How to Hook a Rope to a Ski Tow Bar

Waterskiing and wakeboarding are intensely fun activities on the water using motorboats, both requiring tow ropes to pull the rider. However, the fun can be cut short if the tow line is not anchored to the boat securely, which can result in the boat losing the rope entirely. By tying the rope to the tow bar using a sturdy knot like a round turn and two half hitches, the rope will stay secure for a long day's worth of fun.

Instructions

    • 1

      Check the tow bar or eyebolt on the boat to ensure it is rated to pull skiers. A nonrated tow bar or eyebolt may fail while pulling a rider, becoming a dangerous projectile.

    • 2

      Pass the rope around the bar twice to create a round turn.

    • 3

      Cross the free end of the rope over the standing end to create a loop in the rope.

    • 4

      Continue around the standing end, and pass the free end of the rope through the loop. This completes a single half hitch.

    • 5

      Repeat steps 3 and 4 to complete a second half hitch, and the knot is complete. You can tie additional half hitches for added security and to tidy up the remaining tail end of the rope.