5 Tips for Pulling a Water Tube for the First Time
You’ve just purchased your new boat and are ready to have some fun! Chances are you’ll be using that new boat (hopefully it’s a Nautique!) to pull riders on a tube. If you’re planning on pulling a water tube for the first time, here are 5 tips from Buxton Marine – your Lewisville, Texas boat dealer - to get you started:
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Riders Must Wear a Life Jacket
This should be a no brainer, but it bears repeating. While you may not always feel the need to wear a PFD onboard the boat, wearing one while tubing is a must.
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Consider the Rider’s Skill Level
If you are pulling a water tube for the first time, it’s smart to start slow to get your bearings on how your boat handles turns, waves, and bumps. Check your boating manual before starting for guidelines on recommended speed for towing riders, maximum weight, towing speed, etc.
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Designate a Lookout
Designate someone on the boat as the official lookout who will watch the tube and see how the riders are doing. Are they signaling to go slower? Are there obstacles coming up? Has someone fallen off? Your lookout is an extra set of eyes and ears on the lake.
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Get the OK from the Riders Before Starting
Before starting your water tubing ride, have the riders signal that they are ready to begin. Each rider should be in ready position, holding on to handles and aware of how to shift their weight safely on the tube.
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Beware of Taking Wakes Too Fast
As your riders get more comfortable on the water, it can be fun to cross over existing wakes in the water. Before doing so, be sure to slow down. Depending on the tube and it’s weight, the tube can take pretty high bounces over those wakes, which can cause back injuries.If you just bought a new wakeboard boat - Nautique, MasterCraft, etc. - and are ready to pull a water tube for the first time, don’t hesitate to come into Buxton Marine – the boating experts in Lewisville, Texas. Our team can show you the best tubes on the market in our Buxton Marine Pro Shop and offer safety guidelines for each. Good times ahead!