Tubing Tips for Beginners

Tubing is a fantastic watersport for beginners of all ages looking for a way to get comfortable out on the water. In fact, you might remember falling in love with the water from your own experience of being towed behind a boat on a tube, and eventually thrown off when you hit the right wave. For many of us, tubing is an entry point into watersports, often leading us to explore the thrills that come from other, more adrenaline-inducing ones such as water skiing, wakeboarding or wakesurfing. Although some of us will always enjoy the thrill of this unique watersport.

If you are just getting started with tubing, you likely have a lot of questions. What gear do you need for tubing? Does it matter what kind of tube you use? What are the safety precautions that you need to take? In this blog we will answer each of these questions, and more, so you will feel ready to hop on a tube for the first time or help someone else share in the experience.

Tubing Gear and Equipment

Unlike some other watersports, water tubing requires very little gear or equipment. Aside from the usual necessities, such as activity-appropriate attire, sunscreen, and safety equipment (check out more about this down below), you are also going to need a boat that can tow a tube, a tow rope, and a towable tube.

When it comes to choosing a boat, you may be happy to hear that virtually any boat should be capable of towing a tube. That said, there is no denying that some are better at it than others. Aim for a boat that has some maneuverability, as the driver will need to stay alert of other boats and may want to send their rider(s) flying with the right movement at the right time to catch a wave. It will also need to be able to speed up and slow down relatively quickly.

Once you have the boat, you will need a tow bar to attach a tow rope to for pulling the tube. Tow ropes are designed to have a little give, and some may even function a little bit like a bungee. While we would recommend against a bungee-style tow rope for a beginning tuber, you should be fine with any other rope that falls somewhere between 50 and 65 feet long and can pull between 2,000 and 6,000 pounds. The strength of your rope will depend on the number of people you will be towing, and the same consideration applies to choosing a water tube.

Choosing a Water Tube

Choosing the right towable tube comes down to knowing the needs of your rider(s). There are a lot of different types to choose from, including those designed for one rider, those for multiple riders, and even those for free-floating or being towed. Since we are focusing on towing a tube behind a boat in this blog, we will not go into detail about free-floating water tubes here, but it is worth noting that they are out there if you are interested in floating down a river.

Towable tubes have come a long way since the early days of water tubing, so now you have access to comfortable tubes that come in a range of shapes and sizes. You will find tubes made to hold single riders, and others made for two or up to as many as three or four riders at a time. If you want to pull even more, then you can look for a banana style tube, which has enough room for up to six riders. For beginner riders, opt for simpler tubes, rather than those that will glide or catch more air. These tubes are best reserved for more experienced riders. For more detailed information about the different types of towable tubes that are available, read our full guide on how to choose the right tube.

Proper Tubing Inflation

Once you have your water tube, you need to check that it has been properly inflated. Having your towable tube at the right size is going to make it last longer and keep your riders safer. General guidelines recommend that your tube be wrinkle free and firm but be sure to check your specific tube’s manufacturer guidelines for extra confidence that you are inflating properly.

Your tube’s inflation levels are going to fluctuate depending on the weather, so check it often while you are on the water and remember to deflate it whenever it is not in use so it will be protected from natural elements. How you fill your tube will depend on the type of valve it has. Again, there should be instructions for this in the manufacturer guidelines that come with the tube when you purchase it, but we also have some quick go-to instructions for properly inflating your tube in our tube selection guide.

Optimal Tow Point for Tubing

Once you have your tubing gear and equipment, then it is almost time to head out to the water. One more critical component to an enjoyable tubing experience is checking that you are at the right tow point. A tow point that is too low will result in more drag and water spray, which can make for less-than-ideal conditions for your rider. The optimal tow point for tubing elevates the tow rope above the wake. One of the easiest and most efficient ways to do this is to install a TurboSwing, which allows you to adjust the height of the bar to achieve proper positioning.

Water Tubing Safety Tips

As you plan your tubing experience, there are just a few final safety tips you will need to keep in mind. First, if you are going to be driving the boat remember to designate a spotter to help you keep an eye on your rider(s). You should also scout the area where you plan to go tubing to be aware of any possible hazards. Second, check that you have safety equipment, including US Coast Guard-approved life jackets or vests for each rider, helmets (especially for younger riders), sunscreen, and proper clothing. If you have more than one rider, check that your tube is designed to hold them, and then have the riders evenly distribute their weight across the tube.

Safety always comes first when it comes to any watersport, so we highly recommend checking local and state regulations for their guidelines, as well as taking a look at our more comprehensive guide to water tubing safety tips.