Tubing: Types, Tips for Choosing and Operating
A recent mass hobby for tubing has accepted children and adults to its merry ranks. It is especially popular in winter, but originates from the summer version. Someone considers it a sport, and others - fun for spending time outdoors. In any case, his fans only increase every year.
What it is?
The name of this winter mode of transport for snow mountains comes from the English word tube - "pipe". The population of the Old World and America so called inflated sled. Our compatriots came up with a lot of funny nicknames for this product: cheesecake, snow tubing, donut, tube, bagel and others. This is a sports load, and entertainment for children, and the opportunity for adults to plunge again briefly in childhood.
Tubing has managed to unite several generations in the universal ardent love for this fun activity in the cold season.
They love inflatable sleds for many reasons. Compared with the classic wooden version or bulky metal product, tubes have a number of advantages:
- little weight;
- greater safety when riding;
- the softness of strikes in overcoming bumps and obstacles;
- good shock absorption properties;
- bright attractive design;
- Compact storage when deflated.
Inflatable sledges are in such demand that they began to organize competitions in downhill and distance of arrival. And this can be done not only in winter. Some manage to go down the slope in summer with damp grass after rain or dew. It will be no wonder if this sport (and it is) will be included in the number of the Winter Olympic Games.
Most are most familiar with winter tubing. However, there is also a summer version of it. Riding in the cold season involves the descent from the mountains, having a slope of not more than 25 degrees.
Summer fellow divided into two subspecies. The first - the descent of the water, like rafting on a boat or kayak. In this case, the descent is carried out on reservoirs of lower flow velocity. The second involves movement on a hitch or rope, rope behind moving water transport. This is most often a boat. At the same time in such skating there is a fast flight that lasts for an instant when the tubing comes off the water.
Structurally tubing is very simple. However, such a composition is ingenious, like everything is plain. The basis of the rubber is like a car camera. It provides high depreciation qualities. In addition, the cheesecake is durable and durable due to the external coating of a special rubberized material.
Below it is reinforced to improve strength. The top layer is made of another material. It is rougher, which provides better engagement with the skater. On the sides of the device there are handles. For them, and you must keep during the descent. In front of the donut there is a special gearing for fastening the cable, for which the tubing is pulled.
For greater security, especially in children's models, there is a special belt inside. They are fastened to the cheesecake, so as not to fall out of it during movement.
Descent from the snow-covered ice-boat snow-tubing becomes an exciting pleasure. The damping of the inner chamber makes skating more enjoyable and comfortable. On a tubing you can reach a speed of about 90 kilometers per hour.. And the greater the weight of the skater, the higher the speed and the greater the distance inflatable sleds can fly.For this reason, you should choose a slope for skiing so that there is enough space under it for braking.
But during the descent it is absolutely impossible to brake with your feet or hands. Serious injuries and injuries may occur. Especially thoroughly must instruct parents with their children.
Tubes, unlike sleds, are not controlled by the rider. In many countries, there are special safe routes in the form of a semi-closed gutter. Lifts lead to them, as they have a rather impressive height. It is allowed to ride on specially not equipped slopes. At the same time, trees and bushes should not grow on them..
You should also examine the terrain for the absence of stones and similar dangerous obstacles. This is quite an extreme form of recreation, despite all its seeming harmlessness.
Kinds
This popularly popular mass entertainment appeared not so long ago. Snow tubing for children and adults of both sexes became a massive hobby. At the same time, for several years, manufacturers of inflatable sleds managed to release a huge number of their options - from the simplest and most inexpensive to reinforced, family-friendly, withstanding 3 people at once.
In order for the skating not to end with injuries, and the product did not burst after the very first few descents, you need to buy high-quality tubing. Especially since it is not so cheap.
You can use the advice of friends whose inventory has been serving for more than one season. And you can read useful reviews about different manufacturers of real buyers.
Tubing can be winter for use on snow and summer for water. A typical model consists of a main rubber cylinder in the form of a chamber and a cover with handles to hold it in its seat while sliding down a slope or along the surface of the water.
In addition, the product has a towing cable with a special fastening. A pump to inflate the camera inside is usually not included.
The product in deflated and folded form can be stored quite compactly in a special case that the manufacturer offers in a set with a cheesecake.
Domestic cheesecakes for skiing are the most affordable. In the same price category are Chinese inflatable sleds. They are distinguished by a rather expressive smell of chemicals that is difficult to weather.. With a low price you will need to choose the highest possible quality.
However, for the winter you can find tolerable options in terms of price-quality ratio. One has only to take a closer look at the fabric of the case and the parts of the inventory.
Some try to save money in the following way: they take a camera separately and buy or sew an inexpensive case. There is one distinct advantage in this. Both parts of the inventory can be replaced. In branded products there is no such possibility, because the cameras are not sold separately from the covers.
It is better to still buy quality tubes from a trusted manufacturer. If the accident happens during the descent, you can get a significant injury.
Distinguish snow tubing by type of coverage of the camera. The best is considered dense reinforced PVC material. It provides excellent snow tubing slip, is a durable fabric.
For ice-boats, plastic-coated bottom tubes are often used for maximum slip. and descent range.
The most durable products go for a cable ride for a riding snowmobile. They possess the increased strength characteristics and the strengthened design. Their surface slides better, and the cable mount and handles are usually attached to the inner bottle.
Children's option may differ from adult. Manufacturers usually write about providing and complying with the best protection measures. However, it is necessary to choose a winter tube for a child no less thoroughly than for yourself.
Tubing for children differ in size (usually up to 90 centimeters in diameter). As well as additional strength criteria: reinforced handles, cover firmware, reinforced towing cable with a safety belt.
A particularly bright color also indicates belonging to children. The fabric can be depicted Emoji, the characters of animated films and fairy tales. Such sledges delight the little ones.
Tubing is chosen more carefully for them than for adults. Consider also the weight and height of the child.. So, for four-year-olds, inflatable sleds with a diameter of 60 centimeters will be enough. Teenage tubing will differ little from an adult. From the age of 12-14, he is chosen according to the same parameters as an adult. The exceptions are the guys with small stature and thin physique.
Usually, adolescents catch up with their parents by this age. Therefore, when buying, you can rely on your physical data.
Adult inflatable sleds may have additional features. So, the inflatable valve in some cases is fastened with a zipper, which is very convenient.
One product can be calculated by the manufacturer for two people riding. This is indicated by the four handles on the sides.. The cover design of such sports equipment is less flashy, more stylish and relaxed. Towing cables are usually located on two opposite sides.
Expensive options can be used on specialized tracks for tubing. They have virtually no weight restrictions and have additional reinforced parts on the case.
For towing behind a snowmobile use the most durable options with awning shell fabric. The seams on them are sewn with special threads. They are resistant to different environments and rotting in humid conditions and temperature extremes. Also, the case is often treated with an antibacterial composition.
Dual Skating Tubing - 2 seater. They have two air-filled chambers inside. Oval tubes are specially designed for pair skating of two adults or an adult with a small child. Two seats are securely fixed inside the covers.
The design is made so that the displacement of the rubber chambers inside the double product is impossible. Their firmware is also usually reinforced, and the seam line is additionally protected from damage and abrasion.
In recent seasons, manufacturers have submitted triple options inflatable sled.
They are perfect for an active winter holiday friendly family or company of inseparable children.
This option is convenient for summer fun on the water. It withstands the maximum load and is made of the most durable fabric. It has the ability to rotate around its axis. The bottom is most often made of very smooth glossy material. It improves sliding properties and speed of descent.
For a child of 4 years is better to choose a tubing for riding with parents. You can immediately purchase a double.
It is durable and reliable. And when the baby grows up and becomes independent, he will be able to roll along with himself on such a double product of his friends. Bright design will be a nice highlight. He will please the baby, and you can watch him even from afar, without confusing with anyone.
Schoolchildren fit a beautiful fashion model "Troika". It causes special delight in boys, as it is made in the form of a stylish sedan.
On steep slopes, be especially careful. And on ice-boats this option is better not to use at all.
Due to the smooth durable coating, it slides very strongly and develops great speed.
It is better to ride a merry company of friends on a particularly durable cheesecake, which is famous for its unlimited loading capacity.
It is better to buy it with a cover that does not have lacing in the seating area. Snow can fall there, trash.
Such models are very popular in the Scandinavian countries, as well as in the youth ski resorts.
Teenagers and adults are best suited stylish monophonic options. It is better to take a universal tube. You can take it with you to the river in summer. A slippery and extremely durable bottom coating will make it a favorite of steep speed descents.
It is good if the blown up and folded tubing is as compact as possible. To do this, use the manufacturer’s perfectly sized case.
For the downhill on a special track, choose a product with the mark "pro". It has a very durable fabric cover, reinforced attachment of the towing cable, thick matter and good sliding bottom surface. Such a tube will also be suitable for towing behind a snowmobile.
Even with such outstanding qualities of such models, it is necessary to take into account the weight of a person under load on the cheesecake.
For renting is to opt for the option of the average price category. Economy option will not sustain a constant intensive load, and the pros will pay for themselves for a long time.
When choosing special attention should be paid to the treatment of seams and fastening strength for the towing cable. With frequent use, these parts suffer the most.
Dimensions
When buying tubing to ensure the safety of skaters, it is important to choose the right size. The main characteristics of the inflatable sled and their service life will depend on it. The weight of one such item varies from about 3 to 5 kilograms in a puffed-up form.. The diameter of the children's options is 80 centimeters. Such a tube was created for a load of up to 75 kilograms.
Adult models come in various sizes and can carry a load of more than 130 kilograms, according to the manufacturer. The main diameters of winter tubing for adults are 100, 120 cm or 110 centimeters. From the diameter depends on the strength of the coating and the cost of the product.
The biggest tubings are slightly higher, but, as a rule, they have more reliable and high-quality covers for the inner rubber chamber.
If you managed to decide on the manufacturer of the company and choose the most vivid or, on the contrary, stylish tubing in appearance, then do not rush into buying. It is important to choose the right size and determine the volume of the seat.. It should be quite large in depth, and you should fit there comfortably.
To determine the exact size, find out the parameters of the ratio of human height in relation to the diameter of the future inflatable sled. These parameters and should be decisive when choosing tubing. Basic dimensions range from 60 to 140 centimeters.. Although there may be exceptions for individual models.
It is important to remember that the manufacturer writes these dimensions when the camera is deflated. After inflation, the tubing becomes slightly smaller in diameter.
The main most general recommendations say that with growth up to 175 centimeters diameter of 110 cm is enough. If the height of the skater reaches two meters, use tubing with a diameter of 120 cm. However, such criteria are very relative. It is necessary to base not only on recommendations, but also on the general feeling of comfort from planting in a cheesecake.
Fans of fast driving should choose the smallest possible size for their growth, since with a larger diameter, the sliding speed is significantly reduced due to an increase in the contacting surface with snow and friction force.
Especially carefully it is necessary to select a tubing for riding babies. Here, basically the same rules apply as for adults, but there are some nuances.
So, for very young children, they are sized so that he can easily reach the handles on the sides.. At the same time, the legs should touch the ground slightly during the landing. If they are free and firmly on the ground, you should take smaller tubes to eliminate the possibility of injury. The first times from the slide it is better to move with the child. So he learns to freely manage inflatable sleds.
Children pick inventory based on height and age. The smallest under 6 years will fit a diameter of up to 80 centimeters.. For a child with a height of about one meter to 12 years old, a tube with a diameter of 90 cm will be a good choice. For a 14 year old teenager, a size of 100 centimeters will do.
An important fact: if you intend to ride on the track without a special lift, you should think about the weight of the tubing, because you will have to climb the mountain dozens of times. If the inventory is too heavy, you will quickly get tired. When buying a tube that is too big or small in size, skating will not bring exciting joy.
How to choose?
In the cold winter, it is so cozy to sit at home with your favorite blanket for an interesting movie. But losing half a year of precious time is just a crime. Not everyone likes winter sports. And not everyone can master, for example, skates or skis, especially in adulthood. The issue of winter leisure is decided by bright and stylish tubing. This winter entertainment came to us quite recently, but already managed to win the ardent love of all ages and genders.
Tubing is simple, democratic and straightforward. The rules of the game are simple: sit down and move down from the slide under the cheerful laughter of children and youth. But skating will bring joy only when it is safe. Modern manufacturers offer not only beautiful, but also comfortable models of cheesecakes for adults and children. Experts consider it a proper acquisition, as it is much more practical and safer than traditional sleds.
The product can be called universal. It has a lot of important riding qualities. The device can be used not only in winter, but also in summer for riding on water. It is suitable for adults and children. And individual models are designed for landing two or more people.
Valuable tube and its compactness, mobility. When folded, it is light and does not take up much space. You can take it with you on a trip.
If you have already looked for a certain model, you should pay attention to some of the nuances of the purchase. It is advisable to buy inventory in the form of collected and filled with air. It is easier to check the goods for visible defects and damage. The air in the chamber should be evenly distributed. The protective case of a high-quality product has an even double firmware. The seams additionally protect against damage during rolling.
Inside the good tubing should be a car camera. Other product shape configurations for riding are not allowed for use. Some try to buy the camera separately from the case to save on the cost of the purchase.
It is worth remembering that high-quality cameras are made by a domestic manufacturer. They are durable and specially designed for use in our weather conditions.
When buying a cheap product you should not be surprised if it burst pretty quickly. Therefore, saving on this sports equipment is not worth it. The material is subjected to quite significant loads during operation. A quality tubing will last a long time.
The size of the camera should fit perfectly in the case.. When buying a branded product, this rule is observed. If you collect tubes from separate parts, then a smaller camera will help you to move down the slope better and faster. When using a larger size, tubing will be fundamentally softer. In this case, the sliding force decreases. But for descending over rough terrain this option is ideal.
It is important when purchasing cheesecakes to check the quality of all fasteners well. A shipping belt with a loop is included with any tubing. Choose for outdoor activities need the most durable mount. Check it especially carefully if you are going to ride a cheesecake also in the summer on the waves after the boat.
When buying equipment for children, special attention should be paid to the handles in order to keep and not fall out during the descent. They are most often made of the material from which the cable is made.For greater convenience and ergonomics, they can be sheathed with a cloth and filled with an additional layer of foam rubber by the most caring manufacturers. Inserts on the handles of rubber provide a better fit to the hand and no slip. But the best pens from manufacturers who make them from PVC. They are glued to the upper case with a special compound and rolled with a steel roller.
The most frivolous attachment is when the handles are simply sewn to the top layer of the ski case. They quickly come off at best, and at worst can lead to injuries to the skater. Ideal if they are attached to a cable in a special box.. So the load on the tube is distributed correctly, and the fabric is well protected from damage.
You can purchase new items: double or even triple cheesecakes. In this case, it is necessary to correctly calculate the load weight skating. If you believe that bona fide manufacturers have effectively developed a model taking into account all safety requirements, then you should not rely too much on this. Especially when buying a tubing for a child, it is necessary to choose sports equipment very carefully. After all, the health and safety of your child will depend on it.
Consideration should be given to the height of the skater. With a height of up to a meter, the diameter of the tube is about 85 centimeters. If you intend to use it immediately for riding two children, take a diameter of 120 centimeters. And it is better to buy a special dual model with 4 handles. for support during the descent.
The seat should be wide enough and deep. Its capacity is selected taking into account that the child will be voluminous multi-layered winter clothing.
Tube with zippers - the perfect solution for children's entertainment. It provides security, because the cords can be untied, and the sticky clasp will be filled with snow. The camera must be securely fastened in a case.
Durable upper case material provides convenience, safety and better riding speed. The best is considered to be fabric on a polyvinyl chloride basis. The reinforced PVC fabric gives optimum properties for winter skiing. Also important is the parameter such as the density of the material. It depends on the intensity of the use of tubing. When riding 1-2 times a week, you can take a material of lower density. It can be nylon or polyoxword. Children like these tubing because of their bright colors and images of their favorite cartoon characters.
But with daily intensive use on high-quality durable fabric is better not to save. High-quality product can withstand a large mass. In addition, improved characteristics such as the speed during the descent and durability of the product. It is better if the density of the upper part of the fabric is close to 650 grams per square meter. For the lower, most responsible and loaded part, choose a fabric with a density of at least 900 grams per square meter. On the ice-house the best choice would be a cheesecake with a plastic bottom.
Towing cable for dragging the cheesecake up the mountain after each ride should be no more than a half meters long. Well, if there is a special mount with interchangeable rope.
Terms of use
Novelty entertainment for winter holidays - tubing, made life lovers of active pastime more interesting. And the children rejoice in the bright fashionable toy, which is much lighter and more pleasant than the usual sledge. Adults and toddlers can ride the tubes with the same pleasure. Manufacturers offer a huge variety of models - from the simplest to multi-seat.
Tubing is an excellent activity both in winter and during the warm period near the river.
This item has its generally recognized advantages:
- the rubber chamber significantly reduces the force of blows during descent, even over the most rugged terrain;
- sturdy handles and belt provide a safe slip, it becomes difficult to fall out of the tubing;
- Lightness gives a great advantage to this object over ordinary sleds, because you will have to climb more than a dozen times with it;
- All parts are fastened together with strong threads, not glue.
Despite all these visible advantages, riding a cheesecake has a number of negative points that cannot be ignored. The creators assure the absolute safety of the updated models.
But there are quite serious problems with their use:
- very high speed when skiing, especially from snow slopes;
- lack of control and braking;
- the inappropriateness of most tracks for riding on this kind of sports equipment.
High speed at times increases the force of impact in the event of a collision with other rolling or natural obstacle. The significant height of the slope and the large weight of the skater further increase the value of this figure.
Experts advise children to use varieties only on low slopes and without obstacles. The correct measure will be a briefing with the child, in which he learns to fall safely. Such skills are taught in any sports sections.
Minimizing the risk of falling from tubing and the possibility of subsequent injury will help to comply with simple rules.
- Tubing should be skated only on the specially designed track.
- Cheesecake for one passenger should be used only by one person.
- For riding choose not too steep slides: the optimum angle is a slope of about twenty degrees.
- In no case do not tie the tubing to a high-speed vehicle (car) for skiing.
- It is forbidden to use tubing for descent while intoxicated.
- In preparation for the descent can not stand with your back to the slope. Be sure to observe the line and sufficient distance during the descent and ride.
- In areas devoid of snow, tubing cannot be used.
- Operation of tubing is permitted at an ambient temperature not lower than -35 degrees, unless otherwise provided by the manufacturer. At the same time the chamber is pumped up with pressure up to 2 atmospheres.
Riding on popular gear can be quite safe with proper technique of downhill. The product is an excellent shock-absorbing protection against strikes on the surface of the descent. But at the same time in the event of a collision to protect the skater he can not.
Be sure to explain to children what to do when riding in any case can not be:
- ride from a slide on a tube in the place where they descend with the help of classical iron sleds;
- descend the slope in the hold of several tubings one after another;
- release the special support loop from the hands during descent;
- ride in a standing or lying position;
- sit in tubing for several people if it is intended for only one person;
- to perform braking movements with the feet during the descent;
- descend on a tubing from a hill or ice-covered springboard.
It is worth remembering that safety when riding is largely determined and properly inflated tubing. So that it does not explode at the most crucial moment, it should be done according to the rules. Usually attached to the product instruction. If not, You can use the most general recommendations.
- First, a cover is spread on a flat surface. Clear the place of possible lying sharp objects.
- The camera is placed so that the valve for inflation was at the bottom inside the cover.
- Pump the tubing with a conventional pump for about ten minutes until the chamber can fill the entire fabric cover. At first it may seem very small. But this is a mistaken impression. When filled with air, it increases in size and fills the entire fabric from the inside.
- It is important to create optimal pressure inside the chamber. Not sufficiently pumped, it can damage the cover. Pumped will be too hard and uncomfortable when riding, badly absorbs possible shocks.Fill the chamber with air until the side folds on the cover are spread out. At the last moment, turn off the pump and check if the valve does not let air through. After that, it is tightly closed or laced, depending on the tube design.
Care and Storage Tips
Tubing is not a cheap pleasure. Therefore, everyone wants him to serve as many seasons as possible. Even the highest quality product requires careful treatment and proper storage. One of the important advantages of a tube is that during summer storage it takes ten times less space than regular sleds. Naturally, this refers to the cheesecake in the deflated form.
Bleed and disassemble the cheesecake must be properly. Then she will serve more than one winter.
When packing for summer time, you can use the following tips.
- Blow off the tubing in reverse order to how it was pumped. Using the attribute of winter entertainment for more than one year, after each skiing, it is recommended to let the air out of the tube a little. This is necessary so that the camera does not break the air. When getting from a cold to a warm room, it expands significantly.
- The process of lowering the air will go a little faster and easier if you insert the needle from the pump into the trigger valve and press a little.
- After that, the cover should be cleared of debris using a damp cloth, and then thoroughly dried in warm air.
- It is better to remove the rubber chamber from the tubing and store it separately from the upper fabric.
- Possible cuts should be carefully inspected and glued with glue or patches installed on the inside.
- It is better to store the product in a special case when folded. So it will take less space and will be protected from damage.
Whatever tubing you choose, you should carefully read the manufacturer's recommendations and follow them during assembly. Simple advice on the use and use of an inflatable sled will allow you to enjoy skiing without strong injuries.
How to choose the right tubing, see the next video.