Hand Crafted by KW Show Ski Equipment.  This is the in-line release for those who do not have a pylon to attach a standard release. The trick release is operated by a trick release operator who will pull on a short rope to cleanly release the tow rope.  With an attentive operator, the skier's rope will be released BEFORE the skier hits the water.  That is the safest condition to be in.  HOWEVER, there must be tension on the rope from the skier for the release to work properly.

The typical user of this release is a swivel skier with an IO or outboard boat with a towing eye.  It can be used for any towed watersport to reduce the chances of some kinds of rope injury.  This is particularly important for toe tricks (tow rope attached to the foot) and wrapped tricks (rope partially or completely wrapped around the body to initiate a spin.  Handle pass tricks can also result in rope injury if a fall occurs when the body is in the yoke of the rope and handle.

Although a relatively safe activity, all towed watersports carry the risk of being tangled in the rope or handle on a fall.  A properly used trick release can reduce this possibility. 

Safety note:  having a released rope in the water increases the chance of running over the rope by a few orders of magnitude.  Approach the fallen skier from the side or rear at dead slow.  If the fallen skier can do it safely, have them pull the rope in.  However, never let any part of the skier's body get into the coiled rope.  That is called a "bight" - pronounced "bite," and for good reason.  Take the entire rope into the boat and hand the handle back to the skier or rider to continue.  That way you know no part of the rope is wrapped around the skier underwater.

The trick release should be used only on the end of the rope.  Do not use with a extra rope coiled or laying about.  When the rope is released, that rope will depart the boat in a hurry and will take anything along with it.