Waterskiing Tow Ropes Buying Guide
Waterskiing is an awesome water sport 
that tests your balance, strength and determination. But if you don't have the right equipment, the only thing it'll be testing is your patience. This is particularly true when it comes to water ski tow ropes, which often dictate the quality of your ride by offering you give for your turns and shock absorption on choppy water. That's why picking the proper tow ropes is just as important as choosing the water skis themselves--it's about all the equipment on the whole, not just one piece. So before you wind up tangled in a tow rope mess, check out some of our buying tips.
Choice
- Strength and Elasticity. Your tow rope should be sturdy enough to handle your heaviest waterskier while offering the elasticity needed to move with the skier as he or she turns and changes speed. Diamond braided rope that has a breaking strength over 800 pounds is highly recommended.
- Material. Water ski ropes should be made of polyproplyeneem because this material stretches the best. When a rope has enough stretch or give under a normal skiing weight load, it is able to absorb the shock of cutting through the boat wakes when the the skier crosses from side to side.
- Take-Offs. Standard water ski ropes can have up to 10 coloured sections, or take-offs, which allow for changing the length of the rope from one attachment loop to another. If you wish to ski closer to the boat, for instance, all you have to do is shorten the rope one or more take-off loops.
- Handle Style. Some water skiers prefer a single straight across handle, while others prefer a double handle. This is mostly a matter of personal preference.
Care
- Say no to knots. If you knot the rope, you lessen its breaking strength because the energy that is normally spread over the entire length of the rope is now directed toward one knot.
- Stay clean. Dirt on your rope can weaken fibres, causing it to break more easily. Rinse your rope in fresh water after each use, and then store it in a shady place to dry.
- Dangerous sunshine. Those shiny rays can cause your rope to weaken, so keep it out of direct light and heat.
- Don't get kinky. To avoid kinks in the rope, store it on a reel or fold it in the form of a figure eight.
- Keep an eye on it. Someone should always watch to make sure the rope does not go under the boat, since the propeller could easily chop it up.
- Chafing tape is your friend. It helps protect the spots that receive the most wear and tear.
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