How To Tow Foil – Part 2: Jet Ski Tips, Tricks & Essentials
This is the ultimate guide for tow foiling jet ski tips and tricks for safer and more enjoyable sessions.
In this second part of our “How to Tow Foil” series, inspired by expert tutorials from the foiling community, we’ll break down tips and tricks for how to set up your jet ski for effective, efficient and safe tow foiling. These aren’t fancy add-ons; they’re the fundamentals that keep you secure and set up for success
This video goes through the tips, tricks and essentials for your tow foil jet ski.
At Good Breeze Kiteboarding in Cocoa Beach, Florida, we’re all about getting you on the water safely and stylishly. Whether you’re into kiteboarding, wing foiling, or tow foiling, having the right setup can make or break your session. Recently, our friend and local foiling expert Jeremy Edgar (@fluidsoul23) stopped by the shop to share his jet ski mods, tips, and must-have essentials for tow foiling. Drawing from years of experience on Florida’s waves, Jeremy breaks down how to optimize your Yamaha VX (or similar) for nimble handling, safety, and efficiency. If you’re gearing up for tow foiling, this is your go-to guide!
Why Choose the Right Jet Ski for Tow Foiling?
Jeremy kicks things off by highlighting his ride of choice: the Yamaha VX. Why? It’s light, nimble, and perfect for Cocoa Beach’s conditions where massive waves aren’t always the norm. Heavier skis have their perks in big surf for stability, but the VX shines in maneuverability—essential when circling back for your rider without dealing with excessive whitewater.
Pro Tip: If you’re new to tow foiling, start with a setup that matches your local conditions. At Good Breeze, we offer expert advice on foiling gear that pairs perfectly with jet skis. Check out our closeout deals on hydrofoils and boards for budget-friendly options!
Key Modifications for Safety and Convenience
Jeremy’s jet ski is a masterclass in practical upgrades. Here’s a breakdown:
- Seat Straps and Handles: Essential for preventing seats from popping off during rollovers, which could sink your ski fast in bigger waves. Jeremy’s setup includes a handle for passengers—great for comfort (and avoiding awkward hugs!). We recommend these for anyone towing in choppy water.
- Bungee Cables and Front Compartment Security: Using kits like those from Jet Tech, these prevent compartments from opening during flips, avoiding water ingress. Simple but game-changing for offshore sessions.
- Clip-On Lanyard: Ditch the standard lanyard that can accidentally pull out. Clip it low on your vest for free arm movement—crucial when handling ropes or riders.
- Soft Cleats (from Waves RX): Handy for quick docking without hard hardware that could cause injuries. They bolt under existing fittings on Yamahas.
Jeremy emphasizes speed and safety: “Everything’s about doing things safely, but you got to do it pretty quickly when you’re out there.” We’ve got similar accessories in stock at our shop—swing by or browse our closeouts for deals on safety gear.
The All-Important Tow Sled Setup
For tow foiling, the sled is king. Jeremy’s customized version features adjusted bungees for easy board sliding (no lifting required, even when wet), custom lengths to secure boards without dangling, and a track system for hassle-free use. He always carries spares: bungees, clips, and lines, because fixing issues offshore is a “pain in the rear.”
Our Take: A reliable sled keeps your foil board secure while transiting to your spot. Pair it with our discounted foil boards and hydrofoils for the ultimate tow setup. If you’re in Cocoa Beach, book a lesson with us to practice safe towing techniques!
Emergency Prep: Anchors, Lines, and First Aid
Tow foiling can get sketchy, so Jeremy packs for the unexpected:
- Bow Line and Anchor System: Quick-clip setup for anchoring or towing without swimming around the ski. He uses a full-size anchor with chain in a bag for holding in big waves—far better than standard jet ski anchors.
- Ditch Bag Throw Line: For fast rescues or tows—sling it to another ski and go.
- First Aid Kit Essentials: Tourniquets, bandages, wound wash, gauze, and more in waterproof compartments. Jeremy shares a personal story: “Had an incident about 6 years ago where I actually lost the end of my thumb by getting a rope wrapped around it. Having that first aid kit pretty much saved my life.” Always check your kits annually!
- Other Must-Haves: VHF radio for offshore comms, snacks (Gold Bars are his fave), sunscreen, spare daema lines, sunglass cases, and extra lanyards (one pre-tied with fishing line for quick access).
Don’t forget spares for everything—jet skis break down, from loose batteries to warnings. Plan for the unexpected to keep sessions fun.
Tow Rope Tricks and Final Thoughts
Jeremy routes his tow rope over the handle and around the hitch to keep it high and avoid snags during sharp turns. Secure it with a Velcro strap for easy access.
Wrapping up, Jeremy reminds us: “It’s an amazing sport. We love it. But please be safe.” If you’ve got your own tips, share them—we’re always learning!
North: Premium Tow Rope
Easy-grab, high-visibility floating rope with a comfortable ergonomic handle for tow-in foil and surf. Adjustable length and large diameter, with non-slip braided knots for fast pickups in critical situations and towing multiple riders.
Features:
- Ultra-low stretch braided PE floating rope
- Non-water absorbing closed-cell EVA foam core
- High-visibility safety colours
- Large diameter rope with non-slip braided knots
- Lightweight low-drag floating handle
- Comfortable ergonomic EVA bar grips
- Durable and safe moulded-EVA bar ends
- Handle sized to reduce chance of body entrapment
- Adjustable length – from 35’ (10.65m) to 20’ (6.1m)
- 15’ (4.55m) protective rigid PVC tubing section
- Nylon attachment point eyelet to reduce rope wear
- Velcro line manager to secure rope to vessel.
Ride Engine: Rescue Jet Ski Tow Sled
Meet Ride Engine’s new jet ski deck sled. From ease of use to ensuring efficient jet ski performance, every detail has been meticulously thought out to bring you the best in class. TPU molded semi-rigid handles guarantee a good grip, even in choppy waters. The thin profile allows for rapid mounting and a rockered tail provides better ski handling and acceleration when sled is deployed. Perfect for rescue operations, water sport assistance, transporting people and equipment, or as a nice platform for water lounging après session.
Features:
Technical Details
- Length 190cm
- Width 115cm
- Thickness 8cm
- Tail Rocker 4cm
- Inflation High pressure valve
- # of tow connection points 3
- # of handles 9
Included
- Deck Sled
- Connection Hardware
- Protective Sleeve
Here is Some More Tow Foil Equipment
Impact Cap
A well-fitted impact cap protects your head from impacts against the board, foil, or water.
Neoprene Jacket
For variable conditions during tow sessions, a lightweight neoprene jacket provides essential wind and light spray protection without restricting mobility. Its flexible material and water-resistant properties keep you warm on cooler starts or longer runs, while features like adjustable hoods and cuffs help seal out elements and maintain comfort.
Impact/Life Jacket
A life jacket, or personal flotation device (PFD), is essential for providing reliable buoyancy that keeps your head above water even if you’re unconscious or exhausted after a wipeout, ensuring you remain visible and afloat until rescue—particularly critical in open water or when towed by a jetski far from shore. Complementing this, an impact jacket (or vest) offers targeted cushioning with foam padding to absorb the jarring forces of high-velocity impacts against the water’s surface or equipment, safeguarding your ribs, spine, and organs from fractures or bruising during those inevitable early-learning tumbles.