| Few watersports offer such sheer enjoyment as | | | | requiring a gentler experience. 'Ride ons' |
| boat tubing. And the great thing is that it's | | | | are long narrow towables. Sometimes called |
| so easy compared to, say, water skiing. This | | | | torpedo style, these can sit up to six |
| ease makes it suitable for all age groups and | | | | riders. So they're great for groups of young |
| so a great activity for the whole family. | | | | riders seeking speed and thrills. |
| Easy as it is, however, you need to take some | | | | |
| precautions. Here a some pointers on how you | | | | Finally for extreme thrills there are the |
| can get the most out of your towable tubing | | | | rocker towables which have wings. These are |
| experience. | | | | examples of concept tubes which are aimed at |
| | | | the thrillseeker. |
| First, let's look at what towables are. | | | | |
| Essentially, the towing experience involves | | | | As for the ropes that connect the towable to |
| being pulled behind a boat in or on one of | | | | the boat, these are graded according to the |
| various types of "towables." These boat | | | | number of riders allowed. Towable ropes |
| towables can take a variety of forms but | | | | should be 50 and 65 feet in length. |
| tubes are the most popular (like water ski | | | | |
| tubes). Tubes come in a vast range of shapes | | | | Now that you've bought your towable and rope, |
| and sizes, so our first tip is about buying | | | | it's time to look at some tips for using |
| your tube and the rope that connects it to | | | | them. First, always check any warning |
| the boat. | | | | indicators on the tube. Read and obey the |
| | | | manufacturer's specifications on such factors |
| Towables are made of artificial fibres such | | | | as the number of riders, their maximum size |
| as nylon, polyester, PVC or neoprene. | | | | and weight, and the recommended top speed |
| Polyester is the most durable while neoprene | | | | limits. Then the tubers should be instructed |
| is the most comfortable and most expensive. | | | | into how to position themselves on the tube. |
| If you have kids, you might prefer the | | | | Don't forget they must always wear a personal |
| latter. | | | | floatation device while in the water. |
| | | | |
| Next there's the matter of shape. Towables | | | | The next thing to do is to find the right |
| come in a wide range of shapes and sizes. The | | | | area of water for towing. To be safe, you |
| original design is the donut shape. This is | | | | should allow at least 100-feet of |
| most suitable for adults who can sit on top. | | | | unobstructed water on either side of the boat |
| However it's not so convenient for smaller | | | | and a minimum of 3000 feet in front. Aside |
| people to sit on. Plus the donut rolls over | | | | from the driver, the boat should have a |
| easily making it unsuitable for young | | | | 'spotter' to check for riders who fall off. |
| children. | | | | The spotter can then alert other boats in the |
| | | | area by waving a flag. |
| Then there are deck tubes which are flat and | | | | |
| delta shaped. These are great for multiple | | | | It's essential too that the boat handler be |
| riders. These can flip over easily so they're | | | | familiar with any regulations affecting that |
| most suitable for teenagers and young adults. | | | | stretch of water you're on. Speed limits are |
| | | | influenced by water conditions. Wakes for |
| Next we have 'ride in' and 'ride on' tubes. | | | | example can be dangerous for towing so boat |
| The former are like small boats and so are | | | | speeds should be reduced. |
| perfect for small children and those | | | | |