A towing system comprises towers arranged relative to a skiing surface; a pulley on each tower; and a motor effecting rotation of at least one pulley. A cable passes along the pulleys and forms a closed loop between the towers. A towing element is coupled to the cable for towing a user along the skiing surface. The towing system features a rigid member extending along its axis from a tower to a support surface spaced from the tower so as to form an angle with the support surface thereby holding the tower upright. The rigid member is arranged to have tension therein along its axis at the angle with an adjustable length along the axis for tensioning the cable. Also, the rigid member is substantially rigid when its adjustable length is set so as to resist movement of the tower from its set working position. Furthermore, the towing system features a measuring device arranged to measure tensile force in a tensioned member of the towing system for determining tension in the cable.

A towing system comprises towers arranged relative to a skiing surface; a pulley on each tower; and a motor effecting rotation of at least one pulley. A cable passes along the pulleys and forms a closed loop between the towers. A towing element is coupled to the cable for towing a user along the skiing surface. The towing system features a rigid member extending along its axis from a tower to a support surface spaced from the tower so as to form an angle with the support surface thereby holding the tower upright. The rigid member is arranged to have tension therein along its axis at the angle with an adjustable length along the axis for tensioning the cable. Also, the rigid member is substantially rigid when its adjustable length is set so as to resist movement of the tower from its set working position. Furthermore, the towing system features a measuring device arranged to measure tensile force in a tensioned member of the towing system for determining tension in the cable.

A portable line ascending device to enable users to ascend an incline on sliding or rolling sporting by travelling up an anchored line with the line ascending device. The device includes a mount, a plurality of sheaves connected to the mount, a motor driving the plurality of sheaves, and a power supply to supply electricity to the motor. The plurality of sheaves are configured to enable a line to be wound around at least a portion of each sheave of the plurality of sheaves and operable to engage the line to pull the line through the plurality of sheaves such that the line ascending device travels along the line.

A portable line ascending device to enable users to ascend an incline on sliding or rolling sporting by travelling up an anchored line with the line ascending device. The device includes a mount, a plurality of sheaves connected to the mount, a motor driving the plurality of sheaves, and a power supply to supply electricity to the motor. The plurality of sheaves are configured to enable a line to be wound around at least a portion of each sheave of the plurality of sheaves and operable to engage the line to pull the line through the plurality of sheaves such that the line ascending device travels along the line.

Connecting straps for use for example in sports activities and methods of attaching the connecting straps. Embodiments of the connecting straps include integral features for providing a variety of secure connections that are quick and easy to make and to disconnect, while also being lightweight and providing an elegant appearance.

The present invention relates to a system (10) in which a user (30) is towed by means of rope forces (46) through a movement region (20) which can be configured by software. The ropes (16) are parallel-kinematically connected at an anchor point (26), via which the user (30) is connected to the recreational sports system (10). By selectively tensioning the individual ropes (16), a controllable resultant tensile force (48) is created in the anchor point (26), which tensile force flexibly tows the user (30) along a movement path (40; 50).