There are several types of ropes used for specific jumping techniques:
The Single-Rope
This rope is generally made of polymers / plastic or rubberized plastic (in the case of competitions), which is drawn through a hollow handle at each end. Because of that the rope turns more easily and gets faster. The ropes may vary from skipper to skipper, as different jumpers prefer different ropes. These ropes are available in either 4-inch Short handle (for training as well as competitions) or the popular 8-inch Long handles. Long handle ropes act as an extension of the hands while performing certain difficult cross skills. These ropes are mostly used for Freestyle events. Another variety of the single rope is the Steel cable rope (called wire ropes) mostly used for Speed events. Steel cable ropes offer advantage to the jumper in terms of 'speed' as it cuts through the air much faster than the standard ropes.
Rope Length Guidelines:
Rope Length Suitable For heights
7 ft. (210 cm) Upto 4'10" / 1.30 m.
8 ft. (244 cm) 4'10" - 5' 3" / 1.70 m.
9 ft. (275 cm) 5' 4" - 5' 10" / 1.85 m.
10 ft. (305 cm) 5' 10" - 6' 6" tall jumpers
11 ft. Over 6'6" extremely tall jumpers
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The Beaded-Rope (or: Wheel-Rope)
This rope is made of nylon thread and has 4 cm long plastic "beads" strung on like beads on a necklace. Compared to the single rope, the trajectory of the beaded rope is more stable, making it particularly suitable for acrobatic jumps. Due to the visual appeal of the beaded rope, they are often the most suitable ropes for performances and demonstrations.
Rope Length Guidelines:
12 ft. ropes for speed.
13-15 ft. ropes for single freestyle
16 ft. ropes for pairs freestyle
18 ft. ropes for three jumpers
20 ft. + ropes for more than three
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The Double-Dutch-Rope
This rope is nothing other than a 3-5 metre long mountaineering rope. Plastic ropes are also used. Mostly it is used in pairs. As it's name says, it is almost only used for Double Dutch. Long ropes are 10 metres long.
Rope Length Guidelines:
26 ft. to 36 ft. for Rainbows, Eyeballs, Umbrellas, & others.
60 ft. (optional) for setting records for jumps with many jumpers.
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Each rope has it's own characteristics and are available in several colours.
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SUITABLE JUMPING SURFACES
In order of preference:
1. Wooden floors.
2. Rubberized surfaces.
3. Tiles.
4. Indoor - outdoor carpet.
5. Asphalt.
6. Cement.