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