Nothing brings bigger smiles or louder laughs on a summer day than tubing behind a boat. It’s a classic lakefront activity that creates lifelong memories for kids—and some serious thrills, too! But while tubing is tons of fun, it also requires careful attention to safety, technique, and proper preparation—especially when towing children.
Whether you’re a first-time lakefront homeowner looking to try tubing for the first time, or you’ve pulled dozens of grinning kids in the past, this guide will help you dial in the right approach to maximize fun and minimize risk.
Start with the Right Equipment
You can’t have a successful tubing day without the proper gear. Here’s what you’ll need:
- A. Quality Towable Tube
- Choose a tube rated for the number of riders you plan to tow.
- For younger kids, select a more stable, sit-in style tube with handles and backrests.
- Look for tubes that are well-reviewed for durability and stability.
- B. Strong Tow Rope
- Make sure your rope is designed specifically for tubing (not skiing or wakeboarding).
- Check the weight and rider capacity rating.
- A tow harness or bridle may be necessary if you’re towing from a pontoon or boat without a central tow point.
- C. Boat with Adequate Power
- Your boat must have enough horsepower to get on plane and tow riders without struggling.
- Pontoons can work great at lower speeds; ski boats and bowriders offer better maneuverability and speed control.
- D. Proper Life Jackets
- Kids must wear U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets—no exceptions.
- Jackets should be snug, sized for the child’s weight, and in good condition.
- E. Safety Flag
- Always have an orange or red flag on board to raise when someone is in the water.
Pre-Ride Safety Check
Before the rope even hits the water, go through a quick checklist:
- Inspect the Tube: Ensure it’s fully inflated and that all handles and tow points are secure.
- Check the Rope: Look for frays or knots and ensure it’s correctly attached.
- Clear the Area: Make sure the water is free of obstacles like docks, swimmers, other boats, or debris.
- Explain Hand Signals: Teach riders how to give the “thumbs up” for faster, “thumbs down” for slower, and waving arms to stop.
- Designate a Spotter: This adult (or responsible teen) watches the rider at all times and communicates with the driver.
- Review Rider Positioning: Make sure kids are sitting or lying properly and holding on tightly.
Understand the Lake Rules and Local Laws
Every lake can have different regulations regarding speed limits, towing hours, required gear, and safety zones. Here are general rules to follow:
- Tubing is typically only allowed during daylight hours.
- Boats must stay a certain distance (often 100–150 feet) from docks, swimmers, or the shoreline.
- You must have a spotter in addition to the driver.
- You are legally responsible for the safety of those you’re towing.
- If your lake has a website or association, look up any posted guidelines or restrictions before you launch.
How to Tow: Speeds and Techniques
- For Younger Kids (Ages 4–10):
- Start at slow speeds: 8–12 mph is plenty fast.
- Keep the turns wide and gentle to reduce whip-out forces.
- Stay in open water away from wakes and waves.
- For Older Kids (Ages 11–18):
- You can go a bit faster, typically between 15–20 mph depending on comfort level.
Add a few mild turns to give a sense of excitement. Use your spotter to gauge their reactions and adjust accordingly.
Pro Tips:
- Drive in a figure-eight pattern to create consistent, gentle wakes.
- Watch for fatigue: If kids start bouncing too much or struggle to hang on, it’s time for a break.
- Never attempt sharp turns or “thrill driving” with younger riders on board—it’s not worth the risk.
Spotter’s Role: The Unsung Hero
The spotter is essential for safety. Their responsibilities include:
- Watching the rider at all times.
- Relaying hand signals or problems to the driver.
- Monitoring rope slack and any signs of discomfort.
- Raising the safety flag when someone is in the water.
- Never try to drive and spot at the same time. It’s dangerous and illegal in most jurisdictions.
Rider Tips for Kids
Before sending your kids out on the tube, go over a few best practices:
- Hold on tight with both hands on the handles.
- Keep your body centered on the tube.
- Avoid standing, kneeling, or horseplay while being towed.
- If you fall off, remain calm and raise a hand to signal you’re okay.
- Always wait for the boat to shut off or idle before reboarding.
- Reassure younger children that falling off is normal and not scary—they’ll often love it after the first splash!
Post-Ride Cool Down and Inspection
After the ride:
- Check in with your riders: Were they comfortable? Did they have fun? Did anything hurt?
- Inspect the gear: Look for wear on the rope, rips in the tube cover, or loose handles.
- Store your equipment dry: Wet ropes and tubes left in the sun or stored wet can mold or deteriorate.
- You might also want to establish a rotating schedule if you’re towing multiple kids. Sharing the fun keeps everyone happy and avoids over-fatigue.
Avoiding Common Mistakes
- Mistake 1: Going Too Fast
- It’s tempting to crank the throttle for laughs, but excessive speed can cause injuries or eject riders.
- Mistake 2: Not Checking the Rope
- Worn or frayed ropes can snap and whip dangerously—inspect before every ride.
- Mistake 3: Ignoring the Weather
- Winds can create dangerous chop. Never tube in lightning, fog, or heavy boat traffic.
- Mistake 4: Pulling Too Many Riders
- Only tow the number of kids your tube (and rope) is rated for. More weight = less control.
- Mistake 5: Letting Kids Ride Alone Without Instruction
- Even teens need clear guidance. Don’t assume experience = safety.
Creative Fun Add-Ons
Once you’ve got the basics nailed, here are some fun ways to mix things up:
- Tube Relay Races: Let kids swap spots in the water or time their rides.
- Theme Days: Pirate hats, superhero capes (tucked in safely), or “backward day” (ride backward for a bit).
- Music Rides: Blast their favorite lake-day playlist from onboard speakers.
- GoPro Moments: Mount a waterproof camera on the tube or a selfie stick for fun ride footage.
Just remember—safety first. Creativity is encouraged, but don’t compromise protection for the sake of a laugh or cool video.
Final Words from “The Lake Guy”
“When you’re towing your kids, you’re doing more than just pulling a tube—you’re pulling smiles, laughter, and memories that’ll last a lifetime. But those memories should always come with safety stitched into every ride.”
— Scott “The Lake Guy” Freerksen, Lakefront Living Realty
Conclusion: Tube with Confidence
Tubing with your kids is one of the greatest joys of lakefront living. It brings families together, gets everyone out on the water, and turns a sunny afternoon into an epic adventure.
With the right preparation, calm execution, and a focus on safety, you’ll be the captain of the coolest boat on the lake—no high-tech gadgets needed.
So grab that tube, round up the kids, and make this summer one to remember. Just make sure they hold on tight!
Posted by Scott Freerksen “The Lake Guy”