What Is the Difference Between a Ski Rope and a Wakeboarding Rope

Everyone wants to make the most out of their time behind the boat. Whether that means a successful run on the ski course or learning how to do a new trick while wakeboarding, it is important that you have the right gear. 

Having the right rope for the water sport is vital, especially while you are wakeboarding. Keep reading to learn more about how to choose the right wakeboarding rope.  

WHY WATER SPORT SPECIFIC ROPES?

Have you ever thought about how different ropes are specialized for different water sports? There’s a reason for this. Which is why we’re here to help! Picking the correct rope will make every trip out on the water more enjoyable and comfortable.

STRETCH OR NO STRETCH? 

Ski ropes are designed with running the course in mind, so they have some stretch to them. This helps the skier have less slack in the rope while they are cutting across a wake at high speeds. Having stretch in the rope also helps the skier safely reach further while running the course.  

Wakeboarding ropes are designed with little to no stretch to help the rider jump wake to wake or try new tricks. It is important to have as little stretch as possible because it allows for the wakeboarder to control how fast they are going and helps them gain extra speed if they need it.  wakeboarding ropes keep consistent tension of the rope making it easier and safer to land tricks. 

LENGTH 

Wakeboard ropes also come in longer lengths than most ski ropes. Most ski ropes are typically 75 feet with different sections so the skier can choose how far away they are from the boat.  

Wakeboarding ropes range anywhere from 85-65 feet with a couple of sections. Not every boat is going to create the size of wake that the MasterCraft X-Star does, and therefore it is important to find the length where you are going to get the most pop.  

A shorter length will allow beginners to clear the wake easier and a longer length is better for more experienced riders. Having the rope shorter makes it easier for the rider to have less slack and more control over the rope's tension. This is because the rider is using less rope.  

HANDLES 

Ski and wakeboard handles are also different. With ski handles they are shorter and don’t have foam around the bar to help with grip around the handle. There are also a couple of different shapes you can get ski handles.  

Options for ski handles include deep-V which helps people learn how to ski, striaght bars, and slightly curved bars. Choosing one is heavily based on the preference of the skier.  

With ski handles it is also important to get gloves to help increase your grip. Ski gloves also protect your hands because most ski handles do not include foam around the handle which is hard on your hands. 

With a wakeboard rope you don’t need gloves unlike most ski ropes. This is because wakeboarding ropes have foam around the handle making it more gentle on the rider's hands and helping it float in the water better. 

CHOOSE A SKI OR WAKEBOARD ROPE 

Every water sport enthusiast knows the importance of having the right board or ski. Not only will it help your performance on the water but also makes it safer too. This also includes what ropes you are using. Whether you are just learning or trying to land flips and tricks it is important to have the right rope so you can make the most of your time behind the boat.  

Still unsure about which rope is right for you? Feel free to give us a call, we would love to answer any question you may have so you can enjoy your time on the water with the right gear