OUR TEST CREW A big thanks to our neighborhood test crew. From left to right, Toby (11), Hanna (17), Addie (7), Payton (15), Bode (12), Kaitlin (12) and Allie (17).
It features many options for handle grips with double webbed foam inside. There are two places to attach the tube: in the front and in the back near the bottom of the backrest. Allie said, “I like the sides, and the handles are everywhere. It makes me feel like I’m not going to tip over.” Allie and fellow tester Toby loved how many ways you can ride the Beach Bubba. “You can ride backwards, sitting back, leaning forward, or laying down if you want,” said Toby. (www.wowsports.com)
The tube comes with a 30-gauge PVC bladder, neoprene knuckle guards and seating, and is made to last for a good long while. It’s simple to use and easy to blow up, and an overall joy for any age range. One of things our friend Addie mentioned was, “It’s cool. The tube feels really safe when you go over waves.”
It also comes equipped with a camera mounting port, so you can take photos and videos right from the tube. Talk about action! It comes in the neon bright color blue with some yellow highlights on the side. This is the tube for you if you want to bring the whole family, plus friends, and cruise around the lake. We noticed in our testing that it tends to sit higher on the water than other tubes, which can help to take on the bumps and fast turns with ease. (www.radarskis.com)
The Airhead Space shuttle is a sporty three-person towable tube, or a great solo ride. There are six foam handles that ensure comfort and security. It is equipped with the heavy-duty nylon on the body, self-draining vents on the bottom and a speed safety valve, making it easy to fill and easy to drain at the end of the day. The unique design includes bolster fins for stability and a narrowed nose gives riders the confidence to fly over turbulent waves and maybe even take on more risky turns. Did we mention it’s an ideal thrill ride for those looking for a rush?
It’s recommended for anyone who wants an adventurous ride out on the waves. “I like how wild this ride was. You really have to hold on tight so you don’t fall off,” Bode mentioned when asked why he liked it. “You just kind of go where it goes.” Take that, NASA. Not even you could have come up with such a wild and sleek design. (www.airhead.com)
Kaitlin really liked this feature because, “it’s a nice cushion for my legs so I’m not flopping all over the place.” This tube is also outfitted with a heavy gauge PVC bladder, making it easy to inflate along with the Speed Safety Valve to ensure convenience. The Airhead Shield comes with RF welded seams throughout the entire toy, which translates to this super fun tube lasting for many summers to come. Durable, safe, and comes in bright colors of blue and green, this tube is worth a second look. (www.airhead.com)
Where you sit with this tube makes a big difference. “My friends were on the sides and were almost falling off but in the middle, I was just fine,” Allie said. Clearly you have the option to live more on the wild side and feel the waves brushing past you, or you can play it safe by staying in the middle. Luckily it comes with plenty of anchor straps on the inside providing extra safety measures just in case. The tube also comes with a Boston valve for quicker inflation and comes with a whopping 840D heavy-duty bladder. Overall, this is a high-quality tube that is fun for the whole family. As our friend Toby proclaimed, “I’d recommend this tube because it’s comfortable.” We couldn’t agree more, Toby. (www.connellyskis.com)
“We just went out on the OBrien Baller and it was insane! Such a cool ride,” said Hanna when asked how riding this tube went. “It was even so riding over bumps was fun without tipping over.”
Kaitlin added, “It has really nice sides to keep me in, so I felt safe.”
Such great praise from our testers as they each had a lot of fun. Did we mention this tube is durable? It can handle even the craziest waves with its heavy-duty nylon shell that covers the entire tube. Investing in this tube, you’re not only buying it for fun out on the lake this summer, but for many years to come. “This is a definite 10 out of 10 tube all around,” Payton exclaimed, and the other testers quickly agreed. (www.obrien.com)
The high middle siding (that inflates separately) is especially ideal for younger kids who are just starting out with boating or may be a little timid. (www.hosports.com)
Here’s what our friends had to say about the Shark. “I like that it has fins on the side as a kind of bumper to keep you from falling off,” said Hanna. Toby, who rode in the middle said, “You sit up more and so it feels like I am the shark.”
Payton added, “Compared to other lying down tubes, this one is super comfy and fun to ride.” Each comment shows how in any position this tube is a fun ride indeed. With its family-friendly design, kids will feel secure with a boost of confidence that only a shark can muster up. (www.hosports.com)
“You can holster the handle to the board if your arms get tired or you want to relax or quickly change positions,” explained Payton. “There are a lot of different ways you can ride this board and it’s easy to transition from a knee board to standing.”
There are footholds and knee pads built into the board too for a multi-faceted fun experience. What makes this board all the better is its stable hydrodynamic molded body that is super buoyant and dependable. (www.zup.com)
When fully inflated it is 15 feet by 6 feet and 6 inches tall and can comfortably carry over 2,000 pounds, which is truly impressive. The Island Hopper Patio Dock is the perfect addition to your fleet of inflatables with ample room to sunbathe, jump off into the water, or simply just relax and enjoy the lake view with the sunset on the horizon. The inflatable dock can be inflated and deflated within 10 minutes each using the provided 12-volt electric 15 PSI auto-set Power Pump.
It is made with rigidity and stability in mind with its heat-welded seams all around. It also comes with 12 long web-loops for when you want to secure a cooler or other tubes and essentials for later use. The Island Hopper Patio Deck was ideal in helping our water tube test run smoothly, as you can never have too much dock space. (www.watertrampolines.com)
