How to Go Tubing

Two Tubers Being Pulled by a Jet Ski

Tubing is a fun, action-packed pastime that is much less physically demanding than water skiing but still offers nearly as much excitement. In order to go tubing, you'll need several big-ticket items, but you'll find that it's all well worth it in the end. So if you want to go tubing and get some fun times out on the water, read on and find out how to do it.

Things You'll Need

• Boat or jet skis
• Inner-tube
• High-strength rope
• Life vest
• 3 people

Instructions

1. Get access to a calm lake or other body of water. For best results you want to make sure that there are absolutely no white-caps or large swells.

2. Attach a 50- to 75-foot length of rope securely to the tie-down point on your inner-tube.

3. Secure the other end of the rope to a tie-down point on your boat.

4. Make sure that everyone is wearing life-preservers.

5. Have one person jump into the water, making sure that the boat's propeller is not running, and then have them get up onto the inner-tube.

6. Have one person pilot the boat and one person do nothing but watch the person who is tubing and make sure that they're doing well.

7. Gradually throttle up the boat, going faster if the person on the inner-tube signals that they want to go faster and slowing down if they signal that they want to stop.

8. Switch positions as desired, allowing everyone who wants to go tubing to get a chance.

Tips & Warnings

• Always keep a firm hold on the inner-tube while you're tubing to avoid falling off and possibly injuring yourself.

• Always use inner-tubes that are well-constructed and have solidly molded handles and tie-down points.

• It's a good idea to devise a system of signals for the people on the boat to be able to communicate with the individual on the inner-tube.

• Don't attempt to go tubing on rough water. Doing so can be dangerous and may lead to serious injury.

• Everyone who goes tubing should be wearing a life-preserver or other flotation device at all times.

• Always keep all ropes clear of the boat's propeller.

• Swimmers and tubers should stay at least 5 yards away from the back of the boat at all times to avoid possible injury from the propeller.

• Tubing can be dangerous. Do so at your own risk and always use due caution.