Water Skiing in Gulfport

Lean Back and Let the Boat Do the Work

Most first-time skiers expect to pull themselves out of the water. The trick is the opposite. You sit back in the water with your ski tips up, keep your arms straight and let the boat lift you onto the surface. Captain Allen gives clear instructions before your first try.

The boat holds the right speed to help you get up and stay up. A pull that surges or fades makes skiing harder than it needs to be, so a steady hand at the wheel is a big part of our high success rate. On Making Memories, you can focus on balance instead of hanging on.

Safety on Every Run

Every skier wears a life jacket, and Captain Allen watches the rope whenever someone is in the water. He carries a Coast Guard captain's license, has CPR and First Aid certification, and stows a first aid kit on the boat. Before the first run, he shows you a quick set of hand signals for speeding up, easing off and finishing, so you can talk to the boat without shouting.

Falling is part of learning, and it is no big deal. Let go of the handle, float in your life jacket and wait for the boat to come back around. Most beginners need a few tries before everything clicks, and nobody is in a hurry.

Basic or Advanced, at Your Pace

Every water skiing charter comes with guidance based on your comfort level. First-timers start with simple, straight runs on smooth water, while skiers who already know the sport can move straight to more advanced skiing if they are ready. The trip goes at your pace, with no pressure to rush, and you can ask for detailed coaching or just a few quick tips. Once you are steady, Captain Allen can bring the speed up a little or set up longer runs across open water.

Not everyone in your group has to ski. Younger kids often stick with tubing behind the boat, and the rest of the group can rotate through the skis between rides. Some families like the day so much that they come back for a Gulfport sunset cruise later in the week.

Water skiing fits into any of our hourly charters. A 2-hour trip suits 1 to 3 skiers, and a group of 3 to 6 is happier with 3 hours so everyone gets enough time on the skis. The 4-hour charter is the most popular package because it leaves room for water sports and snorkeling.

Getting to the Water

Skiers come to us from across Pinellas County. A family staying on Treasure Island can reach the Gulfport launch in a short drive, while guests from Belleair make the trip south for the calm, protected water. Parking at the Gulfport ramp is free, and charters leave every day from sunrise to sunset when the weather cooperates. Booking ahead is smart, since Captain Allen runs a one-boat operation, and an early start on glassy water is easy to arrange.

Not sure what to wear or bring? Our water sports and boat tour FAQ covers it, from sunscreen to towels. You can also reach Captain Allen by phone or text at 727-709-0088 and book your water skiing adventure in the Gulfport area.