WHAT TUBE TO BUY FOR KIDS

[tjaizmopars]

Our family is new to boating, have 7 & 14 yr old , what tube/tubes would be best so both can be safe & happy-Thanks TJ

 

[Bart Sr.]

Re: WHAT TUBE TO BUY FOR KIDS

tjaiz---I can't help with brand names but don't make the mistake I made.I got small ones about 3 feet round with the removable covers.If they are not inflated and placed just so they mill come out and be tough to get back in.The one piece about 4 feet across would be MY choice when I replace them.Mybe someone more knowledgeable will steer you to a link for more specifics.HAPPY BOATING!!!

 

[Link]

Re: WHAT TUBE TO BUY FOR KIDS

tjaiz:<br />I've only been tubing once. My fishing partner bought a small one and it did as Bart Sr said... also check the material that the kids arms will be riding on.. 5 of us went tubing and five of us lost skin or at least got a real good rash/rub marks<br />Check with a dealer that only sells fun toys for the water and a salesperson to explain the difference.. then look for a good buy<br /><br />Hope that helps<br />Link

 

[dhud64]

Re: WHAT TUBE TO BUY FOR KIDS

I have an H2O sports tube about 4' across, it is the type with a cover. Allthough we have not done a whole lot of tubing, it seems fine to me. It has withstood mostly adult use.<br />I think the key is not to pull them faster than they are rated for. I've seen people being pulled so fast they probably could have been barefoot skiing.

 

[Baketech]

Re: WHAT TUBE TO BUY FOR KIDS

We had one of the smaller round ones, and quickly replaced it with a larger 2 person flat type. Ours is a Connelly Convertible.....but all the tube mfgrs seem to make one like this.<br />Its way more fun for kids if they can go 2 at a time....plus its really nice for an adult to be able to go with a kid the first time....really builds their confidence the first time they fall off....just start laughing and they realize that the boat will come back and its part of the fun...<br /><br />It also makes a great floating island for someone to lay in the sun while you are anchored.<br /><br />I wish we had bought this one first.....<br /><br />Whatever you get, make sure it has a smooth nylon cover and plenty of comfy handholds to crawl up and hang on with...

 

[Duck Loads]

Re: WHAT TUBE TO BUY FOR KIDS

I was able to try out several different types of "tubes" with my family this past weekend. My kids (16 & 11) really liked the 5'(or so) diameter round type with a full cover (no hole in the middle). <br /><br />Have fun,<br />Duck L.

 

[dorelse]

Re: WHAT TUBE TO BUY FOR KIDS

Best one I've found is the Airhead Slash II. It follows the wake really well (it has fins to help it stay in the wake), has an open back for easy entry, and room for 2, allowing you to ride with your younger child. My 6 year old loves it.

 

[tjaizmopars]

Re: WHAT TUBE TO BUY FOR KIDS

Hi everyone, Thanks for all replies, what about he tubes that are in the form of a jet-ski for my 14yr old

 

[MrBill]

Re: WHAT TUBE TO BUY FOR KIDS

O'Brien makes good quality water sport tubes. The 56 inch Le Tube is high quality, very durable and lots of fun.<br /><br />Also the two-seater Patriot Duo is great...and guaranteed.<br /><br />Check eBay, Sport Authority or dealers. Expect to pay for good quality, the above two are worth it.

 

[tjaizmopars]

Re: WHAT TUBE TO BUY FOR KIDS

Thanks again , my daughter is headstrong on this jet -ski looking pull tube , anyone had any experience with these , just don't want to fork out alot of $ and be stuck w/ something thats no good - will be getting a 2 person tube also for 7 yr old son. Maiden voyage will be this Sat. w/ our boat. TJ

 

[Rick A.]

Re: WHAT TUBE TO BUY FOR KIDS

Along the same line as good tubes what is the length of line to be used? I f you read the tow rope package it says no more than 55feet. I have a 75 foot tow rope and tied it to the bridle at 55 feet. this seemed to put the "Le tube" In the wake way too much and very hard to stayon. Any suggestion for length of Tow line. I have a small 16 ft skiboat set up for Wake boarding so on a tube the wake is much larger then average at a good speed for a tube. Suggestions are greatly appreciated...And have fun tubing

 

[MrBill]

Re: WHAT TUBE TO BUY FOR KIDS

I use 60 feet and would recommend it, although some personal preference is in order. Too long and you'll likely experience slack when cornering hard.<br /><br />Regarding the question on "SeaDoo shaped" tube...I have not had good experience with odd shaped pull-toys in that they can be difficult to stay on...of course the kids love the challenge. So the doughnut shaped tubes with a hole and sit-in type pull-toys are great for the over forty ++ crowd.

 

[L Christopher]

Re: WHAT TUBE TO BUY FOR KIDS

tjaiz: If I am picturing the tube you are talking about, I think I pulled one that belonged to a friend. The kids loved it BUT it is like a PWC in that they only enjoyed riding it for about a hour or so. The classic tubes like the Le Tube they ride for hours getting it airborn and flipping it. My kids are 17, 15, & 8 and they all enjoy the Le Tube. On the outher side my youngest like the flatter tubes better "Connelly Convertible". Go to Overton's online, noboby has a better selection of tubes.<br />Trippen: Tow lines for tubes are 60'(I don't know why). I do know that before I bought a tow line I used 75' of heavy nylon rope and the tube swong all the way around in front of the boat and I almost lost a teenager. Hmmmm, almost lost one teenager.

 

[BJM]

Re: WHAT TUBE TO BUY FOR KIDS

I have two conventional tubes where you sit either bum in the middle or lie on your front with legs dragging. I also have a large 65" flat puck style tube. <br /><br />For my little kids the flat tube is great I can go on with both of them at once. The bigger tubes will not skid outward away from the wake like a smaller tube and is good for kids. However, the big flat tubes can accidentally fly unless there is more than 100 lbs on it. We have had 90 pounders fly up more than 4 feet and get dumped.<br /><br />For real fun though nothing beats towing both conventional tubes at the same time and trying to knock your friend off their tube (grown-ups only). By carefully lifting the outer edge of the tube, the air caught underneath makes your drag go way down and lets you fly out nearly parallel with the boat and come flying back in towards the wake. <br /><br />It depends on what your game is. I can't believe how many people putt around our lake and the tube never goes outside the wake. I find that boring. Teenagers will want a real ride, for them get two normal tubes.

 

[Jack Shellac]

Re: WHAT TUBE TO BUY FOR KIDS

I've had a Sportstuff "The Duece" for three years and the kids like it. It's a two seater that tracks good at low speeds for the little ones, but gives good air time for the big kids at higher speeds.