Which water tube to choose?
Are you ready for a real adrenaline rush on the water? If you’re looking for an experience that gets your heart racing, then water tubes, also known as towables, are exactly what you need!
Whether you’re an experienced rider or just starting out – riding behind a boat or jet ski is one of the most fun ways to enjoy water sports. There are various models available, from single-person tubes to multi-seater options, so there’s something for everyone.
In this guide, we’ll go over everything important you need to know before buying and using a funtube.
How to inflate a water tube with a compressor?
To fill a water tube, you’ll need an air compressor along with a hose and a suitable nozzle.
Step-by-step guide:
- Make sure the compressor is turned off
- Find the tube’s valve and open it
- Connect the nozzle to the hose
- Place the nozzle on the valve and press it firmly against it
- Turn the compressor on
- Set the air pressure according to the manufacturer’s recommendation (usually max ~0.19 bar / 2.7 PSI)
- Monitor the pressure gauge
- Once the tube is full, turn off the compressor
- Remove the nozzle and close the valve
- Check the pressure and add air if necessary
⚠️ Never exceed the recommended pressure!
How to deflate the tube?
Water tubes have different valves:
- Halkey Roberts (HR) – press and turn
- Boston valve – unscrew the caps
- Speed valve – pull the plugs out
- Stem valve – press and let the air out
After deflating, close the valve to prevent it from filling with air again.
How to store the tube?
To make your tube last a long time:
- Wash it with clean water and mild soap
- Dry it completely (very important!)
- Check for damage
- Keep in a dry and shaded place
- Use a storage bag
- Deflate before storing
- For large and heavy tubes, it’s better to place them on a shelf.
How to tow a tube behind a boat?
Required equipment:
- A boat with sufficient power and a hitch designed for towing.
- A strong tow rope (min ~900 kg capacity). Make sure you choose the right rope (tow line). Every towable line has a limit on the number of people who can use it. Each rope also comes with a description of which type (or capacity) of tube it fits best.
- A life jacket for every rider
- Preferably a helmet
- A passenger (spotter) to watch the rider
- It is recommended to agree on hand signals for communication before starting the ride.
Next:
- All riders put on life jackets and the smartest ones also put on helmets
- Attach the rope to the boat
- Attach the other end to the tube
- Riders hold onto the tube’s handles
- Start slowly and increase speed smoothly
- Keep an eye on the riders
- Stop the boat safely when the ride is over
How powerful a boat do you need?
General recommendations:
- 1–2 people: at least 70–90 HP
- 3–4 people: at least 115–150 HP
- 5+ people: at least 160 HP
Also take into account the number of people in the boat.
Which boat is suitable?
Most motorboats are suitable (outboard, inboard, etc.).
Recommendations:
- Speed should be around 16–32 km/h
- Use a bungee rope for a smoother ride
- Keep a safe distance from obstacles and other water users
- Always use an ISO-certified life jacket.
Which water tube is right for me?
The Veesport.ee selection includes different types of tubes:
Donut-style tubes
The classic and most popular choice.
- Great for beginners
- Compact and easy to use
- Available for 1–3 people
Sofa tubes
Sofa-style water tubes are stable and comfortable.
- You can sit just like on a sofa
- Very secure feeling
- Suitable for both calm and fast rides
Deck or mattress-style tubes
Tubes with a lying position.
- Very fast and fun
- Stable but more adrenaline-filled
- Suitable for more active riders
Bananas and extreme tubes
For those who want something special.
- Unusual design
- More adrenaline
- Suitable for group riding
