Float Tubing Rivers:

[MillerJ]

Ever since I acquired my new vessel (FC4) around Christmas time, I've been spending a lot of time both fishing from and reading about float tubes, and I've noticed a bit of a theme when reading, that seems to suggest that float tubes are somehow dangerous for use on rivers, and that they're not recommended for use there. Even the manufacturer (Outcast) of my tube refers to these as "Stillwater" vessels.
But my question is why? And I'd like to hear some input. Are there any posters here who regularly shuttle or fish rivers from their tubes?

I know that in general, rivers are a hazardous environment, and caution should always be exercised on any craft, but how is a float tube any more "dangerous" here than a canoe or pontoon?

Bear in mind, I'm not talking about shooting Class 3 rapids here, Im just talking about your average river... the type often used by canoeists and the like. I wear a PFD when Im fishing regardless, and I feel like I'd be totally safe just putting it on and swimming down a river, so I think it would be fair to assume I'd be even safer in a tube, right?

Come to think of it, there are places I can think of who actually rent out big pink inner-tubes to people with kids and let them float down the river for a day, and pick them up later. I feel pretty certain that a float tube is safer than one of those things, right?

And the other day, I was looking at the website for the H3 Freestyle, and it claims that vessel is rated for Class 3 whitewater. While it is a little larger than my own tube, the design isn't THAT different from most other v-style tubes, right?

So what's the deal here with people not recommending tubes for rivers? Are they just picturing some old donut tube trying to clear rapids and making a rash generalization, or are there valid reasons not to use a tube on a river? There's too many fish in there for me to just leave them along. [laugh]
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[flygoddess]

The difference is YOUR FEET! You have to be able to lift your feet up. Now the rivers where people float on inner tubes you usually don't ride with your feet hanging down, specially with flippers.
You could catch a rock or downed branch and flip.
The H3 is 6' long, you pick your feet up and place them on the tube, if you look at the pictures, that is what they are doing.
They are also a heavier material that can take the scrapes that can occur.
Dave built his tube with that in mind, outcast and the others don't focus on that.
A pontoon can float in as little as 6" of water, but your feet and rear are out of the water.
Another thing on rivers is, you shouldn't wear flippers and SHOULD have oars
Plus LENGTH AND WIDTH...the bigger is more stable and you will have better control.

So, basically, most tubes or "V" boats are not the right material, and not the right construction. And, you need your feet out of the water, so rowing or paddling (which is not great in a "V" tube)

Legal issues also on several waters, even the ones with no white water...be sure and check. But as you say, tubers float so sure it is not illegal.
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[MillerJ]

It's really not too hard to lift your feet out of the water in a V-tube if there's a shallow section... at least for me anyway. Basically this leaves you in exactly the same situation as someone on a river tube.
And my tube is easily more durable than one of those things.

And flipping a tube really isn't much of an issue if you're wearing flotation.

Just doesn't seem like such a big deal.
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[flygoddess]

All I can say is there is a difference with laying on top a donut and floating down for fun and sitting in a "V" tube. I remember floating the Snake when I was younger, there were times we had to arch our backs to get our rears out of the hole to avoid rocks.....can't do that in a seated position.
The snake looked calm enough, but there was undertows we had to be aware of.
You can lift both legs up on the sides of your tube and float comfortably AND in control, then sounds like you got a plan..I can't. Tried it in my SFC. Tube is to short.
Also, in a donut, you can spin around no problem, that is even more fun...but the "V" don't float that way
They are DESIGNED for stillwater, except the H3 is both, but again...6' LONG
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[RiverOgre]

Greetings,

I have used my float tube in the river many times. As long as it is a calm river, you should not have any problems.
I have gone through a few sections that might be considered class II.

I use a Waterskeeter Daytripper. It sits a little higher than most tubes, so I don't have to worry hitting my butt on rocks. For me it is pretty easy to lift my feet out of the water. The only downside to this, is that you are now at the mercy of the current. This can lead to going through that section of river backwards. In my mellow river backwards is okay. I am sure that it could be dangerous on other rivers.

I normally float the same section of river each time. There are very few suprises except for a few new logs or logjams after a flood. I started floating this section of river with a buddy who floated in Trout Unlimited Bighorn. He did have to worry about his butt hitting rocks but still had no problems keeping his feet clear of danger.

I always wear my flippers because sometimes when floating with current you have to turn and maneuver quickly to avoid an obstruction or just to stay out of a over hanging tree branch or spiderweb.

I have been amazed at how well my tube covers have held up to the constant scraping of rocks and gravel. My original Daytripper that I have had since 2001 has around 100 river trips on it and I have only had 1 small tear in the fabric and I have never punctured the bladders.

If you would feel comfortable swimming it, I say go for it.
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