How to Tow-in to a wave (Like Glenwood Springs)

June 1, 2008

By Clay Wright

Got a wave to surf with no eddy access? Try Tow-in surfing!

Find a tree or rock to tie a rope to WAY upstream from the feature… like use 2-3 throwbags or possibly a ski rope or two.

Now tie something that floats well near the end of the rope – we used a 2-liter coke bottle… about 3” up from the end.

Tie a knot or stick or small loop in the end of the rope to hold on to – something small that won’t snag your gear or wrap a wrist when you flip.

Now the tricky part: set this end of the rope hanging at a level where you can pendulum swing your way out from the eddy and onto the face of the wave.. this may take a few tries so make sure the upstream end of the rope is tied in a way you can easily release it, reset the length, and try again. I suggest several wraps and a looped half-hitch.

For safety, never hold on to the rope above any knot or stick or float that could wrap a wrist, neck, or helmet in the very likely event of a flip. Also make sure it is out of the way of downstream traffic and remember you must remove the tow-in when you are done with your session so less informed parties don’t get into trouble.

NOW – enjoy the show as your friends figure out how to carve their way out to the wave without wrecking 🙂

Have Fun!

Thanks to Team JK athletes Jonathan Shales, Michael ‘LP’ Palmer, and Dane Jackson for the good and bad examples, and special thanks to the Palmer Family for putting us up while in Glenwood Springs.

Enjoy the shots!

Clay Wright