Watersports
Tow Rope Guide: Which Rope for Tubes, Skis, Wakeboards and Wakesurf?
Tube, ski, wakeboard and wakesurf ropes are built differently. How to choose the right rope for each sport, and when to replace it.
In this guide
Every towed watersport needs its own rope. Tube ropes, ski ropes, wakeboard ropes and wakesurf ropes look similar in a pile on the boat, but they are built for very different loads, lengths and amounts of stretch. Using the wrong one can be uncomfortable at best and dangerous at worst. Here is how to choose.
Tow ropes at a glance
| Rope | Stretch | Length | Use it for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tube rope | Some, built for heavy loads | Longer, often around 18m | Towable tubes. Rated by number of riders. |
| Ski rope | A little, to soften jolts | Standard slalom length is about 23m, sections let you shorten it | Water skiing, kneeboarding |
| Wakeboard rope | Very low (Poly-E and similar) | Adjustable sections | Wakeboarding |
| Wakesurf rope | Low | Short, with a small handle | Wakesurfing behind inboard surf boats only |
Tube ropes
Tubes create by far the biggest load, because of the drag of the tube plus the weight of every rider. Tube ropes are rated by the number of riders they can safely pull. Always choose a rope rated for at least the number of people on the tube, and consider going one size up for extra margin. O’Brien makes 2 person, 4 person and 6 person ropes.
Never tow a tube with a ski rope. Ski ropes are made for a single skier and can snap under tube loads, and a snapping rope can recoil towards the boat.
Ski ropes
A ski rope has a small amount of stretch that softens the pull as a skier crosses the wake. For recreational skiing, a single section combo rope like the O’Brien 1 Section Combo is all you need. The Deep V combo has a V shaped handle that makes deep water starts easier. Slalom skiers who want to shorten the line as they improve should look at the 5 section or 8 section lines.
Wakeboard ropes
Wakeboarders need a consistent pull when they load up on an edge and pop off the wake. A stretchy rope would spring back and throw them off balance, so wakeboard ropes use low stretch line such as Poly-E. The O’Brien 4 Section Poly-E rope lets you change the length to find the cleanest part of your boat’s wake.
Wakesurf ropes
Wakesurf ropes are short and thick with a small handle. The rider uses it to get up and into the pocket of the wave, then lets go and surfs. Choose the Team Surf 9 or Pro Surf 10.
Wakesurf safety: Only wakesurf behind inboard boats designed for it, with the propeller under the hull. Never wakesurf behind an outboard or sterndrive, because the rider is right behind the stern and close to the propeller.
Bridles and harnesses
If your boat has no ski pole or central tow point, do not tie the rope to one side of the transom. Use a floating boat harness that clips to both transom eyes and centres the pull. Pontoon boats have their own pontoon bridles. See all bridles and harnesses.
When to replace a tow rope
- The line is frayed, cut or has broken strands.
- It has gone faded, stiff or chalky from sun damage.
- There are knots in it. Knots can seriously reduce a rope’s strength, so never tie two ropes together.
- The handle grip is cracked or the handle is bent.
Rinse ropes in fresh water, dry them out of the sun, and coil them loosely to store. Check every rope before the season starts as part of our boat season prep checklist.
Browse all tow ropes and handles, or WhatsApp us what you tow and we will point you to the right rope.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use one tow rope for everything?
No. Tube ropes, ski ropes, wakeboard ropes and wakesurf ropes are built for different loads and stretch. Use the right rope for each sport.
What tube rope do I need for a 4 person tube?
A tube rope rated for at least 4 riders. Many owners choose a 6 person rope for extra strength.
Why do wakeboard ropes have low stretch?
Low stretch gives a consistent pull when edging and jumping. A stretchy rope springs back and upsets your balance.
How do I tow without a ski pole?
Use a boat harness or bridle that clips to both transom tow eyes and centres the pull behind the boat.
Shop the products in this guide
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Ski Ropes and Handles
O’Brien 1 Section Ski Combo Rope and Handle, Black/Silver
R550.00 Add to basket -
Wakesurf Ropes
O’Brien Pro Surf 10″ Wakesurf Rope with Poly Line, Grey/White
R1,050.00 Add to basket
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