A pivot is coupled to a water craft. A lever arm is pivotally coupled to the pivot at one end. A tow spool is coupled to the lever arm at an end opposite the pivot. The tow spool is configured to provide an attachment for a towline. A recoil device is coupled to the water craft at one end and coupled to the lever arm at the opposing end. The recoil device stores energy as a towing drag force is applied to the tow spool to cause the lever arm to move from a first position to a second position. The recoil device then provides a restoring force to cause the lever arm to move from the second position to the first position as the towing drag force is reduced.