The Bottom Line
Pros
- Safety release built in
- Waterski or wakeboard longer and harder
- Designed to allow total rest for entire upper body
Cons
- Not everyone owns one yet
Description
- Available in three sizes.
- Safety release detaches the handle from the belt in the event of a fall.
- No more relying on boat crew to use a quick release.
- Works with all handles up to 1 1/8" diameter.
- Each unit comes with an extra pin in case someone falls while using the Griprest.
- Extra pins are available for purchase if needed.
Guide Review - Griprest - Resting Device for Water-skiers and Wakeboarders
Boat-towed water sports take a toll on your hands, arms, shoulders and back, and as a result, participants rest by putting their arm through the handle for a bit. Or, even worse they put the handle between their legs to rest their arms. These two acts can be extremely dangerous in the event of fall.You hold 50-60 percent of your body weight while just holding on behind the boat. Griprest is a great alternative for upper body rest between passes. Simply attach the handle to the Griprest belt and it also frees you up to adjust your gloves, vest, or wave to people on shore.
Use the Griprest to ride out rough water caused by boat traffic or wind while saving your strength and energy for your run. For the more experienced skier who may be running the course, they may use Griprest to hook up and not use any energy until right before the set up buoys.
Disabled water-skiers (arm or hand amputees) may also find Griprest useful in getting some rest instead of constantly holding with one hand.
According to the Griprest web site, "There are shear pins that will break away in the unlikely event that you should fall while being pulled directly behind the boat (not in the immediate act of skiing). There are three areas where the plastic is designed to break away. Number one would be the shear pin, number two is the hook itself, and number three is the buckle."