Sit down and hang on for a wet, wild ride
On a sizzling summer day when you're looking for cool, wet, and wild fun, you might wish you had one of the new generation of boat-towable water toys.
They're loads of fun, fairly inexpensive,and easy to care for. You'll get an exhilarating, bouncing, and sometimes drenching ride: just sit down and hang on. Styles come in two categories--inflatables (easier to use) and hard-shell plastic. Prices range from about $25 to $180.
How well you maneuver these toys dependson your ability, the length of the tow rope, and the boat driver, who should use a slow, straight start, steady acceleration, and appropriate towing speed (see recommendations at right). You can launch from dock, beach, or deep water. Most areas that allow water-skiing permit these toys, but it's best to check local regulations first.
As always, apply safe water-skiing rules:supervise children, and wear Coast Guard-approved flotation vests. With inflatables, don't speed above 20 mph; use a tow rope 50 feet or less to prevent a slingshot effect, which can whip the rider off (the rider can't steer these toys).
Inflatables: for an easy ride at low cost
Inflatables include the ski inner tube, skisled, and the bobber (one or more riders). They don't require much skill to maneuver and can be used by a wide age range (even by children, with supervision).
Materials. Most are made from PVC,which is resistant to gasoline, oil, and salt water. Heat may cause some expansion and stretching (especially in cheaper grades of PVC).
Maintenance. Don't let any of these sitfully inflated in the sun for hours--unless it's in the water. After using in salt water, wash it with soap and water. Prevent mildew by drying it fully before rolling and storing. The commonest damage--a puncture--usually occurs on the beach, so watch for glass and sharp rocks.
A buyer's check list. Make sure thesecome with a patch kit and a warranty. Check all fittings: are handles comfortable and set with durable inserts? Make sure the tow rope bridle is heavy-duty: it gets the most stress. Look for multiple air chambers: in case of a puncture, the whole thing won't deflate.
Boat speed. For novices, speed should bekept at 10 mph (with 30-foot rope); advanced riders can reach 20 mph (maximum 50-foot rope).
Tube. Resembling large, buoyant doughnuts,tubes are easy to ride--you sit or lie down, then hang on. Look for a three-point pull harness or tow rope bridle system. Some tubes come with a nylon cover (for comfort) and floor (lessens drag). Look for double seam on inner circumference of tube, where greater stress occurs. Cost: $25 to $80.
Ski sled and ski bobber. These bouncealong like inflated cigars, giving a sometimes tippy ride (one rider sits or lies down on the sled; one or more riders straddle the bobber). To prevent spilling riders, the boat must start straight. Riders should sit low and well back. Look for sturdy bridle attachments and handle inserts. Cost: $35 to $50 for the sled, $50 to $120 for the two- and four-man bobbers.
Hard-shell boards: for more challenge
Kneeboards (shaped like squat surfboards,with a thigh strap to hold you on) and water-ski surfboards (like narrow surfboards with foot straps) are durable and tough. Both require practice and upper-body strength.
Materials. Most are of molded polyethylenewith a foam core for flotation; they require no special care or storage.
Boat speed. Beginners should start at 12 to 15 mph with a 40-foot rope (or shorter to bank off the wake); experienced adults can go to 25 mph, with a rope up to 60 feet for picking up speed, doing jumps.
Kneeboard. It's difficult to pull up to akneeling position and stay balanced, but once you get the knack it's a blast. Turning is easier for heavyweights; lightweights can compensate by going a little slower (rule of thumb is 1 mph for every 10 pounds).
Check for adjustable back fins: pulled out,they keep board stabilized going across wake; pulled in, they're good for spins and jumps. Look at knee wells: the deeper and more padded, the better; some offer a toenail-resistant lower pad. Boards with a square tail are easier for novices to get up on; swallow-tail boards make for smoother turning. Cost: $60 to $180.
Water-ski surfboard. Of all the toys shown, this one is closest to water-skis in skills and techniques required. Used like a slalom (single) water-ski, it lets you ride the boat's wake like a wave. A dock start can be simplest for beginners. It's more buoyant than a water-ski, and you can float on it if you fall off. Styles with adjustable foot straps (not the screw-down style) are easier to readjust so a number of skiers can use one during a day. Cost: $150 to $180.
Photo: Quick, sharp turn of kneeboard sends upa rooster tail of spray; strap over thighs keeps rider secure on the board
Photo: Deep-water launch is easy on tube; rope is fed out, boat slowly accelerates. Below, first-time rider is confident enough to clown one-handedly
Photo: "Can't your wimpy boat pull faster?' Cocky ski bobbers dare driver to speed up; they're well balanced, with knees low on side pontoons
Photo: Try, try again: ski sled dumped her six times before balancing techniques clicked
Photo: Getting air on a water-ski surfboard, advanced rider tilts nose up to jump; straps hold feet in surfing position.
COPYRIGHT 1987 Sunset Publishing Corp.
COPYRIGHT 2004 Gale Group
