Purpose:  The purpose of a tow rope is as much to get yourself towed in as well as to tow in a fellow rider in the event of a ski or rider failure.  Basically, you want a pretty short rope to so both skis traverse the same conditions/waves at approximately the same time.

Each surf rider is responsible to be prepared for the worst. The safest piece of hardware you need (except for a helmet) is a tow line. Riding surf tests the reliability of any watercraft above its expected normal mode of operation. Some simple rules or ideas should be followed on the design and use of an emergency tow line, and this design will save you in a jam. Remember the smart ones plan for the worst and hope for the best.

The Tow Line:

1. Should NOT be a 100 yard rope knotted in the storage compartment of a ski.
2. Readily available and able to be latched onto a ski in seconds.
3. Should be a maximum of 8 feet. 5-6 feet works well.
4. Have a solid tow hook or snap on each end (500+ pound strength). Use stainless steel - NOT galvanized or aluminum.
5. Can be wrapped around the rider’s waist like a belt for easy access.
6. When needed, should be first attached to the bow of the disabled ski.
7. When the recovery ski approaches attach the second hook to the recovery ski.
8. Hold on to the back of the disabled ski till out of the break area.