Tips on tubing? (on a river)?

Question

I am going tubing in two days with some friends, last time I went i was left behing in the river and went so slow. The whole time i was pushing the water with my hands to go faster. What do you think of tying tubes together? Is it safe or not?

Answer 1

Most of the time it is safe. It will slow both of you down slightly. I have seen folks use homemade paddles to help them when things get alittle slow. The most cleaver one that I saw was when a woman took a plastic dishdrain bottom. You know like you sit beside your sink. She cut it to the shape she wanted and fastened it to a stick like a ruler and it was lightweight and really worked. It looked like she had an oversized fly swatter without all the tiny holes but it did the trick. I have also seen folks use child size paddles to help them in slower water.
I myself just think of it as a very leisurely sport and I just go with the flow. If the flow looks better on the other side of the river I just move over there but most of the time whether it is slow or not...it is always enjoyable.
You might also want to realize that when two or more tubes are tied together, you will most likely get hung up on rocks more often. One tube will most likely roll itself around an object but when two are tied they sometimes try to move in different directions around the object, meaning that someone will have to get out of the tube or work alittle to get it on the same side.
Anyways, Just have a great time and enjoy the ride.

Answer 2

It is a great idea and loads more fun...jus not too close and only in-line
When the water is big and slow pull up to each other to chat

Answer 3

It is safe, but leave plenty of room incase someone falls, that way they won't pull you off to.

Answer 4

yes, but you might get hung up. just go with the flow