Today’s hot new fun on the water starts with the latest in inflatables. Whether you enjoy the thrill of the ride on the latest towable or doable behind the boat, floating serenely down the river in a tube or lounging on a floating lounger in the pool or at the lake, there is a product just waiting for you.
Along with buying your new piece of equipment for some warm weather fun, you may need certain accessories essential for inflation, maintenance or safety.
You may also have questions on how to inflate the towable, tube or lounger or what are good maintenance tips for your equipment.
It wasn't that long ago that floating down a river was done in a tire innertube and a "lounge" in a pool was called a "raft." Now it is all about big, colorful and FUN on these modern designs.
There are no limits in size and design, from one person to six-person towables and doables. The new towables and maneuverable doables are all the rage and with names like "Sidewinder" and "Wake Ryder" you can imagine the fun you can have or watch one of the great videos of these new era tubes in action.
Lounges have evolved from a one-person air mattress style to much more. There are even trampolines that float and kayaks and toboggans for the water. Imagine it and it is probably available for you and your friends and family to take to the water with and enjoy every wild minute onboard.
Whether you are looking for that more relaxing ride experience or a wild and crazy one, there is a towable for you. There are towables and tubes designed for one person or for an entire group. There are ones covered in vinyl and ones covered in nylon and many with inner bladders or tubes.
What You Need to Know
Towable Inflation
Whether it is a towable with a cover and inside tube or a tube that inflates directly, correct inflation procedures are essential for the life span of your equipment.
First and foremost, take the time to read the inflation directions that came with your purchase. That is your best source of information on your specific tube.
As you read, be aware of requirements for inflation, re-inflation (small loss of air, not due to holes or damage), over-inflation and deflation.
Select the right inflation/deflation equipment for your particular tube and read up on all the dos and don'ts of inflating a tube or towable.
Tow Ropes & Harnesses
One of the top considerations in picking a Tow Rope for either watersports or for skiing is making sure it fits your particular application including the proper tensile strength for the number of riders on the tube (taking into consideration their total weight).
Again it is important to read the recommended manufacturer directions for required tow rope and harnesses for a particular tube or towable.
Another consideration is ease of attaching and detaching the ropes from the boat. You might also want to look for a rope with a float to keep the rope away from your propeller, a very important safety consideration.
Essential Safety Equipment
What started as a fun day on the water with your favorite tube or towable could turn into a disaster if you don't follow proper safety guidelines and use the proper equipment.
A properly inflated tube, properly attached harness and/or rope (with a float to keep out of the way of the boat's propeller), skier down flag, safety helmet and other considerations are essential to ensure you have a fun day with no problems.
A boat in great condition, tubes or towables in great condition and riders who have received the proper instruction all should be in place before setting out for a day of fun.
Towable or Tube Maintenance
Once you have made that selection you want to be sure you maintain your item for years of fun in the sun. Maintenance of today’s watersports equipment is not that difficult but is also essential for the life span of your equipment.
It's as simple as cleaning, drying thoroughly and properly storing each time you use the tube or towable. If there are extended times during the season you will not use the tube, be sure it is deflated and stored properly after it is cleaned and dried.
Periodically take care to use a protectant after you clean the tube (before you deflate).