Best Kneeboard Ropes + Buy Guide
A tow rope is one of the major gears you need to make your kneeboarding session complete. The rope provides a means by which the kneeboard is pulled along behind the boat. Kneeboard tow ropes come in different lengths, designs, and types. The following are the best ropes plus a guide to select the right one in terms of length, type, handles and other features.
Obcursco Water Sport Line
This is a multipurpose tow line. In addition to kneeboarding, it can also be used for other water sports including wakeboarding.
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It features;
Professional 16-strand 30-filament rope can maximum provide 2200 lbs tensile force.
15-inch double-density EVA Cover that is machined to provide a superior grip for optimum performance.
6-inch TPR covered aluminum handle that provides extra leverage and pull for spins and inverted tricks.
PVC bridle fully encased in flexible vinyl for protection against abrasion and wear.
A rope keeper for tangle-free storage.
RAVE Sports Elite Wakeboard/Kneeboard Rope
Though it is listed as wakeboard rope, looking closely at user reviews, kneeboarders seem to like this rope more. RAVE’s Elite Wakeboard/Kneeboard Rope is ideal for newbie and and intermediate kneeboarders.
This straight connection tow rope is 75’ (22.86 M) long.
It features 15″ raised diamond grip EVA handle; 5/16″ Polypropylene. It has 1,800 lb. tensile strength and comes with a rope wrap.
Airhead Ski Rope
Features
- 17 Degree, 13-Inch radius aluminum core handle
- Amoeba patterned EVA wraps the handle
- 3/8-Inch, 16-strand, UV treated mainline
- 3 Sections for skiing, wakeboarding, or kneeboarding at 75, 60, or 45-Feet
- Full-length finger guards create a comfortable split finger grip
- Multi Colored
AIRHEAD Watersports Rope
Features
- This 1 section ski rope has an aluminum floating handle and molded end caps for safety and comfort
- EVA wraps the handle
- The 16-strand 75 feet long rope is UV-treated and pre-stretched
- Comes with a rope keeper
- 1 section
- Multipurpose (can be used for other water sports)
Airhead Dyneema Thermal Tow Rope
Although the Dyneema Thermal tow line is designed for wakeboarders it is a good choice for advanced kneeboarders. It provides zero stretch for crisp instantaneous response especially during pro tricks.
It features a thermal-coated Dyneema line that is stiff and rigid, resists kinking and twisting, floats
2,000 lb. break strength
70 foot long with a 5 foot handle bridle and 4 section mainline (5,50,5,5,5)
15 inch wide EVA grip is equipped with 2 foam floats and full length PVC tubing for added durability
Rope Keeper is included for tangle-free storage
Hydroslide Kneeboard Rope
Hydroslide is a reputable brand when it comes to water sports. The features of this tow rope include;
- Adjustable line lengths – 60′, 65′, 70′, & 75′ (Includes handle)
- UV Resistant
- 12” EVA Handle
- Foam “V” to Protect Kneeboard
- Designed for use with the HydroHook
- Meets/Exceeds WSIA Standards
Connelly Ski Series Kneeboard Rope
The connelly rope comes with soft, EVA foam grip and molded endcaps that will help you stay safe while you cruise the open waters.
The mainline is built with low stretch ¼” Poly-E, helping to maintain its shape and durability. Low stretch ¼” Poly-E mainline is built to last. It has a length of 55’
Guide: Kneeboard Rope Length, Type & Handle
Having the perfect kneeboard is key to master the art of knee boarding at all levels. Following are the factors to look out for when shopping for the pull ropes.
Rope Length
How long should a kneeboard rope be? 60′ to 70′ long is the most common length but dimensions can vary.
The total length of the rope is referred to as the mainline. Too short tow lines, especially under 50’, will mean that the distance between the kneeboarder and the boat will be too close hence a lot of spraying and limited space to perform tricks. Too long and stretchy ropes will result in slingshots.
It is also important to note some rope come with sections. Sections are parts that can be taken off to shorten your mainline to your desired length
Rope Types
The type of rope you choose will determine how you will kneeboard. The two main types are non-stretch and low-stretch.
No-Stretch
These are made out of Spectra, a very durable water-resistant material with practically no elasticity. Spectra also keeps the rope lighter and does not accelerate fatigue while holding on to the rope handle.
Some no-stretch ropes are also constructed with dyneema. Like spectra, dyneema is lightweight and durable. It keeps up well when exposed to UV rays, and saltwater and is also highly resistant to abrasion.
Spectra rope is best Kneeboarders working to improving their trick-performing skills. Generally, tighter, stiffer and no-stretch ropes will help you get more air as well as enable you to pull yourself through flips and spins.
Low-Stretch
These types of ropes come with some elasticity. They are mostly made up of polyethylene or polyethylene blend material. Low-stretch ropes provide enough elasticity while maintaining enough stiffness for kneeboarders riding for recreational purpose
Multi-Purpose
These are tow ropes that can be used for multiple water tow sports. For instance, some wakeboarding ropes can be used by advanced kneeboarders while some low-stretch tow lines can be used for both recreational waterskiing and kneeboarding.
Kneeboard Rope Handles
Kneeboard handles commonly have grips that are 13-15″ wide. The increased grip width makes it easier to perform tricks requiring the handle to be passed behind the rider’s back.
Wider grips help riders when performing tricks due to the necessity to pass the handle behind the back.
The palms down grip– hands face downward while holding the ski rope
The baseball bat grip– kneeboarders hold the handle just like a baseball bat.
Kneeboard handles include neoprene foam that keeps the handle floating. An expanded foam rubber, mostly EVA, is also added to the handle for comfort.
Kneeboard rope handles also come with other features that make spin tricks easier. These features include a rope braid or second smaller handle grip built into the rope.
Kneeboard Rope Care & Safety Tips
- Do inspect your rope before each use to ensure structural integrity before going out on the water.
- Do not a tow rope that has knots, is frayed or sun-damaged.
- Remember to only use ropes designed for kneeboarding.
- After use, get rid of any dirt, rinse with clean water and store in a cool dry place away from direct sunlight
Further Reading
