Ropes and Handles

A wakesurf rope that pulls you cleanly into the wave behind the boat

You surf right behind the transom, in the middle of the wave the boat builds. That is why the typical wakesurf rope length is only 12 to 25 ft, roughly 4 to 8 m. A wakeboard rope is built for much more distance. Water skiing behind the same boat also calls for a longer line, namely a water ski rope that extends over several sections. Such a short line puts you exactly where the wave can push you.

A well-fitting wakesurf vest belongs in every safe setup alongside your wakesurf rope. It cushions falls on the water and gives you extra buoyancy until the boat has turned and picks you up again.

Bungee and silicone stretch soften the first pull out of the water

How the boat pulls you first decides whether you stand up or tip forward into the water. To make the start more forgiving, Ronix builds a stretch zone into two of its ropes. The Ronix Bungee Surf Rope has a bungee section right in the line that absorbs the jolt of the deep water start. Beginners get up with less strain on their arms, while experienced riders appreciate the controlled transition into the wave. This wakesurf tow rope costs CHF 119 and comes with 25 ft of line in 4 sections plus an 11 inch handle.

Try the Silicone Stretch Surf Rope as an alternative, since it works on a similar principle. Ronix promises a little extra boost that carries you into the wave. Prices are CHF 89 for the set and CHF 119 for the women's version. A stretch section takes the peaks out of the pull before they reach your shoulders. If you prefer a direct feel without give, a wakesurf rope with no stretch zone suits you better, such as the floating line from Follow.

A floating wakesurf line won't tangle at the start

Follow fills the wakesurf rope in its Surf Package with foam, so it floats fully on the surface without any extra floats. While you wait for the start, it doesn't sink beneath you or wrap around your feet or board. A floating wakesurf rope stays visible and easy to grab, even when you restart after a fall.

Four length settings of 12, 16, 20 and 24 ft move you closer to the wave or further away, depending on how boat and ballast shape it. Priced at CHF 89, the Surf Package comes in five colors such as Fluro Yellow, Pink and Purple. If a wake surf rope still twists up after a few runs, the Ronix Rope Spinner helps. The 2 ft extension for CHF 63 clips into the line and lets it spin freely.

Which handle width suits small and large hands?

Each surf rope with handle in this category comes with a grip between 8 and 13 inches wide, roughly 20 to 33 cm. Consider your hand size, your level and the feel you want in your hand at the start. Three examples show the range:

• 8 inch with Lycra grip: Ronix Kid's Surf Rope for CHF 79, with 25 ft of line in 4 sections
• 11 inch with Hide Grip: Ronix Bungee Surf Rope, grippy with a slightly tacky feel
• 13 inch with suede: Follow Surf Package, narrow at 1 inch diameter and soft like leather

Kids hold the small 8 inch wakesurf handle more easily and gain confidence faster while learning. Adults usually choose by feel rather than by hand size. A hide grip gives more hold when your hands are wet. Suede, on the other hand, feels soft and spares your palms during long sessions.

The Follow Surf 2 Up Package for CHF 102 adds a T-bar to its round Denim Suede grip. You get two grip options on one wakesurf rope and can try which one gives you more control at the start.

Pair your new skimmer or surfer with the right wakesurf rope

Planning a new wakesurfer? Then add your wakesurf rope and combine both in one order. Which rope suits which board? Your level matters more than the shape. Beginners on a stable surfer benefit from the soft start of a bungee or stretch rope. Experienced riders on a nimble skimmer usually let go early and like a light, floating wakesurf rope that gets out of the way quickly.

Several sets, such as the 2 Up Package and the Bungee Surf Rope, cost more than CHF 100 and therefore ship free within Switzerland. If you order just a wakesurf rope for CHF 79 or 89, we charge CHF 10 for shipping. Together with a board, you reach the free shipping threshold right away.

Looking for a gift for someone who would rather pick their own wakesurf rope? Then our “The Best Gift Ever” gift card is the easier choice. Still unsure about length, stretch or handle width? Write to us at shop@wakefactory.ch before you order and we will get back to you personally.