Newbie here....will a ski rope work?

nantaism · Newbie Joined: 06 Jul 2006 Posts: 9

Hi guys,

I'm about to give wakeboarding a go here, but I had a question. Can I use a normal ski rope, or should I buy one specifically for wakeboarding? Also, what is the recommended rope length? Any advice would be most helpful. Thanks!

ozwest · Outlaw Joined: 13 Jun 2006 Posts: 112

You can use a normal ski rope but a wakeboard rope is better as it does not stretch. 65 is a common length although some use up to 75 to 80. I suggest getting one that you can drop 5 foot sections out of so you can add or remove sections as needed to place yourself in the best part of the wake.

ozwest · Outlaw Joined: 13 Jun 2006 Posts: 112

Sorry I had to cut that short. The boss was headed in my direction so I had to post it when I could.

This is from a post I made earlier on wakeboarder.com:

I grew up learning on whatever rope was behind the family ski boat (not so good). I'm the only wakeboarder in a waterskiing family. I now have a Spectra (no stretch) rope I picked up on sale for $49 (originally $99) and love it and yes, they give me crap about having to have my own rope and I don't care.

As far as differences go, there are 3 types of ropes I know of (could be more so feel free to add on if anyone wants to):

No Stretch: Constructed using a material called Spectra. Spectra rope is very strong and has almost no elastic properties. They stretch less than half a percent when under load. Wakeboarders require a stiffer rope than water skiers. Tighter, stiffer ropes that do not stretch help you load the line for a better cut to the wake and will allow you to get more air, enabling you to pull yourself through flips and spins.

Low Stretch: Low stretch wakeboard ropes are generally constructed of polyethylene or some blend of it. Use this type of rope as a backup when your Spectra rope gets wrapped around the prop.

Multi Purpose: Used for water skiing, tubing or towing your friend's POC boat back to the dock. I would not use this rope for wakeboarding ever again (unless it was the only one around and I was jonesin' to ride).

As for handles, that really depends on how it feels to you. Same thing as the ropes when it comes to what's attached to the handle - Spectra is best.

To test if something's going to be no stretch, hold the rope in both hands and push the rope together between your hands. When you let go of the rope with one hand, does it spring back into place or does it just sit there? If it just sits there, it equals no stretch or close to no stretch.

Hope this helps.

ozwest · Outlaw Joined: 13 Jun 2006 Posts: 112

Sorry I had to cut that short. The boss was headed in my direction so I had to post it when I could.

This is from a post I made earlier on wakeboarder.com:

I grew up learning on whatever rope was behind the family ski boat (not so good). I'm the only wakeboarder in a waterskiing family. I now have a Spectra (no stretch) rope I picked up on sale for $49 (originally $99) and love it and yes, they give me crap about having to have my own rope and I don't care.

As far as differences go, there are 3 types of ropes I know of (could be more so feel free to add on if anyone wants to):

No Stretch: Constructed using a material called Spectra. Spectra rope is very strong and has almost no elastic properties. They stretch less than half a percent when under load. Wakeboarders require a stiffer rope than water skiers. Tighter, stiffer ropes that do not stretch help you load the line for a better cut to the wake and will allow you to get more air, enabling you to pull yourself through flips and spins.

Low Stretch: Low stretch wakeboard ropes are generally constructed of polyethylene or some blend of it. Use this type of rope as a backup when your Spectra rope gets wrapped around the prop.

Multi Purpose: Used for water skiing, tubing or towing your friend's POC boat back to the dock. I would not use this rope for wakeboarding ever again (unless it was the only one around and I was jonesin' to ride).

As for handles, that really depends on how it feels to you. Same thing as the ropes when it comes to what's attached to the handle - Spectra is best.

To test if something's going to be no stretch, hold the rope in both hands and push the rope together between your hands. When you let go of the rope with one hand, does it spring back into place or does it just sit there? If it just sits there, it equals no stretch or close to no stretch.

Hope this helps.

ozwest · Outlaw Joined: 13 Jun 2006 Posts: 112

Crap...and then it posted twice. Sorry 'bout that.

nantaism · Newbie Joined: 06 Jul 2006 Posts: 9

Thanks a lot!! You've been very helpful. I think I'll pick a rope up and give it a try.

Mtheads · Newbie Joined: 26 Jun 2006 Posts: 14

while a spectra rope is best, a ski rope will work perfectly fine for you while you are learning edging, jumping and landing. a wakeboard handle is really recommended once you start spinning as it helps you pass the handle. and while a ski like will strech, you can still go w2w both heelside and toeside on in, so you can learn how to ride before having to cough up the big bucks.

i still use a ski rope alot...

beltxrider · Newbie Joined: 12 Jul 2006 Posts: 12 City: austin

i have an older ski rope and it works fine for me. i have used both and not really noticed a diffrence. i dont think it really matters

jpminter · Posted: Jul 12, 2006 10:46 am Post subject:

River_Rider · Newbie Joined: 15 Jun 2006 Posts: 30 City: Rising Sun

It matters depending on what you want to do. If you are just going to ride and do some small ollies then a ski rope is good but if your going to be doing advanced stuff you will find out the rope type really matters.

Trainwreck · Soul Rider Joined: 17 Apr 2006 Posts: 375 City: Baytown

IF you want, just get a handle. Sun & Ski has them on sale 1/2 off right now. The ropes are all more or less $100. I just ran over my $120 rope a couple weeks ago. I am just going to get a ski rope again for now because they are about 1/4 of the price. Very Happy

seaexplore · Newbie Joined: 03 Jul 2004 Posts: 40 City: Valley Springs

DON'T use a ski rope if you're just learning- TRUST ME! I spent 3 summers trying to get up using a ski rope and borrowed board. Could have been a combination of both but after I went out with a friend who had a "girlie" board AND an Accurate (Proline I think) rope/handle combo I will NEVER go back to a ski rope. I popped RIGHT UP and was able to actually get some air that day. There's FAR TOO MUCH stretch and play in the line AND when you crash that rope comes FLYING back into the boat. Invest in a decent rope and handle and you won't be sorry. Doesn't have to be top of the line but it's worth it. Razz