schools and vacation destinations from a variety of sources to entice you to trade in your snow shovel for some warm water, pampering sunshine and potentially the best sets of your life. Welcome to our world.
Editor's Pick: Ski Paradise, Acapulco, Mexico
Surely this spot south of the border gets a lot of play in our book, but it's not without reason. With luxurious accommodations, gourmet food prepared in-house, three late-model Nautiques, video analysis of sets, a beefy roster of all-star coaches and all the offerings of Acapulco, Gordon Rathbun's place absolutely lives up to its name — it truly is a skier's paradise. skiparadise.com
Readers' Pick: Swiss Ski School, Clermont, Florida
The site of the WaterSki Fantasy Camp and Pro Slalom Shootout, Swiss Ski School has clearly become a favorite amongst readers. This site is unique in that it truly is a vacation location where visitors can rent a home, tee off on a championship golf course, shop the fully stocked pro shop and ski on one of the five tournament ski lakes morning, noon and night. You'll surely find yourself coming back year after year. swissskischool.com
Pros' Picks: Palm Beach Training Center, Boca Raton, Florida
Although technically most pros questioned mentioned Okeeheelee Park as their pick, it didn't hurt that Chet Raley's place wasn't too far away. When it comes to coaching, he's definitely one of the best around. His top-notch facility in South Florida is perfect for those seeking more advanced coaching in a warm, tropical climate. Stay at chez Raley during your visit, or get your own accommodations. Either way, you can't go wrong. pbtcenter.com
Runner-Ups
Waterski Costa Rica
Located in the heart of Costa Rica are two man-made, fresh-water lakes less than a mile from each other. Aside from offering great sets and an even greater coach, the 80-degree weather year-round makes it a water skier's dream. Visitors receive instruction from four-time national slalom medalist Jim Kilsdonk and hit the water on Goode skis behind a 2007 Ski Nautique 196. Waterski Costa Rica offers lodging in a private ranch hotel with access to natural hot springs just minutes away and excursions for when you want a break from skiing (as if that could happen). waterskicostarica.com
Water Ski Puerto Rico, San Juan, Puerto Rico
Water Ski Puerto Rico definitely deserves a mention when it comes to tropical temperatures and water ski opportunities offered all year round. With multiple areas of the island open to ski, Water Ski Puerto Rico offers the chance to take long sets in a variety of uncrowded lagoons. Based out of San Juan, Water Ski Puerto Rico has many accommodations to choose from in the surrounding area. Skiers ride behind a MasterCraft ProStar 190 and have the chance to improve their skiing skills or try something new — like wakeboarding or wakeskating — with the seasoned coaches provided. waterskipr.com
Ski Nautique Club Caraïbes, Baie Nettlé, St. Martin
If the 82-degree water temperature isn't inviting enough, maybe training with two international water skiing champions is. Brigitte Lethem and Laurent Guy, both from France, lead Ski Nautique Club Caraïbes in St. Martin. Open all year, skiers from beginner to pro can try the slalom course in the lagoon behind a Ski Nautique 196 or a Nautique 206. After some great skiing, the beautiful Caribbean island of St. Martin awaits you. Ski Nautique Club Caraïbes is located at the Mercure Hotel, and special rates are offered through the school. skicaraibes.net
