tubing question

[nightvision]

Hi all,<br />I just bought a 1 person tube and it's recommended capacity of 170 lbs. I like to put two kids in it and the weight will only be about 75 lbs. between the two. We will be just going slow speed. They both fit in it just fine. Is this OK.<br /><br />Is there an age limit on when a child can ride a tube. I have a 4 years old that I like to pull at slow speed. Is this OK?<br /><br />Finally, is it acceptable to pull a tube with a person/child in a no wake zone. It will just be a slow speed pull for the kids.<br /><br />Thanks.

 

[sangerwaker]

Re: tubing question

Yes, yes, and yes IMO.<br /><br />I've donr the same with my boy many times. He just turned 7 and still rides inside the tube without problems. I've done the two kid thing too. Should not be an issue.<br /><br />I don't know of any age limitations specifically on riding inside the tube. I guess it would be your comfort level of them not ripping the tube from weight stress and falling through or something, although I doubt that is likely.<br /><br />As long as you stay at the no wake speed, and there is room for boats to pass in the opposite direction, I say go for it! I've done it with my son and he loved it. Spent 2 hours straight in the tube one time. <br /><br />Enjoy!

 

[gewf631]

Re: tubing question

Just don't forget the life jackets! Make sure they're the right size, that they fit properly (I like to lift the kid by the jacket and see if he/she falls out), and that they're reasonably comfortable (I've found it makes for a much nicer day on the water).<br /><br />My boys are 5 and 7, and I started pulling them as you suggest, back when they were 3 and 5 (it's funny, the 3-yr old was more willing than the 5-yr old).<br /><br />About the no wake zone, I'd say it depends. I'd NEVER pull my kids through a dock-area, underpass, or other place where there's a lot of potential obstacles. Having said that, one of our favorite spots has a no wake zone around the beach, extending out well over 100 yards past the marked swimming area. We just slow down as we pass this area, and then speed back up again once we're safely past the bouys.

 

[sergioy]

Re: tubing question

That should not be a problem at all with the little ones. As a matter of fact I use to let me little one ride in a two person tube and found it way to big for my 3 yr old. Now the older ones cannot ride together in a one person tube. But then again they like to play dueling tubes.

 

[Booner]

Re: tubing question

Nightvision: <br />I have pulled two riders on one tube in the past but was afraid that they could bag their heads when crossing a boat wake. This could result in the riders being knocked out or riders needing some very expensive dental work done. I would get a two-person tube or get a second one-person tube then pull two tubs. Be careful!

 

[wvit100]

Re: tubing question

I would be very worried about pulling tubes in a no wake zone. Usually there are people going in several directions at once in those areas and you never know if the person in the other boat would realize or not that you have a tube behing you. I would hate to see someone cut between your boat and your kids. I see people pulling tubes at idle around the restraunt and docks all the time and wonder what they will say when their rider gets run over by another boat or jet ski.<br /><br />There are lots of coves around the lake more suitable for slow tubing that the no wake zones.<br /><br /> http://www.commanderbob.com/cbstats.html

 

[bayman]

Re: tubing question

Hi everyone...this discussion of pulling children on tubes and pulling 2 tubes has reminded me that there are some big dangers to watch out for when pulling tubes. Some of this has been mentioned already, but some has not.<br /><br />1. Be careful that lines don't cross. Someone in my office went boating and the lines crossed and one of the people in the tube had a hand get caught in the crossed lines and it cut the hand off...no more hand!<br /><br />2. Make sure everyone who goes tubing knows to NOT hold the line with their hand and especially to not wrap the line around their hand. The boat will pull things super tight and really bad things happen.<br /><br />That said, tubing is generally very fun...as others have said, be careful while you have fun!

 

[QC]

Re: tubing question

I am with Bayman on the two tube thing although I still do it. I am close to stopping it completely from my boat, but I have worked out some little things that are so far making me feel better. My problem is teenagers and they are flippin' crazy . . .<br /><br />Anyway, on the no-wake zone thing. I have been somwhere recently (can't remeber exactly) that was an instant ticket if you tubed inside the buoys at any speed. I would check with somebody locally. Also, at just above wakeless speed tubes can bury their front end under water. Pretty scary for little guys, so basically it's wakeless or somewhat significantly faster so that the tube is planing, not necessarily the boat.<br /><br />The two lighweight riders in a single tube does not bother me at all. Have fun!!!

 

[KCSteve]

Re: tubing question

never around marinas. docks or high traffic areas. I watched a guy pull a tube behind some boats that were slipped. Another boater started backing out after he had passed not seeing the kid on the tube. People started yelling and he was able to stop before runiing over the kid. Scared the he!! out of me. Boater pulling the tube seemed oblivious to what was going on

 

[fishingdan]

Re: tubing question

I think in most no-wake area it is illegal to ski or tube, but I doubt it is often enforced. I would be more concerned about the other boats in an often confined no wake area. <br /><br />All of my kids have started tubing at 4 or 5 depending on their desire to do it and my judgement as to how well they would respond if they fell out. Regardless, I don't think I pulled them much over 17 or 18 mph and always kept them in the wake.