LearnWake

In this video we will offer some insight on a subject that may seem obvious to most riders. There are some tricks and techniques associated to ropes and connecting them to the tower that make managing and using your rope so much easier. Not only can you lengthen, shorten and organize the rope much easier, you can also attach it to the tower a certain way if a length isn't available using a couple trick knots that I'm about to show you.

First, let’s quickly go over the basics of attaching the rope to the tower. To attach the rope to the tower we use a simple slip loop that tightens down on itself. This type of connection eliminates the possibility of the loop falling off the tower if slack should occur in between the boat and rider. There is a correct and wrong way to do this not so pay close attention to how it’s done or the rope may slip once the boat starts to pull the rider.

At the end of the main line it’s easy and clear cut. You reach through the loop with your hand and then grab the rope towards the handle and pull your hand and the rope back out of the loop. This creates another loop which you will put over the tower. Once you place the loop over the tower pull on the rope towards the handle to cinch the loop down onto the pylon.

When you aren't at the end of the mainline where two extensions are connected together there are usually two loops to reach through. This is where it can be confusing for some people. You always want to reach through the loop closest to the handle, not closest to the boat. When you reach through the loop closest to the handle you have to grab the rope which is also closest to the handle, not closest to the boat. When you pull your hand and the rope back out of the loop and then attach it to the pylon the rope will tighten down properly. If you grab through the loop closest to the boat, and reach for the rope closest to the boat, and then place that loop on the pylon the rope will slip. Always put your hand through the loop closest to the handle and grab the rope closest to the handle to create the loop that is attach to the tower or pylon.

OK, that's the basics of attaching the rope to the tower. Now, one thing we do when coaching and riding is what I call stacking loops on the pylon. This accomplishes a couple things. The first is, it eliminates having excess rope flying around where the riders are sitting which can be a safety issue if a rope slips off and is tangled around a passenger. So, stacking the loops keeps all the excess rope out of harm’s way so the passengers and driver can see the rider without anything flying around in view. The other thing stacking accomplishes is it makes it easier to lengthen or shorten the rope between riders or if a rider needs to quickly shorten 5 feet if they are trying a new trick. When you stack loops put the end of the mainline on first over the pylon but don't tighten it down. Just lay the loop over the pylon. Then put the next extension loop over the pylon and so on until you reach the desired length. Once you reach the desired length place that loop over the pylon and tighten that loop down snuggly. If you need to lengthen the loop you just pull that loop off and adjust the next loop so its tight on the pylon and vice versa if you want to shorten the rope again. This is a handy way to use the rope and tower if everyone is using the same rope but different lengths.

In some cases you may want to shorten the rope to a length that isn't available or there isn't a loop available. Well here's a couple trick knots that you can do to find those in between lengths. The first trick knot you make on your hand. First, find the desired length and fold the rope in half, place that fold mark over your thumb so it hangs on the inside of your hand. Then wrap both pieces around the backside of your hand and back over the top and in front so you can grip the rope with your hand. Close your hand and grab the rope that is behind your hand and pull it around front to the loop that is over your thumb to create the loop that will goes on the tower. Place the loop on the tower and pull both pieces of rope to tighten the loop down. Then pull on only the single piece that leads to the handle to assure that the loop cinches down properly.

The next trick knot you actually build on the pylon. Fold the rope in half at the desired length and then wrap the fold around the tower. Take the wrap and bring it around front and then swing it under the rope to the other side so they are crossed. Take the folded side which forms a loop at the fold and twist it a full turn 360 degrees and place that loop over the tower. Grab both pieces and pull the knot tight and then pull just the piece leading to the handle to make sure it’s snug and secure. As you can see these style knots come right off easily when you’re ready to return to normal lengths.

If you have a mainline that is fully coated with plastic these knots will work but they usually cut through the outside coating as you can see here, so it is better if you only do these knots with a braided spectra line.

The last thing I want to go over is taking apart extensions or switching out handles which can be a pain if you don't know the secret. If you spread both loops apart aggressively using both hands pulling on one side after the other repeatedly it usually loosens the knot between the extensions or handle so you can pull it apart to switch handles or just take off extensions that you never use.

Ok, your all set up with some new knots to try out and some new ways to use your rope out on the water. Now attach the rope to the tower lay the coils on the sun deck and have the rider just take the handle off the back of the boat to get into water safely.