How to Pull a Tube Behind a Boat

During the summer, lakes, rivers and oceans are often filled with boats pulling kids and adults on tubes. A strong, heavy-duty tow rope is a must, as well as a tube that is designed for towing. Follow the manufacturer's weight recommendations as well as rider limits to ensure safe towing.

Things You'll Need

  • Snap clip (optional)
  • Tube designed for boat tubing
  • Heavy duty tow rope
  • Boat designed for pulling water sports
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Instructions

    • 1

      Purchase a water-regulated tube designed for towing behind a boat. Each manufacturer has a recommended rope length and rope gauge strength. Note these recommendations, and purchase a tow rope that is best matched to the tube recommendations.

    • 2

      Attach the tube to the boat using the looped end of the rope attached to the boat's ski ring. To make attachment easier, use a snap clip on the end of the tow rope and attach this to the ski ring.

    • 3

      Load the tube rider(s) on to the tube. Have them sit or lie down according to the manufacturer's ride specifications. Rider(s) should always wear life jackets that are designed for water sports.

    • 4

      Tighten the rope by moving the boat slowly forward. Line the tube up directly behind the boat. Ensure that the path is clear and no other boats or swimmers are in the boat path.

    • 5

      Communicate with the rider(s) to determine if they are ready to begin. Have them give the "go ahead" signal via an arm wave or by shouting, "Hit it!"

    • 6

      Place the throttle forward until a comfortable cruising speed is reached. Tube speeds are listed on the manufacturer's recommendation for each tube. Do not exceed the recommended speed.

    • 7

      Scan the water in front to ensure that there are no boats, jet skis or swimmers in the towing path. Make sure not to make sharp turns--doing so allows the tube to gather speed and skim across the water, which can endanger the rider(s).

    • 8

      Pull the throttle back smoothly when the tubing ride is complete. Pull the tube into the boat after the rider(s) have climbed aboard.