TurboSwing® is the only tube-rated™ tow bar on the market. The pulley system makes pulling tubes a dream, since it rotates to always tow a tube from the center turning point. Even though TurboSwing® is the perfect tool for tubers, there are lots of ways the captain can enhance the rider’s experience.
Safety Precautions
The Captain’s Responsibilities
Maintaining the proper tubing equipment is the first step to safely pull water tubes. The captain will need to make sure there are plenty of brightly colored life jackets for each rider. Since the captain looks forward, designate another passenger to watch the riders. A good captain will have a way to communicate with their riders, so teach the designated watcher signals for when riders are ready to start, stop, or adjust speed.
Tow Ropes
A tube-rated™ tow bar (like TurboSwing®!) and tow rope are the safest way to pull tubers, so make sure your tow rope is weighted for the amount of riders. Tow ropes ordinarily have the weight maximum clearly printed on the labels. Not all tow ropes are created equally; the amount of weight the rope can pull depends on the rope construction. Do not assume you can pull multiple riders with a rope clearly rated for one. A tow rope that can only pull 2K LBS will not work for a 4 person tube. A 2K rope would be rated for a maximum of 2 Person Tubes.
Optimal Rider Position
The ideal rider position on a ride-in tube is to sit back with your feet in front of you and your knees bent. Keep your arms straight and hold onto the handles provided on the tube. This position helps to distribute your weight evenly and lowers your center of gravity, making it easier to balance and maintain control. It's also important to keep your eyes focused on the direction of the tow boat and to avoid leaning too far in any direction, as this can cause the tube to flip over.
When riding a tube on your stomach such as a deck tube or open top tube, the optimal rider position is to lie flat with your arms stretched out in front of you and your legs straight behind you. Keep your toes pointed down and your weight evenly distributed on the tube. This position helps to reduce wind resistance and drag, allowing you to go faster and enjoy a smoother ride. It's important to keep your head up and your eyes focused on the direction of the tow boat.
When choosing a tube, you will want to consider your preferred riding style. There are different styles of tubes for different riding styles, and reasons why to choose each one.
Proper Inflation
It's important to properly inflate tubes to ensure your safety and enjoyment. First, locate the inflation valve on the tube. Next, attach your pump to the valve and start inflating. Be careful not to overinflate the tube, as this can cause it to burst. Stop pumping when the tube is firm but still has some give when squeezed. It's also a good idea to periodically check the air pressure throughout the day, as changes in temperature and use can cause the tube to lose air. Remember to securely close the valve once the tube is fully inflated, and always follow the manufacturer's instructions for proper use and care.
TIME TO RIDE
After everyone is loaded in the tube with life jackets and the designated spotter is appointed, you can get started! Wait for your riders to say they are ready to go and slide the throttle in a steady motion forward. Stop when you are about 75% forward. While adjusting speed, take note that there is a delay when a boat accelerates – they aren’t like a car. This should get the riders gliding along, so the captain can assess whether to speed up or slow down. Make sure to avoid overly crowded waters, especially when pulling a tube for the first time. Turn your motor off while loading and unloading riders.
Choosing the right speed depends on the number of riders, their weight, size, and experience. Take these into consideration when riders are telling you to speed up; the captain is in charge of the vessel. Most captains do not exceed 29 MPH when pulling tubes, but you can go a bit slower than that. Be consistent with speeds so your riders can get comfortable and find their groove. It is inevitable for speed to fluctuate due to turns or wind conditions, but it is important to be mindful when changing speed. Turning the boat into an S-shape is fun and safe for riders. Sharp and fast turns can cause riders to fall off, which may be the goal, but do not ever do this by banks or when boats are near.
Following proper safety precautions is essential to boating life. Learning to properly pull towable tubes means more fun for the driver and riders! And once you feel comfortable with the safety basics, get ready to head out on the water with your TurboSwing and towable tubes.
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