Barefoot Ropes & Handles

Mainlines, start handles and toe handles

Barefoot ropes and handles are different from ski gear, and the difference matters at 60 plus kph on bare feet. A standard ski rope is the wrong tool for footing — too short to reach flat water behind the boat, and any stretch in the rope turns into a snatch when you load it. Mainlines. Barefoot mainlines are longer than ski ropes — typically 25 to 30 metres — so the rider reaches flat water beyond the boat wash. The construction is almost always Spectra or Dyneema for zero stretch and a consistent pull. The Barefoot International Spectra Rope with PVC and Foam Core floats, the Volt Spectra adds upgraded materials, and the Poly E Barefoot Line is the budget option for casual footing. Masterline and Sands cover Spectra Fusion mainlines, and Straight Line brings their own Spectra rope. Start handles. The Barefoot Start Handle is wider than a ski handle and designed for the deep-water-start phase — the moment where the rider goes from sitting in the water to standing on bare feet. A wider grip gives the stability needed during the load-up. Front toe handles. Shorter than a standard handle, with rigid tubing and a toe stirrup or bear trap. Used for front-toe holds where the rider lifts one foot to the handle and skis with the rope attached to the foot. The Barefoot International Front Toe Handle and Front Toe Bear Trap, the Junior Front Toe Handle for kids, and the Masterline Front Toe Handle with Mouthpiece (the mouthpiece is held in the teeth during the trick) cover this. Back toe handles. Longer than front toe handles, also with toe stirrup. Used for back-toe holds where the foot is further from the rider’s body. The Barefoot International Back Toe Handle and Masterline Team Backwards Toe Handle are the picks here. Slalom, jump and wake handles. The Sands Barefoot Slalom Handle is for wake-cross slalom barefooting. The Fly High Barefoot Jump Handle is built for ramp jumping. The Barefoot Wake Handle is wider for wake-line tricks. Brands. Fly High under the Barefoot International name covers the deepest range across mainlines, start handles, toe handles and jump gear. Masterline brings handles with mouthpieces. Sands covers Australian-cut mainlines and the slalom handle. Straight Line adds deluxe front toe handles. Safety. Front toe and back toe work is experienced-rider territory — a rope release operator is strongly recommended for toe-pass practice, and the techniques should be learned with an experienced coach before going solo.