Water-skiers need their waterski rope to have some elasticity so there is give for the skier when changing speeds and turns. The elasticity of the rope absorbs the shock when the skier crosses through the wake when going from side to side.
Polypropylene ropes will usually stretch two to three percent of their length under normal skiing conditions. These run from 70 to 75 feet counting the handle. Standard ropes for waterskiing may have up to ten colored sections or take-offs. These take-offs make it possible to lengthen or shorten your rope from one attachment to the next.
One-quarter-inch diamond braid polyethylene or polypropylene with a breaking point of more than 800 pounds is recommended. There are dual purpose ropes with handles, micro fusion lines with vinyl tubing, polypropylene with foam cores so they float and lots more. You may need to try several to see what type of rope you like the best.
If you do more waterskiing on an occasional recreational basis than wakeboarding, a multi-purpose rope will do for both.
The care of your rope: It is very important for the life and strength of your rope that you dry it off and coil it up carefully with out snags or knots when you finish using it so it will be ready for use the next time you ski. Remember that your ropes are synthetic and exposure to sun deteriorates these materials. Your waterski rope will last much longer if you keep them completely out of the sun between your skiing sessions.
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