A monoski is the main piece of equipment used in monoskiing, a form of skiing/waterskiing. It is similar to a monoboard or snowboard in that both feet are attached to the same board. There are two types of monoski, one is used for waterskiing and the other for snow skiing. On a snow monoski, the feet are side-by-side and pointing in the direction of the board, and standard ski bindings are used as well as non-releasing bindings like on snowboards and skwals. Unlike in snowboarding, ski poles are generally used when monoskiing. On a water monoski, the feet are one in front of the other and pointing in the direction of the ski. A standard waterski binding is located for the front foot, while a small slipper type binding is located behind for the back foot. A type of waterskiing on a monoski is called slalom water skiing.

Monoskiing was invented in the 1960s. Surfer Mike Doyle promoted the monoski in the early 1970s, after which monoskiing's relative popularity slowly increased, but the interest eventually waned in favor of snowboarding. Monoskiing is still practiced by a reasonably large enthusiast community, especially in powder, were the wider waist of the monoski, compared to traditional skis, provides greater floatation.

In the past five years, the monoski has known signicant development with the emergence of new monoski shapes, carving machines, fat monoskis, etc. The enthusiasm seems to be picking up again, especially in Europe.

Monoski is also a great alternative to skiing or snowboarding as far as knees are concerned. With knees always into the axis, and effort always balanced between both legs (knees) the pressure is less damaging.

A monoski is also the term used to describe a type of ski that disabled skiers use. For paraplegic skiers who have little or no use of their legs, a monoski consists of a seat with a single ski fastened to the bottom of it. Disabled skiers who use a monoski control the direction, speed, and balance of the ski exclusively with their upper body.

Sporting_goods | Skiing

Monoski | Monoski