easiest way to get up on tube

[hdradaza]

I have one of those tubes which looks like the interior of the wheel. Big and round with a hole in the middle (but it has an outer lining to cover the hole).

It is very hard for us to get up on it with out flipping it over. Is there any way that you guys know of ? Other than getting on it from the boat ?

 

[John_S]

Re: easiest way to get up on tube

Depending on the tube, deep water climb aboards can be tricky, sometimes impossible by oneself. Sliding up, head first, on to belly, from behind the tube, works, but front may point skyward and flip. If a 2 person, 2nd person can counter the flip. If by self, pulling the tube at 3-5mph can help prevent the flipping. If the person has already been out and around, arms may be too tired to pull themselves up. Many times we just pull the tube back in with rider hanging on, and they get back on via swim platform. Good Luck.

 

[OhWellcraft]

Re: easiest way to get up on tube

They can be real tricky to get back onto as stated above swim deck is best option sometimes. If there are two people riding they can hold both sides to counter the flip. Then once one is in, seems to be much easier for second to board. I had never thought about idleing a bit to keep some tension on it, that is a great idea i will try it next time out.

 

[hdradaza]

Re: easiest way to get up on tube

ok i will try those suggestions. After using a big tube that fits 3 persons, we tried to single tubes. with belly's down below and feet hanging out in the back it seems like the boat has a hard time pulling it becuase of too much drag. Anyone have iexperience with this ? Or did the driver just did not push the throttle down hard enough to get on a plane before slowing back down ?

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: easiest way to get up on tube

these things today are no challange. we use to tie a rope to an old tractor inner tube.

 

[SuperNova]

Re: easiest way to get up on tube

these things today are no challange. we use to tie a rope to an old tractor inner tube.

Yeah, I remember those days. We also used those inflatable canvas rafts you'd buy at the shore and hold the tow rope under the front of it to keep it from submarining....ah, the good old days...

 

[John_S]

Re: easiest way to get up on tube

Yea, and uphill both ways.....

While we had a few contraptions to pull behind the boat (in those days), never did a tractor tube. They were great fun in the rivers though. I'd expect staying on it while being pulled behind boat and tube streaching, turns, etc, would be a challenge. Now, climbing on? Much easier with that big hole in the middle. And back then I could easily fit through a car inner tube!

 

[SuperNova]

Re: easiest way to get up on tube

The biggest problem with the tractor tubes was the huge valve sticking out of the center and jabbing you in sensitive areas....