Two cheap pieces of gear make every tow safer and often legal: an orange observer flag and a way to watch the rider. This guide explains flag rules, mirrors vs a required spotter, and checking local law.
Tow ropes are the most misunderstood gear on the boat. This buyer’s guide explains breaking strength by rider count, the right rope for each sport, and how to inspect and care for your lines.
PFD type labels confuse everyone. This plain-English buyer’s guide explains Coast Guard Types I–V, which suits tow sports, how to size jackets across the family, and when to replace a worn vest.
Inflatable belt packs are popular for lounging but are the wrong — and often illegal — choice for tow sports. This guide explains why, what tow sports actually require, and where to check the rules.
Getting back in the boat should be easy for tired riders and kids. This guide covers telescoping vs folding boarding ladders, why extra steps below the waterline help, and the build features to look for.
Even strong-swimming dogs get tired, and a good dog PFD keeps your pup safe and easy to lift back aboard. This guide covers grab handles, adjustable straps, visibility, and sizing to your dog’s girth.
For the smallest passengers, an infant PFD with head support is essential. This guide covers infant-specific features like head-support collars and crotch straps, and how to fit one correctly.
A child’s life jacket must be sized by weight and fitted correctly — never bought ‘to grow into.’ This guide covers weight-based sizing, crotch straps and head support, and how to test the fit.
A Coast Guard-approved life jacket is the most important gear on the boat. This guide explains why tow-sports riders want a Type III vest, neoprene vs nylon, and how to get the fit right.
The tow rope is the most safety-critical part of your setup. This guide explains breaking strength by rider count, ideal length, floating construction, and why you must never use a stretchy ski rope for tubing.