Ski rope length

[Todd Peterson]

What is the best length of rope to use for kids and for adults?

 

[BMOLCHANY]

Re: Ski rope length

In PA the standard is not longer than 80 feet. Usually I see then around 50.

 

[Dunaruna]

Re: Ski rope length

70' is standard but I like to adjust the length according to the wake. Some like it rough, some don't (especially learners and doubly especially learning kids).

 

[Todd Peterson]

Re: Ski rope length

I would assume that a shorter rope would be better for people learning?

 

[Holy Smoke]

Re: Ski rope length

The water is rougher up closer to the boat. Calmer farther away. We would barefoot on a 90 ft. rope. Put two together. Wakeboarders want a bigger curl, so we come closer to the boat to get the best curl. If you learning on combo skiis, give then lots of rope, and even if they go outside the wake, the wake is small. Let us know what you find.

 

[Todd Peterson]

Re: Ski rope length

Well then I guess I buy a 50 foot rope and a 75 foot rope and see who gets up and who drinks the lake water. That will be the bench mark for the rope length.

Side bar. I have skied behind a 10 foot home made built boat with a 15 horse tiller engine. When I went wide, I could move the back of the boat. Back then I weighed 155 lbs.

That was a trip.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Ski rope length

buy one of the segmented ropes, they are easy to adjust for all situations. in they old days the standard rope was 75 feet.

 

[Ret USN CPO]

Re: Ski rope length

But would it be easier for a beginner to get up closer to the boat or farther away? I have a segmented rope and am going to try closer to the boat.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Ski rope length

actually farther away so they are out of the prop wash. here is an excellent thread. http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=226285

 

[metriccrescentwrench]

Re: Ski rope length

But would it be easier for a beginner to get up closer to the boat or farther away?

Took my 14 year old son skiing for his first time today, he got up on his 3rd attempt. After a few times he was able to handle turns and pretty much keep going as long as he wanted. There was somewhat of a consensus on this board that 75 ft was a "standard" length tow rope so that's what I bought. No complaints, it worked for us.

 

[Todd Peterson]

Re: Ski rope length

Thanks for the info on ski rope length. I will get two ropes to have the kids try it out.

 

[kenmyfam]

Re: Ski rope length

We use 75 ft for skiing and 60 ft for tubing / towables.
Works fine for us.

 

[Todd Peterson]

Re: Ski rope length

I will gave it a try.