Winnipesaukee Forum - View Single Post

BradScott · 07-02-2006, 07:59 AM

I've seen many of these tubes on lakes around the country – including Winni. If you haven't seen them, they are 10' diameter tubes, designed to lift a 150 pound or less rider into the air a couple feet. The problem is, many people misuse them, causing serious injuries or deaths.

I predict there will be a serious injury on on Winni this summer on one of these tubes (or the similar Manta Ray by Sevlor). The Wego Kite Tube is made by SportsStuff. I'm hoping this post can prevent one of the injuries, but I have my doubts. If you see someone using it irresponsibly, please warn them they are likely to hurt the passenger, and warn them that they are illegal at Lake Powell (because of deaths).

The problem really is a matter of driver error – risking the life of the passenger. Often too big a rider tries to get into the air, so the driver goes too fast, like 40 mph. The rider then flies into the air, falls off the tube, and breaks their neck when they hit the water. Or, the driver thinks it is funny to see the passenger fall off, but falling from 20 feet in the air out of control is not fun. I know many dedicated water sports enthusiasts who refuse to ride one of these tubes.

So, if you insist on using this tube, and they can be fun if used properly (which is rare), follow the warnings. Do not exceed 25 mph (they say 20 mph), always head into the wind to fly, and don't go more than a few feet off the water.

If you are the driver, be careful with the safety of your passenger and back off on the throttle if the rider gets more than 3 feet off the water – and keep the speeds down. If you are a rider, pick a driver you would trust with your life, because that is what you are doing.

07-02-2006, 07:59 AM	#9
BradScott Junior Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Posts: 4 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Wego Kite Tube - safety I've seen many of these tubes on lakes around the country – including Winni. If you haven't seen them, they are 10' diameter tubes, designed to lift a 150 pound or less rider into the air a couple feet. The problem is, many people misuse them, causing serious injuries or deaths. I predict there will be a serious injury on on Winni this summer on one of these tubes (or the similar Manta Ray by Sevlor). The Wego Kite Tube is made by SportsStuff. I'm hoping this post can prevent one of the injuries, but I have my doubts. If you see someone using it irresponsibly, please warn them they are likely to hurt the passenger, and warn them that they are illegal at Lake Powell (because of deaths). The problem really is a matter of driver error – risking the life of the passenger. Often too big a rider tries to get into the air, so the driver goes too fast, like 40 mph. The rider then flies into the air, falls off the tube, and breaks their neck when they hit the water. Or, the driver thinks it is funny to see the passenger fall off, but falling from 20 feet in the air out of control is not fun. I know many dedicated water sports enthusiasts who refuse to ride one of these tubes. So, if you insist on using this tube, and they can be fun if used properly (which is rare), follow the warnings. Do not exceed 25 mph (they say 20 mph), always head into the wind to fly, and don't go more than a few feet off the water. If you are the driver, be careful with the safety of your passenger and back off on the throttle if the rider gets more than 3 feet off the water – and keep the speeds down. If you are a rider, pick a driver you would trust with your life, because that is what you are doing.