Mcewings
Tubes
Types of Tubes
First start with the riders and the type of ride they are looking for. Tubes come in a huge range of shapes and styles that all deliver a different experience, from a laid-back cruise on a couch (safer for younger kids) through to a no-holds-barred, high speed adrenaline rush. Here’s a list of what types of tubes are available.
OPEN TOP / DONUT
The classic, circular shape. It’s versatile and good
for beginners but can be less stable and flip easily at high speeds.
DECK TUBE
These are typically flat and have no high back or sides. They are designed for a fast ride and require riders to lie on their stomach and hold on tightly.
COCKPIT STYLE
Similar to cockpit styles, these often have raised backs and offer a very stable and comfortable ride. They are ideal for families and are designed for slower towing speeds.
COUCH TUBE
Similar to cockpit styles, these often have raised backs and offer a very stable and comfortable ride. They are ideal for families and are designed for slower towing speeds.
ROCKER TUBE
Features a curved bottom for added manoeuvrability, allowing riders to lean from side to side.
BANANA TOBOGGAN
Shaped like a banana, these are designed to be straddled and provide a sled-like experience.
Inflating Your Tube
The bigger the tube the more air needed to fill it. Obvious right? Tubes are filled through the Boston Valve(s) on the bladder that are accessed via small flaps on the cover. Most have just one fill point but larger tubes with more complex shapes can have more.
Smaller 1 and 2 person tubes can be filled by hand and foot pumps or the smaller 12V pumps while larger 3 and 4+ tubes will fill quicker with a larger pump that puts out more volume.
If you want to fill at the service station on your way to the lake we also carry an adapter that attaches to the tube’s Boston valve to take a car tyre air pump.
Number of riders
Found your shape? Now think about how many riders will be on at once. Tubes are designated as either 1, 2, 3 or 4+ riders. For larger 3 and 4+ tubes always have an adult as one of the riders who can quickly assist younger kids if needed.
Tow Ropes
Always use a rope designed for towing a tube. Ski/board ropes are NOT designed for tubes. Tube ropes are rated for the size of the tubes in terms of the number of riders and used correctly they will not break. Check you rope at the start of every day on the water for any signs of damage or wear cased but rubbing against areas of the boat.
When towing tubes the rope will slacken and then pull tight, creating a lot of stress on the rope, tube and boat tow point. Always secure the rope to somewhere on the boat that is designed to take this stress. If you’re not sure contact the boat manufacturer.
A tow bridle centers the tow point behind the boat, keeping it clear of the transom and outboards where applicable and can help reduce the risk of chafing.
Bungee tube ropes, either as a full rope or a bungee extension used with an existing tube rope, reduces a lot of this stress and also adds another dimension of variation to the ride.
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200 Yaldhurst Road,
Avonhead, Christchurch 8042
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MON-THURS: 10am – 7pm
FRI- SUN: 8am – 7pm