Below for Madforsport.com, 24 time Irish National Waterski Champion Barry Galvin of The Cork Powerboat and Waterski Club goes through Expert tips on Waterskiing Equipment from the beginner through to the advanced:

Skis/ wakeboards for waterskiing/ wakeboarding explained:

There are many types of Ski’s Slalom skis, Trick skis, Jump skis, Recreation Combo skis.
For beginners you need to get them on Wide body style ski’s , this allows them to plane at lower speeds and they are more stable.
Advanced skiers usually have their own personal ski’s , like any sport the better the product the more it costs , and as you get better size of the ski’s begins to make a difference

Ropes for waterskiing explained:

For Jump Skiing and Recreation skiing a 75 foot/ 23 meter  rope is used, Slalom skiing will start at 18.25 m , Trick skiing is a personal preference but usually about 12m of rope is used .
A shorter rope for beginners is used on the first lesson this offers a more direct pull from the boat and aids with a successful lesson.
It is important not to use stretchy rope when a more advanced Water Skier is being towed, 80 strand rope is the best.

Wetsuits for waterskiing explained:

Always dress appropriately, use the correct wetsuit for whatever discipline you are partaking in.
On a warm Day a beginner should wear a full suit as they are going to be spending lots of time in the water
More advanced Water skiers may just wear Neoprene Shorts on a warm day , this will help free movement.

Waterskiing Boats explained:

There are many different types of boat used for Waterskiing, and that’s not a bad thing as it allows people to access the sport easier. However there are specific boats such as Correct Craft Ski Nautique that are purpose built and offer a much better Water ski experience.
Anybody who wishes to learn how to Water ski should find the nearest club and book a lesson. This is the only way to learn in a safe controlled environment.

Where to source Waterskiing Equipment in Ireland

Ski & Surf Ireland,
Agherinagh,
Lower Dripsey,
Co.Cork.
+353217334605