Choosing the Right Ski Tube

When the sun's hot and the water's warm, many boaters take to the lake with a ski tube. Whether you're a novice or an old pro, ski tubing can be a great way to have fun on the water without water skis or a wake board. But which ski tube is best-suited for your family's needs? A little direction can be more than helpful for the first-time buyer.

To begin, how many ski tubes do you need? If your family consists of both teenagers and young children, you'll probably want a couple of different boat tubes, depending on the levels at which you and your kids ride. One type of water tube that's perfect for both adults and children is the SportsStuff Mable series, which includes models for one, two, three, or four riders. Each of the models features multiple tow points, plenty of handles, and a high back for a comfortable ride. Alternatively, the Airhead Hot Dog Tube is a three-person tube ideal for the whole family.

More advanced riders might consider a tube with a lower-profile deck, such as the SportsStuff Stunt Flyer, the SportsStuff Acrobat Solo, or the Airhead Hot Shot. Each of these boating tubes is easy to store and small enough to fit neatly in your boat.

Finally, if you're looking to spend a little less, check into the SportsStuff Crazy 8 or Outlaw. The Crazy 8 is shaped like the number eight, with each of its sections holding two riders (four riders total). The Outlaw, on the other hand, is an open-top triangular tube that fits only one person. Both these tubes offer quality fun at a low price.