BWSW cable operator qualifications: straight-line and full cable

• What it is: BWSW's qualifications to operate a straight-line cable or a full cable system.
• What you need first: Straight-line: start with SLO1. Full cable: age 16 to start logging hours and 17 for the assessment, plus wakeboarding experience and BWSW membership.
• What you'll learn: Key safety elements of the cable, operating skills, and, for full cable, theory and a riding check.
• Cost: For the Full Cable Operator, BWSW lists a one-off £40 licence registration fee, plus BWSW membership (checked October 2026).
• What's next: Coaching track: Cable Instructor and Cable Coach. Riding: Progressive Edge.

Straight-Line Cable Operator

Three stages, in order. Even very experienced operators have to start with SLO1.

1. SLO1: an all-day theory and practical course and assessment. Pass it and you can operate a straight-line cable under direct supervision.
2. Supervised Training Guide (STG): a skills checklist from your assessing Principal. There's no set time for it. You finish when you've shown every skill.
3. SLO2: a written test (up to 30 minutes) and a practical (up to 20 minutes). Pass it and pay the fees, and you can operate unsupervised.

Full Cable Operator

BWSW requires this for anyone operating at a BWSW-accredited site. It's for full-size parks with more than two towers.

1. Your home site tells BWSW you're starting your logged hours.
2. Log 40 hours operating a full cable, supervised by a qualified operator.
3. Book an assessment day. You must be 17 or over (you can start logging at 16) and have wakeboarding experience.
4. Pass a multiple-choice paper and a written exam, then operate for 60 minutes while an assessor watches.
5. Ride the cable yourself to show you meet the minimum wakeboarding standard.
6. Be a BWSW member and register as an operator. The licence stays active as you renew your membership each year.

Good to know

• Operator courses don't include first aid, but BWSW's cable safety recommendations say you need a first aid certificate to be licensed.
• BWSW says many sites let operators ride at no charge in exchange for operating hours.

Source: Cable Operating, Straight-Line Cable Operator and Full Cable Operator, BWSW; Boat Safety Recommendations and Cable Tow Safety Recommendations, BWSW; Beach safety and Float to Live, RNLI; checked October 2026.

Governing body: British Water Ski and Wakeboard (BWSW). It sets the UK safety standards and training awards for wakeboarding, so it's the official place to find out more.

Typical prices, checked October 2026. The club or coach sets and bills the price.

The club map lists some of the UK clubs for this sport. It is a starting point, so check with the club before you travel. To have a coach found for you, use the enquiry form.