With the summer boating season upon us, skiing, wake boarding, and other fun outdoor water sports are sure to kick into high gear. Along with those fun water sports is the popular sport of tubing. This is when a ski rope is attached to a tube with handles, and the boat pulls the rider around the lake. This fun sport is becoming more and more popular, as most anyone is able to do it. You simply have to hold on, and enjoy the ride. Some of the more experienced tubers like to do tricks on the tube. One of the simpler tricks to try is doing a 360 spin on a tube.
First you will want to make sure you are in the physical condition to do it. If you are not young and strong, do not try this maneuver. Also, make sure you are wearing your life vest, and that you are an excellent swimmer. Finally, be sure that you have an experienced driver in the boat. Now that we have the safety measures in place, here is how to do a 360 spin while tubing:
The key to the 360 spin is timing. If you try to turn too soon, you will simply bog down and swallow gallons of water as the tube drags into the water. If you do it too late, you will simply wipe out. Having a great driver is the key to success. You will need great timing between you.
The driver should find an area of the lake that is not being used for this maneuver. It is not enough to simply clear the way in front of the boat. You need clearance on all sides.
Once you have a good open area, then the driver will swing the boat and begin to turn you. This will send the tube very fast to the outside of the boat. If you simply hold on for the ride, you might go as far as parallel to the boat depending on speed. This is far too late to do the spin. If you imagine that you are at six o’clock when you are directly behind the boat, and three o’clock when parallel to the right, then the correct place for the maneuver to be attempted is at about four o’clock.
The reason for this location is because the momentum of your speed is what will flip you back upright. If you do it too late, then you may never flip back upright. Doing it at four o’clock will give you the momentum needed to flip back upright.
Start with your body centered on the tube. As you approach the swing outside you should shift your weight to the opposite side of the turn. If you are swinging out to the right, then put your weight on the left side of the tube. Then as you approach four o’clock, you will then quickly shift your weight to the right while dipping your right shoulder. Be sure to hold your breath for the turn and hold on tight.
You will quickly flip the tube and come right back up onto the surface of the water. If the trick goes wrong in any way, make sure you let go right away. Otherwise you will find yourself with a nasty wipe out.
One last detail about doing a 360 spin while tubing. Make sure you wear drawstring swimming trunks. If you do not, then you may be popping out of the water bare butted.
Tubing is a great water sport that is loads of fun and easy to learn. Even fancy tricks like the 360 spin can be done relatively easy. Just make sure you follow safety rules to the letter.
