New Guy Here!

[TubeDude]

[cool][#0000ff]We often suggest that the "shakedown cruise" should be without fishing tackle. That does not mean that you can't take it in your vehicle and then go fishing once you are comfortable with your new toy. After all, how long does it take to get things adjusted and to get a feel for it?[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]I do not suggest that you put yourself in harm's way, or deliberately try to create a dangerous situation. If you use proper procedures and do not tube when and where you shouldn't, you should never have to worry about overturning or sinking. Never happens. NEVER.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]Just get your waders and fins on, adjust everything until it is tight but comfortable and then sit down in the water in your craft. Practice kicking motions, to get a rhythm for efficient propulsion without getting a hernia or a charley horse. Work to learn the motions you need to make a turn...both directions.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]Also, practice launching and beaching. The sitting down to launch and the standing up to get out are important. Launch too shallow and you have to push yourself out with your heels. Try to stand up in water that is too shallow and it is unhandy and you risk toppling. Learn what is the best depth for the procedure you want to accomplish.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]Once you are more familiar with how your tube floats and handles, you can take on some wind. If you are not in good shape and if you are not skilled at handling your tube on calm water, you should not be out there in any kind of wind. At the very least you will get cramps. At worst you could risk getting washed up on dangerous rocky shoreline.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]No matter how much you think you know, you will likely learn something new on almost every trip.[/#0000ff]
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