If the Ice Has Melted, It’s Time to Ski!

By Derek Dechert -

It is early Spring and 70 degrees outside. As you drive across Geist Reservoir, you look out at the lake and see people skiing. You may think, “That is just plain nuts! That water is freezing!” But those of us out on the water are thinking, “What is wrong with everybody? This water is perfect!”

March and April can be some of the best skiing on Geist all year. There are very few boats, so the conditions are ripe for glassy smooth water!

Two years ago I skied at least once in every month of the year but February. Not bad for living in Indiana!

What do the skiers have that the “land-lubbers” don’t? The right equipment. With the right dry-suit, as long as there isn’t ice on the lake, you, too, can get out and enjoy the water.

Drysuits are different than wetsuits in that they form a water-tight seal around your neck, wrists and ankles. Wetsuits, on the other hand, allow a small amount of water inside the suit, which quickly warms from the heat of your body.

To ski on Geist this time of year, you need a drysuit. There are two kinds of drysuits on the market today, Neoprene or Nylon or a combination of both materials. If you like a tighter fabric that more closely resembles wearing a wetsuit, try the Neoprene Drysuit. The outside of the suit looks exactly like a wetsuit, however on the inside, there is a watertight layer. Because it is made of Neoprene, these suits are quite warm on the inside. You might only have to wear a long-sleeved shirt and sweatpants underneath.

Neoprene suits are big with slalom skiers because the tight fit makes wearing a life jacket on the outside easier.  Some neoprene suits require wrist and ankle straps to properly seal the suit from water coming inside. Make sure to ask when trying them on. Neoprene drysuits range in price from $229 to $379, available locally at Skiers Edge.

The other type of Drysuit is made of a heavy-duty Nylon fabric. The top-of-the-line Nylon Suit is made by Barefoot International and retails for $399.95 at Skiers Edge. Nylon suits ($399-$419) are not as insulated as Neoprene, so you need to wear more clothing underneath for warmth. Most people get by with a heavy-sweatshirt and sweatpants. Nylon Suits are very popular with wakeboarders and barefooters because you can wear your life jacket and barefoot pads underneath the suit.

If you are still worried about getting your hands, face and feet cold and wet, then Skiers Edge also carries a selection of neoprene gloves, facemasks and even booties to keep your extremities warm. These extras can set you back another $25-$40, but they’re well worth the price if you want to avoid the cold.

It is very important to try on drysuits for a proper fit, so beware if ordering online. They are supposed to fit tight, so they might be a little uncomfortable the first couple of times until you get accustomed to the feel of the suit.

So what are you waiting for? The water is a balmy 48 degrees! Get out there and enjoy it.

Derek Dechert operates Indy Ski School , on Geist Reservoir at 11460 Capistrano Ct. (317) 370-5478

Pictured in the photos are Anders Cox of Skiers Edge in a full Neoprene suit by O’Neil and Derek Dechert in a Nylon suit by Barefoot International.