What is a 2 section tow rope, and how can you pick the right rope for water tubing? With our basic guide, you will know what rope to choose for your specific needs!
To maximize the enjoyment and security while water tubing, we must choose the right equipment, prepare gear, and pick the right rope.
One of the ropes people choose for this water sport is a 2 section tow rope, but what is a 2 section tow rope? We will answer that question for you during this blog and provide you with more information and safety tips!
What Is a 2 Section Tow Rope?
A two-section tow rope is still made from the same material other water tube tow ropes are made from, but the two-section ones can give you the option to either tow 50 feet or 60 feet behind your boat.
Adjust this rope for the length you want if you want to tow something between 50 and 60 feet behind the boat. Moreover, you can also detach these two sections from each other if you want to do so.
What Is The Difference Between a 2 Section Tow Rope and Other Tow Ropes?
If users do not need water tubing at different distances from the boat, they normally pick 1 section tow ropes.
Unlike 2 section tow ropes, 1 section tow ropes have one exact length that users want and are not adjustable.
Besides, there are two other tow ropes: the 3 section and 4 section ones. These tow rope types are used for other sports and water sports like water skiing, wakeboarding, and kneeboarding more than water tubing.
With 3 section and 4 section ropes, you can tow 3 different distances and 4 different distances from the boat. These sections might also be detachable.
How to Select the Right 2 Section Tow Rope
Now you know the 1,2,3,4 section tow ropes will give you the options to tow a tube at different distances from your boat. And a two-section tow rope can tow 50 or 60 feet behind your boat.
Let’s come to the next problem: “How to Select the Right 2 Section Tow Rope?”
Even though the first things water tubers think about are the boat and the tube, the rope should never be underestimated because it directly affects your safety while tubing.
Select the Right Tow Rope for the Riders’ Weight
Regardless of the type of tow rope you intend to buy, always consider the weight of the riders as well as the rope’s tensile strength before purchasing.
In this article, we take the suggestions from the Water Sports Industry Association (WSIA). Other sites and resources might suggest otherwise, and it is your choice to choose who to follow.
Here are the suggestions:
- A 1-person rope can carry a maximum of 170 lbs of riders’ total weight and should have a tensile strength of 1,599 lbs.
- A 2-person rope can carry a maximum of 340 lbs of riders’ total weight and should have a tensile strength of 2,375 lbs.
- A 3-person rope can carry a maximum of 510 lbs of riders’ total weight and should have a tensile strength of 3,350 lbs. One of our most favorite 2 section tow ropes for three people is WOW World of Watersports from WAO Sport. This rope is made to work specifically with boat tubing. It is known for being minimally stretched. You will also like it as it comes with a floating foam buoy.
- A 4-person rope can carry a maximum of 680 lbs of riders’ total weight and should have a tensile strength of 4,100 lbs. 4-person ropes might be the most common ones, and Swonder is also on our favorite list. This rope is appreciated for its durability and sturdiness. Besides the option for four people, Swonder also has the other option for one or two people. You will also get a tangle-free rope keeper and a floater when you buy the product.
- A 5-person or 6-person rope can carry a maximum of 1020 lbs of riders’ total weight and should have a tensile strength of 6,100 lbs.
Safety Note for Rope’s Tensile Strength
We know that you might not have all the types of water tubing ropes for a specific number of people. However, never use the ropes that are weaker than what you need for your own safety.
If you have to choose between a rope that is weaker than what you need and the one that is stronger than what you need, you should always pick the stronger one.
Why? While your group of four people is tubing with a rope designed for three or two people, for example, the rope will break, and it can be dangerous for you.
Even when the rope does not break this time, there might still be some damage, and you can have issues the next time using the same rope.
But, you also need to keep in mind that using the ropes that have the best tensile strength should not be your first option if you have choices. For the best experience, it is better to pick the ropes that fit the riders’ total weight.
In case you normally boat tube alone or gather up with another one to three people, then Airhead 2-Section Tow Rope can simplify your preparation time.
Like a rope with 4,150 lbs tensile strength and ⅝ inch in diameter, it can handle up to four people. Many people also choose it because it can resist UV rays well and comes with a rope keeper for easier storage.
Safety Tips for Using and Maintaining 2 Section Tow Ropes
Know Your 2 Section Tow Rope’s Manufacturer and Check the Rope Specifications
We provided you with the guides and suggestions from the Water Sports Industry Association (WSIA). However, as different manufacturers might have different standards of ropes, you still need to check the 2 section rope’s specific information.
You can ask the manufacturer if you are not sure the rope you have is suitable for your specific actions or weight. It is also better to buy products from reliable companies and brands.
Avoid Ropes with Damages and Knots
Before using the rope, take some time to check if it is still in good condition.
If you spot some damages from the sun, weather elements, from using, or anything else, it is safe to buy a new one.
Only Use Water Tubing Towing Ropes, Not Any Other Ones
You should only pick the 2 section tow ropes made for water tubing and never use other ropes designed for car pulling, kneeboarding, water skiing, etc.
The reason is that these ropes have different tensile strengths. Using the wrong type of ropes can cause it to break or even cause accidents.
Maintain the Quality of the Rope Correctly After Using
After using, if you leave the rope on the boat when it is wet or worse, keep it underwater, the water and the sun will damage the rope. As we mentioned earlier, a damaged rope is not safe for water tubing.
You can hang the rope and allow the wind to dry it to maintain its quality. When the rope is all dried, store it in the shade.
It is advisable to keep the rope on a box to prevent damage from other factors or animals (like mice) from biting it.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Should My Tow Rope Be?
Also, according to the WSIA, the ideal length of tow rope used for water tubing is around 50 to 60 feet. The rope should not be shorter than 50 feet or longer than 65 feet.
What Material Is the Most Suitable One for Making 2 Section Water Tow Ropes?
While water tubing, the rope you use will constable contact with water, so the material should not be affected by water.
For this reason, water tubing ropes are not made of cotton, fiber, or other organic materials as they can easily rot and be damaged by the water.
Instead, ropes for water sports are made from Polypropylene because this material does not rot easily.
Conclusion
Now that you already have the answer for the question of “What is a 2 section tow rope?” as well as the useful information for choosing the right rope for your water tubing time.
As this sport still comes with certain risks, you should choose the rope carefully, follow some provided tips, or even search for more safety tips to have the best time while minimizing the risks.