Wakeboard Ropes
Just because it's long and attached to a boat doesn't mean it's going to work as a
'''Low Stretch'''
** Usually made of polyethylene.
** These ropes will stretch around one to two percent under normal loads. This type of rope is typically what water skiers use to enable them to turn. However, wakeboarders need as little stretch as possible.
** Usually used when no-stretch rope is unavailable.
* '''
'''No Stretch''''''
** Made of Spectra.
** These ropes are very strong and stretch less than half a percent under load. This means that while in the air or on the surface, the rope remains stable and will not cause you to sacrifice air.
** Ideal for wakeboarding.
Rope Length
* Rope length is a matter of personal preference, but those just starting out may prefer a shorter rope because it means that you will board closer to the boat. The closer to the boat you are, the narrower and smaller the wake is, making it easier to stay afloat and to practice the basics. A rope of 40 to 50 feet is good to start with. This can easily be achieved by choosing a rope with enough take-offs (anywhere from 5 to 15 ft. long) to shorten the rope to this length.
* Most wakeboarding ropes are between 45 and 65 feet long, but the longer ones will be best for advanced riders (depending on the speed of the boat, of course). The additional length provides leverage to catch big air and do advanced tricks off a higher wake.
* Intermediate length falls somewhere between 50 and 55 feet.
* Ultimately, your comfort as a rider is what matters most. You want the length that will help get the maximum leverage possible from riding up and off the wake. Then you can get more popping action to get up into the air.
* The faster the boat, the longer the rope can be, and the higher and more complex the tricks you can perform.
Handles
* Newer handles are comfortable and ergonomically designed with enhanced materials and grips.
* Wakeboarding handles are generally 15inches wide (wider than waterskiing handles).
* Wider handles make it easier to perform tricks that require the boarder to pass the handle behind the back.
* Some ropes feature a second handle to make tricks easier.
* Most wakeboard handles have neoprene foam outer grips so as to keep them afloat.
Major Manufacturers
*
Accurate
*
Connelly
*
Hyperlite
*
O'Brien
*
Liquid Force
