Choosing the correct wakeboard tow rope can help you advance in your skills behind the boat. Unlike water-skiers, wakeboarders need a rope with minimum or no stretch to perform tricks. Consider these points before purchasing a wakeboard rope.

Rope Material:

Wakeboard ropes are made out of two different materials.

1) Low stretch: Usually made of polyethylene, these ropes will stretch around one percent under normal loads.

2) No stretch: Made of spectra material, these ropes are very strong and stretch less than half a percent under load. Professionals pretty much always use Spectra, but most all wakeboarders will appreciate the predictable feel of a rope that doesn’t stretch.

Rope Length:

Most wakeboarding ropes are between 60 to 70 feet long. Rope length is a matter of personal preference, but those just starting out may prefer a shorter rope length because the wake is narrower closer to the boat. The better ropes have adjustment loops that allow for quick adjustment to accommodate any skill level.

Handles:

Handles have evolved to accommodate the demands of wakeboarders. Newer handles are made with a new priority, ergonomics! The grips are now more comfortable due to enhanced materials. Wakeboarding handles are 13-15 inches wide, which is wider than the 11-12 inch wide water ski handles. Wider handles make it easier to perform tricks that require the boarder to pass the handle behind the back. To make spin or wrap tricks easier, some ropes feature a second grip attached to the rope near the rider.

How to hold the handle:

How you hold the tow rope makes a big difference in how you will perform behind the boat and on the water.
When wakeboarding, after you have done your deepwater start, you'll hold the tow handle parallel to the water with palms down and knuckles pointed up. Keep the handle low and on close to your lead hip.