Tubing behind a boat — everything you need to know
Taking the family tubing behind the boat or personal watercraft (PWC)? Is there anywhere the kids would rather be? Doubtful! Towing a tube is one of the best forms of family fun on the water — a hit with all ages and abilities, and a perfect starting point before transitioning to wakeboarding or water skiing.
What is tubing behind a boat?
Tubing is a popular water sport where riders are towed on an inflatable tube behind a boat or PWC. Safe and enjoyable tubing comes down to the right gear, the right knowledge, and attention to the rules on the water.
How far should the tube be behind the boat?
The tube must be a minimum of 7 metres behind the vessel. Use a towing rope specifically designed for tubing — standard ski ropes aren't suitable.
Can you pull two tubes behind a boat?
Not advisable. During sharp turns the ropes end up at different lengths, and the outer rope can cut across the closer tube — potentially causing serious injury to riders. Instead, use a multi-rider tube that fits the whole crew on one towable. We stock tubes for 1, 2, 3 and 4 riders — always ensure all riders wear an approved personal flotation device when being towed, and check your local waterway regulations for any towing limits that apply in your area.
Safety precautions for tubing
· Always start slow and increase speed gradually as riders get comfortable
· Follow all local speed limits and waterway regulations
· Ensure everyone wears a properly fitted lifejacket — Level 50S or above on enclosed waters, Level 100 or above on open waters
· Children must wear a lifejacket at all times on the water
· Always have an observer on board watching riders and alerting the skipper
· Brief all riders on hand signals before heading out
· Only tube in good conditions — avoid choppy or stormy weather
· Choose a clear area free from rocks, obstacles, and other watercraft
· Kids get cold quickly after getting wet — pack a wetsuit or buoyancy suit
Water tubing hand signals
· Thumb up or palm up = Speed up
· Thumb down or palm down = Slow down
· Vertical flat hand facing the boat = Stop
· OK signal (pointer and thumb circle) = Speed OK / I'm OK
· Hand pointed left = Turn left
· Hand pointed right = Turn right
· Tip: watch facial expressions too — scared kids can struggle to let go of the handles to signal
What should I wear when tubing?
A spring suit is ideal, otherwise sturdy swimwear that won't come off in a fall. Always wear a lifejacket, and consider wetsuit booties or reef shoes when tubing on rivers or lakes with submerged hazards.
Get your tubing gear at Elite Ski Boats, Adelaide
Visit us at 130 Sir Donald Bradman Drive, Hilton SA — South Australia's longest running Malibu & Axis dealer. We stock everything you need for a great day on the water including tubes, tow ropes, life jackets, wetsuits and more.
People also read
· Best wakeboard spots in Australia
· What size wakeboard do I need? — A buyer's guide
· Best wetsuits for wakeboarding — A buyer's guide
