Vintage Hydro-Flite Willa McGuire Trick Water Skis

In our kitchen, above the door leading to the garage, hangs the vintage wooden Hydroflite combo. These are finless trick skis, but each ski is 59 inches, almost the length of a slalom ski. They were called "banana peels" back when they were new in the 50s.

Al fondly remembers doing deep water starts--backwards, no less--on these water skis.

We've had other trick skis over the years. Our last pair, purchased in the 90s, got recycled into an outdoor table on a camper. But other water skis, early versions of what became wake boards, took their place on our boat, so the trick skis were abandoned to the "old gear" bin.

By now you are seeing a trend. Our home is decorated with old water skis. There are rules for this collection, though:

1. Only water skis we actually used can join the collection, and
2. For newer skis, only one of a type can be kept.

Why do we need these rules? Well, you get a lot of water skis over the years. New things get tried. Favorite skis get old. All collections need editing, or they become just a jumble of clutter...