Rope Length

[karlt5503]

Wanted to see if I could get some advive on rope length for wakeboarding. I'm still learning, been out about 4-5 times. I'm getting where I can cut back and forth pretty good, learning to jump a little. Got my first face plant yesterday, that was fun.

I'm behind an I/O pulling from transom. Ive been using a regular ski rope, but am about to upgrade to a no stretch. Whats a good general length for the rope to be around? I'm guessing it depends on the wake of the boat and what the rider likes best, what part of the wake they want to board on. But I don't know what length is better for beginners, or better for the more advanced.

Any advice would be appreciated.

 

[Tabes117]

Re: Rope Length

Depends on the wake your boat is making. Lot of ropes have sections that you can take off to customs the length.

 

[chevy-aholic]

Re: Rope Length

I'm just learning how to wakeboard as well. we were playing around yesterday with the board settings and different rope lengths to see which one would be a little easier. We run 50' on the back of my boat (18' I/O with 190 Merc. pulling from transom), and it puts you right in the biggest part of the wake. we tried 75' and it just seemed to be behind the wake and it was kinda hard to cut back and forth with it.

just my 2c

EDIT: It may be useful information....we are using a cheapy ($35) from the local boat shop that has 25' sections that can be pulled out. It said "No-Flex" on the package, but it feels really "stretchy" and the handle sinks like a rock.....lesson learned, cheap ropes suck!

 

[bigpoppakdog]

Re: Rope Length

I think you answered your question perfectly. Depends where you want to be in regards to your wake. I think it's a bit easier to get up also with a shorter rope length. Good luck!! Face plants are always fun...not.

 

[Showtime22]

Re: Rope Length

The longer rope the better for my riding. The longer pendulum swing gives you more air time to pull of tricks and flips. Pro's run 90 FT. I run about 75' on my I/O.

 

[Hansolo99]

Re: Rope Length

75' is the average to start out with. However the best thing to do is find the perfect wake area behind you boat for your style of riding and remove or add to the rope (if you have the section if not invest in that kind of rope) and go for it.

 

[RoyR]

Re: Rope Length

It's all about the wake.....drive the boat at the intended speed and then let enough rope out till the handle is lined up with the cleanest highest part of the wake, just before it starts to break. That's where you want to be.....have fun.

 

[smitty1258]

Re: Rope Length

It's all about the wake.....drive the boat at the intended speed and then let enough rope out till the handle is lined up with the cleanest highest part of the wake, just before it starts to break. That's where you want to be.....have fun.

+1

perfect response. And if you feel that is to long, to start with, shorten it by 5 ft until you feel comfortable. You should start shorter for wake clearing, and go longer as you get used to it.