12-08-2008, 01:57 PM
Have a look at the video here:
[url "http://www.ventureoutdoors.net/"]http://www.ventureoutdoors.net/[/url]
It shows how a tube (which he stabs with a knife) sags in the middle and traps air in the ends, so as to never fully deflate.
So much for the main tube. There are other buoyancy chambers available to the properly equipped float tubing angler.
A good tube should have more air chambers in the backrest, or backrests.
The cushion we sit on can be looked at, it may be either inflatable, or with a foam slab, which is buoyant. This is another backup reservoir of buoyancy.
I presume you wear your personal flotation jacket while tubing? This is more buoyancy.
This leaves the issue of hypothermia. Cold water can kill, and not necessarily by drowning. If you are in cold water you should be using neoprene, which is a highly insulating material as your chest wader material.
If the water is not so cold, and thin breathable waders are used, then fleece undergarments are necessary. Wool or fleece stay warm even if they get wet. Cottons and denims should be avoided, because once they become wet, these materials no longer keep the heat in, or cold out.
These are some of the proper equipment required to use small water craft safely.
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[url "http://www.ventureoutdoors.net/"]http://www.ventureoutdoors.net/[/url]
It shows how a tube (which he stabs with a knife) sags in the middle and traps air in the ends, so as to never fully deflate.
So much for the main tube. There are other buoyancy chambers available to the properly equipped float tubing angler.
A good tube should have more air chambers in the backrest, or backrests.
The cushion we sit on can be looked at, it may be either inflatable, or with a foam slab, which is buoyant. This is another backup reservoir of buoyancy.
I presume you wear your personal flotation jacket while tubing? This is more buoyancy.
This leaves the issue of hypothermia. Cold water can kill, and not necessarily by drowning. If you are in cold water you should be using neoprene, which is a highly insulating material as your chest wader material.
If the water is not so cold, and thin breathable waders are used, then fleece undergarments are necessary. Wool or fleece stay warm even if they get wet. Cottons and denims should be avoided, because once they become wet, these materials no longer keep the heat in, or cold out.
These are some of the proper equipment required to use small water craft safely.
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