Summer time is not just for the adults to have fun, kids too are looking for means to enjoy the Sun. Watersports can be the favorite of many kids. If you are looking for safe options of towable tubes for your kids, be the younger and timid ones or the older ones, we have the best suggestions for you!
Types of Tubes
Let us see the types of towable tubes available in the market and see which shape best suites the needs of kids and can keep them safe and secure while having fun.
Donut Style Tubes/ Open top tubes
This is the traditional and most common type of towable tube, which has been popular among many for ages. These can be used to ride in different ways. They are mostly used by teens and adults, as most models have larger holes. However, some find them not safe for kids as they tend to flip more.
Deck tubes
The Deck tubes have a large, flat surface and offer a fast ride. They also require a stronger grip so that you can stay onboard. You can flip over after hitting a wake or wave. However, with the large, flat surface you can easily board after falling off. It can be great fun at times.
With different modifications like leverage fins, you can have wild rides if you are someone looking for extra adventure.
Cockpit style tubes
These are considered safer for kids as they are stable and do not flip much. They are a good choice for those slow and relaxed riders. You can enjoy a smoother take off and safer ride by sitting low inside and toward the back of the tubes.
Dual tow point tubes
Dual tow point tubes come with tow points added on two sides of the tube and hence can offer two different styles of riding. The seated front position can be the comfortable riding position for those looking for a stable ride. You can also opt for chariot-style ride by towing the tube backwards if you are looking for wild ride.
Banana style tubes
Banana style tubes can have more carrying capacities. Having a slim profile provides the aerodynamics required for fun ride, so that there is not much speed needed to get going. Hence these can also be used for different water activities using pontoon boat.
Rocker tubes
Rockers can be good for extreme riders. They can be used by children as they flip less. With the curved surface the rocker tubes allow the weight of the rider to be shifted from side to side.
Points to be kept in mind when looking for towable tubes for kids
Before buying a towable tube, many factors matter. This can include price, shape and the material used in the construction of the towable tube.
Material
In most cases, nylon is the material used in the construction of the shell cover of the tube. Usually these can have thickness value anywhere between 420 denier to 840 denier. Polyester coated with PVC can also be an option for construction Heavy duty PVC bladders will be used.
Quality and Safety
Quality should never be compromised as it directly reflects on the safety of the towable tube. Look for options from trusted brands. Comfortable options with EVA foam pads and handles with knuckle guards are way too good. Safety valve is a good addition. Look for options which can be inflated and deflated with ease and in a quick manner.
Price
The market is flooded with many options. So you can have the one of your choice whatever budget you are in. Never compromise on the quality as then things can get dangerous.
WOW World of Watersports Lucky Ducky Cockpit Towable Tube
The Lucky Ducky Towable Tube has a secure cockpit seating. The ducky design is unique and fun. It is extremely good for young kids. For those looking for extreme rides too this can be a secure option. They are made of heavy duty bladders and is covered with tough nylon shell. They have heavy duty tow system construction which is fast, secure and easy to attach with tow ropes. The inflatable towable tube is big and has built in molded EZ tow for EZ tow point hook ups. With the drop speed bottom in the towable tube makes way for EZ fuel efficient towing with less drag on the boat. Both comfort and protection is taken into account. They have double webbing foam nylon wrapped handles with knuckle guards. With the EVA foam pads, comfort and safety is ensured throughout the ride. The towable is designed for 1-2 riders and has a maximum of 340 lbs weight capacity. The towable tube which is secure for use by kids, has a dimension of the tube when inflated is 78 in x 68 in x 34 in.
AIRHEAD Big Mable1-2 Rider Towable Tube
The Big Mable is one of the most popular choice among towable tubes. The classic 1-2 rider towable tube is great for boating as well as watersports. This is especially popular among kids of all ages. The heavy duty full nylon cover offers durability. They have air cushioned stabilizer walls and EVA foam pads which makes you comfortable in your ride throughout. With the dual tow points (both at the front and the rear) you get a variety of towing options. Kwik Connect allows for easy and quick rope attachment. They have multiple grab handles have padded knuckle guards. With Airhead’s Patented Speed Safety Valve, you need not much about setting up the inflatable towable tube (both inflation and deflation). Instead, you can spend more time on the water and have fun. The towable tube has a dimension of 69″ x 66″ when deflated.
Other similar options with more capacity:
Airhead Super Mable for 1-3 riders
Airhead Great Big Mable for 1-4 riders
Airhead AHRE-503 Renegade Big 3 Person TowableTube
With two tow points, it can provide 2 completely different tubing experiences. With the wide wingspan, it has room for 1-3 riders. The design makes it cut through the wakes without losing stability and its considered safe for kids. They have heavy duty full nylon cover, EVA foam seating pads with high backrests, and padded handles. All these features keep the riders in place even on sharp turns. They have an efficient design featuring the Kwik-Connect Tow System for connecting to the boat’s tow rope. The speed safety valves allow quick and easy inflation as well as deflation. All the set up equipments are included (50-65 foot tow rope and inflator pump). It has a dimension of 74 in x 92 in.
WOW World of Watersports Bingo Cockpit Towable Tube with Dual Tow Points
The Bingo Inflatable towable tube has deep secure cockpit construction with high backrest riser making it great for young kids as it offers a secure ride. Older kids can also have more secure extreme rides. It comes with a K80 PVC bladder which is of heavy duty type. The towable tube has a double stitched full nylon cover with heavy duty zippers. They also have self bailing drain vents. The EVA foam pads make you more comfortable. They are durable and feature double webbing foam handles with knuckle guards. The towable tube comes with heavy duty webbed reinforced tow system. 4K Aluminum EZ tow connector of 11 inches is included. With the drop speed bottom you can have EZ fuel efficient towing with less drag on the boat. There are dual tow points at the front and the back so that there is scope for both cockpit seating and chariot style rising option. So you can have two rides in a single towable tube. The speed valves make way for fast inflation and also deflation.
Airhead Mach 3 Towable Tube
The Mach 3 cockpit tube for 1-3 riders is recommended for timid/ young kids who want to have fun in the water. The Mach 3 can also provide a wild side for those extreme riders. With the inflated floors, you get a comfortable seat. With the heavy gauge PVC bladder with durable double stitched partial nylon cover you can be assured that it will last longer. The six deluxe handles come with neoprene knuckle guards so as to provide a secure, non slip and comfortable grip and stability during your fun adventure. They are also equipped with a Speed Safety Valve for quick and easy inflating as well as deflating. With Kwik Connect system, you have easy rope hook ups. The towable tube has a dimension of 107˝ x 75˝ when deflated.
Airhead VIPER Towable Tube
The Viper is the finest 3 rider cockpit style towable tube for the money you can buy. They are extremely popular among young children. They will feel it safe sitting on the comfy inflated floors inside the cockpit tubes. What makes it unique is that the bottom of the towable tube is shaped like boat hull and this makes way for an unparalleled, lively and stable ride in the water. They come with durable 30 gauge bladders which are completely encased in durable double stitched nylon and hence PVC is not exposed to outside elements. There are 6 striped nylon wrap handles with neoprene knuckle guards for added comfort. The Speed Safety valve is covered by Indy Cap. They have 98 in x 74 in deflated size.
Generic Towable Tube
The 1-2 rider towable tube is great for boating and watersports. They have a sturdy construction with heavy gauge PVC bladders with double stitched nylon cover. The thickened nylon has protective air bag. They can have a weight capacity of 340 lbs. There are 6 solid skid proof handles with firm stitches and no fracture. The self draining floor vent is helpful. There is fast connection to front tow point. With the Fast&Safe Valve you can inflate and deflate the towable tube fast and easy. So you can enjoy more time in the water than in setting up the towable tube. Overall, it will be great fun for all ages! Being compact and lightweight, it can be stored with ease after deflation.
WOW World of Watersports Big Boy
The Big Boy is indeed a big boat tube for adults or for several young kids. It is meant for 1-4 riders. With the arrow shape construction, you get more in terms of both stability and control when compared round towable tubes. The air cushioned floors provide optimum comfort. They have a heavy gauge PVC bladder and heavy duty partial nylon covering. The large center hole can accommodate two young kids or a parent and child riding together having safe and secure ride. Or else, they can ride sitting on the edge with feet in the middle. The double webbing foam handles comes with knuckle guards for more comfort. The Speed Valve comes with zippered valve cover. It allows fast and easy inflation and deflation. The towable tube has a dimension of 69 x 69 inches when deflated and 79.5 x 78 inches when inflated.
SereneLife Store Towable Booster Tube
The Inflatable Towable Tube comes with an improved backrest. The air cushioned stabilizer walls ensure that you have a secure ride whether you are a young child or an adult rider. With the wider seating area there is enough room for 1-3 riders. The towable tube, which is safe for kids, also comes with dual tow points: one at the front and other at the back. With the tapered design, you get improved stability. They have anti leakage air bladder and PVC air chamber. The heavy duty nylon full cover with zipper adds to the longevity. The added PU coating will resist dirt and fading. They have ten grab handles made from deluxe nylon. They have neoprene knuckle guards. With the inflatable seats, you can have comfortable ride and fun in the water. They have full size EVA foam seat pad. With the Speed Safety Valve, the towable tube can be inflated and deflated in no time and hence you can spend more time actually having fun. It also rolls up into a compact size and hence it is easy to store and transport. The 3 person towable tube provides the much needed stability and balance required for a safe ride for both kids and adults. It can also be used on river, lake, beach or water sports.
Telesport Towable Tube
The Inflatable 1 rider Towable Tube has a stable cockpit design that ensures a secure ride for the kid riders. It is perfect for beach outing or water sports. The deep cockpit construction which is safer for kids and also for those extreme riders includes a high backrest riser and ergonomic slanted leg rest for added security and lounging. The towable tube for kids comes with a sturdy construction. They have heavy duty PVC bladders and full nylon cover. Comfortable seating is provided by the EVA foam pads. The towable tube also comes with double webbing foam deluxe nylon handles with neoprene knuckle guards for comfort grip. The speed valves allows for fast and easy inflation/deflation and they are padded and zippered. With the drop speed bottom, easy fuel efficient towing with less drag is made possible. They have a superior towing system with the heavy duty molded easy tow connector which allows for quick connecting to the tow rope. Refund/ Replacement guarantee for 90 days.
Connelly Rocker Style Towable Tube
The Rocker style 2 rider towable tube from Connelly gently rolls from edge to edge. This can be a good choice for intermediate or older kids. With the dynamic convex base the classic shape gets reinvented. It is the convex base profile that allows tube to shift from edge to edge as rider is whipped across wakes and also in the corners. Also, the scooped out rider zones will provide a stable, low center of gravity. The backrest provides more comfortable ride. They come with padded handles with knuckle guards. The 2 grab straps will provide added safety.
AIRHEAD Super Slice Towable Tube
Older kids who are into more adventure and speed can have the Airhead Slice which comes with a tapered gusset design for achieving better towing characteristics. They also feature a more comfortable riding position. The Super Slice has a 70″ (deflated) 30 gauge PVC bladder which is fully encased by double stitched nylon cover. The nylon cover is made from 100% 840 denier nylon and this adds to about twice the strength of the competitors out there. There are 6 handles which are nylon wrapped with neoprene knuckle guards. The speed safety valve allows for easy and fast inflation as well as deflation. They come equipped with Kwik Connect so that there is scope for easy attachment to tow ropes. They can have 1-3 riders.
In this article, we have included more cockpit style towable tubes as they are found to be much safer with kids on board. Always look for safe towing methods recommended for the model you choose. Stay within the recommended load capacities.