The handle and rope are your connection to the boat, and they have a surprising effect on how a session feels. The right handle sits comfortably in your hands, the right rope behaves predictably as you load it, and together they let you focus on your skiing or riding rather than your grip. Whether you ski the slalom course or ride behind the boat, good handles and lines are worth getting right.

This collection covers waterski and wakeboard handles and mainlines, from comfortable all-round handles to low-stretch slalom lines with sections. There are options for different sports, hand sizes, and levels, so you can match your setup to how you ride.

Not sure what you need? The guide below explains handle width, grip, and rope types. Browse the range below, and explore our wider ropes and handles range.

Handles and Lines Explained

A tow setup has two parts: the handle you hold and the mainline that connects it to the boat. The handle determines comfort and grip, while the rope determines how directly the boat's pull reaches you. The two are often bought together as a package, but handles and lines can also be replaced individually as they wear or as your needs change.

Handle Width: Waterski vs Wakeboard

Handle width is matched to the sport. Waterski and slalom handles tend to be narrower, which suits the arms-in, edge-to-edge movement of skiing. Wakeboard handles are usually wider, giving room to pass the handle during spins and tricks. Using the right width for your sport makes a real difference to comfort and control, so it is worth matching the handle to how you ride.

Grip Diameter and Material

The grip is where comfort lives. A thicker grip suits larger hands and reduces forearm fatigue, while a slimmer grip suits smaller hands and gives a more secure hold. Materials range from soft EVA foam to textured rubber, each offering a different balance of comfort and grip in the wet. If you suffer with tired forearms, a comfortable grip of the right diameter can transform a long set.

Rope Types: Low Stretch vs Stretch

Rope material matters. Low-stretch lines, often made from Spectra or Dyneema, transmit the boat's pull directly with little give, which slalom skiers want for precise, consistent loading. Ropes with some stretch are more forgiving and smooth out the pull, which can suit beginners and general riding. Choosing the right rope for your sport and level keeps the pull feeling the way you expect.

Mainline Sections and Shortening the Line

Slalom mainlines are built in coloured sections that can be removed to shorten the line in set steps. As a skier improves, they shorten the rope to make the course harder, which is a core part of competitive slalom. Even for recreational skiers, understanding sections helps you set the line to a length that suits your speed and ability. Wakeboarders also adjust line length to change how the wake feels.

Choosing for Your Sport

Think about what you do most. A slalom skier wants a narrower handle and a low-stretch sectioned mainline for precise, repeatable pulls. A wakeboarder wants a wider handle for passing during tricks and a line length that suits their wake. A general recreational setup benefits from a comfortable, durable handle and a straightforward mainline. Matching the kit to your sport is the key decision.

Floating Handles and Safety

Many handles are designed to float, which makes them much easier to retrieve after a fall and safer around the boat. A floating handle saves time and hassle, especially when teaching or riding with a group. Always check your rope and handle for fraying, worn stitching, and damaged grips before you ride, as a line that fails under load is both frustrating and unsafe.

Caring for Handles and Ropes

• Rinse with fresh water after salt-water use
• Dry the rope and handle before storage to prevent mildew
• Check for frays, worn stitching, and grip damage regularly
• Coil the rope neatly to avoid kinks and tangles
• Store out of direct sunlight, which weakens rope over time

A quick rinse and regular checks keep your setup safe and reliable season after season.

How Much Do Handles and Lines Cost?

Prices depend on materials and construction. Basic handle and rope packages are affordable and fine for general recreational use, while dedicated slalom handles and low-stretch sectioned mainlines cost more, reflecting the materials and precision. For serious skiers, a quality low-stretch line makes a noticeable difference, while most riders are well served by a comfortable mid-range setup.

Why Buy Your Handles and Lines from Surface2Air Sports?

We have supplied waterskiers and wakeboarders since 2002, with a shop in Poole and a full range online.

• Waterski, slalom, and wakeboard handles
• Low-stretch and sectioned mainlines
• A range of grip sizes and handle widths
• Honest advice on matching kit to your sport
• Floating handles for easy retrieval

Whether you are replacing a worn handle or setting up for slalom, we can help you choose. Explore our full waterski equipment and the wider wakeboard and waterski shop.

Frequently Asked Questions About Handles and Lines

What is the difference between a waterski and a wakeboard handle?

Waterski handles are narrower to suit edge-to-edge skiing, while wakeboard handles are wider to allow handle passes during spins and tricks.

What rope should a slalom skier use?

A low-stretch line in Spectra or Dyneema transmits the pull directly for precise, consistent loading, which is what slalom skiers want. Sections let you shorten the line.

What grip diameter should I choose?

A thicker grip suits larger hands and reduces forearm fatigue, while a slimmer grip suits smaller hands and a more secure hold. Pick what feels comfortable.

Why are mainlines made in sections?

Coloured sections can be removed to shorten the line in set steps, which slalom skiers do to make the course harder as they improve.

Do handles float?

Many do, which makes them much easier to retrieve after a fall and safer around the boat. Check the product details to confirm.

How do I look after my rope and handle?

Rinse with fresh water, dry before storage, check for frays and grip damage, coil neatly, and keep out of direct sunlight.