Wakeboard Ropes & Handles

Wakeboard ropes differ to water ski ropes as they have little to no stretch. Unlike slalom skiers, wakeboarders rely on their ability to load up the rope, generate speed and propel themselves off a wake. With no line tension, riders will find it difficult to progress their skills. To choose a new rope, you’ll need to consider the material of the rope, available rope lengths and the style of handle to pair it with. 

ROPE MATERIALS:

Wakeboard ropes are available in Poly E, Dyneema or Spectra constructions. Poly E is a low-stretch fibre that is forgiving, inexpensive and commonly used for water ski and tube ropes. Poly E ropes are suitable for beginners however may become problematic for intermediate and advanced riders due to its inherent stretch. Poly E ropes are typically available in maximum lengths of 65’ with a limited number of sections. In contrast, Dyneema and Spectra are no-stretch fibres that offer incredibly high breaking strengths and are covered with a silicone or plastic jacket for durability, waterproofing, floatation, and colour. They offer a significant performance increase over poly E ropes due to their lightweight, no-stretch characteristics. Dyneema and Spectra ropes are available in maximum lengths of 80’ with between 4 and 8 sections. 

ROPE LENGTH

The shorter the rope, the lesser the distance between the two wakes resulting in easier wake to wake jumps but with reduced airtime. While beginner ropes are available in lengths up to 65’, advanced ropes feature a maximum length of 80’ plus a 5’ handle, increasing the distance between the two wakes increasing airtime. 

HANDLES:

Wakeboard handles come in 15” widths for a wide, stable grip with various handle shapes, diameters and materials aimed to satisfy rider preferences. Premium handles become lighter and stronger and often have unique textures for added grip. Some handles include T-bars designed for advanced riders pre-wrapping spin tricks.