Equipment Needed for Water Tubing

As warmer weather approaches, outdoor enthusiasts make way to favorite waterfront recreation spots. Water tubing is a long-practiced recreational activity that continues on rivers and lakes throughout the world. It allows riders to coast along peacefully or to enjoy a more fast-paced trip. As this pastime evolves, so too does the equipment needed to stay afloat. Read on for the details about water tubing essentials.

Despite a few differences in design, most water tubing equipment shares visible commonalities. Tubes may vary in size but they are generally all inflatable, disc-shaped and made of a thin, flexible material such as plastic or rubber. Life jackets used during tubing tend to be bright orange or yellow, square-shaped and closed across the front.

Traditional free-floating inner tubes are shaped like donuts, allowing enough room for riders to sit comfortably across as they travel through the water. This simple style of tube usually does not come with side handles. There are towable water tubes, specially created to be towed by a boat. These are usually sturdy disc or donut-shaped watercraft and many come equipped with handles to carry the tubes on land and hold onto in the water. They are also distinguished by an anchoring piece to attach the tow rope. A motorboat or other type of watercraft is needed to pull the towable tubes. You'll also need a durable, specially designed tow line made to attach boats to water tubes. Life jackets are another essential piece of tubing equipment to be worn at all times in the water or onboard a watercraft. These are worn snugly around the chest and either buckle or attach with Velcro across the front. They are essential should someone fall off a boat or inner tube.

These days, water tubing equipment comes with a variety of features to provide efficiency on the water while increasing convenience and safety. Inner tubes come with or without bottoms and with or without handles for riders to hold. There are single and double tubes, and all are made of synthetic materials such as nylon, plastic or rubber.

The average water tube costs anywhere from $30 to $90, depending on the material used and the tube's rider capacity or special features. Quality tubes, towables and tubing accessories can be found at sporting goods stores and websites. See the Resources section for links. Water tubes are also widely available for rent at boating and water sports stores. Rental rates tend to start at about $15 per day per tube, depending on the region.

Water tubers should be well-versed in the functioning of their equipment before setting out on the water. Always follow a manufacturer or instructor's recommendations for matching up sports equipment, according to size, weight, age or health limits and number of riders. If you are water tubing in busy waters, be sure to go at slower speeds and keep an eye out for others on the water to avoid a potentially serious collision.