Are flying boat tubes illegal and can water sports enthusiasts use them in any water body? Let’s find the answer and information you need in this article!
The idea of flying above the water with high speed is enough for water sports lovers to feel intrigued. For this reason, there was a time when flying boat tubes were pretty famous, and many people had tried them.
However, there have been fewer people tubing with flying boats after many accidents. What has happened with this water sport, and are flying boat tubes illegal?
What Is Flying Boat Tubing?
Flying boat tubing, known as kite tubing, is a thrilling or even dangerous water sport. People who take this sport will stand on their flying boat while a boat is towing them.
Like regular boat tubing, flying boat tubings need a boat to tow them with a string connected to the tow. But while water tubing only keeps on the surface of the water, flying boats will keep you high up above the water.
Are Flying Boat Tubes Illegal?
The answer depends on the location you want to try this sport as flying boat tubes is illegal in many regions and area lakes, but it is not illegal worldwide.
This sport is prohibited in the US and Canada in many water bodies. This decision was issued in 2006 after three people died and 85 people got injured because of this dangerous water sport.
After the official ban, several flying kite tube manufacturers had to recover over 19,000 tubes from the market. They were also forced to stop promoting and selling these kite tubes.
At the moment, you can no longer see many people taking these kites anymore, especially in more known and crowded water bodies or areas.
However, this sport is not illegal everywhere in the world. You can still find some locations where this sport is still accepted. But if you cause bad consequences for other people and their assets, you will still take all the responsibility.
Why Is It So Dangerous?
Flying boat tubing is listed as a dangerous sport for many reasons. Here are a few main reasons why it is not a good sport for most people:
You Can Fly Too High
Kite tube riders can reach 15 feet when the kite tube is airborne. When you are too far above the water, it is really hard for you to take control, and if there is an accident, the riders might face really bad injuries.
The Speed Can Be Really Fast
You can reach the speed of 20 or even 35 MPH with flying boat tubes, and as you already know, any sport involving high speed is dangerous.
While riding so fast, both kite tube and boat riders can lose control and are more likely to cause accidents.
Participants Do Not Have Much Control
While flying, participants can rarely control what they need to do with the tube. So when some issues occur when they are in the air, the tube can spin or even fall off.
Serious Health Damage If Accidents Occur
As mentioned above, several people got injured because of this sport. When falling from a height distance, even liquid, like water, will feel like the ground.
It is reported that there are cases where people get lung damage and lose consciousness after the accident. Many other parts of their bodies are damaged, too, and this is why there are people who died because of the accidents.
You Can Hurt Other People Too
While taking a flying boat tube, the one in danger is not only you but also other people who are not participating in the sport.
If there are other people near your boat, you might hurt them and cause health damage to them, especially when the boat is running at a higher speed.
Safety Tips for Kite Tubing
If you find an area or region where kite tubing is not prohibited, and you are ready to raise your adrenaline with this sport, the next thing you need to do is ensure you will have the safest time possible.
Here are some tips you can consider:
Tip #1: Stay Away from Crowded Areas
Whether flying boat tubing or just tubing behind the boat, you should stay away from crowded areas.
When so many people are around, it is easier for you to crash and cause injuries for yourself and others.
Tip #2: Wear Your Flotation Device and Gear
While flying up to 15 feet above the water surface, you might fall down and temporarily lose the ability to swim out of the water right away. So, wearing a flotation device is a must.
Besides flotation devices, gear like a helmet and neck-protecting gear is highly recommended.
As this sport is dangerous and has a high risk of injuries or crashes, the gear will protect you, especially the most vulnerable areas like the head and neck.
Tip #3: Make Sure Your Equipment Is High Quality
Before getting started, you should check whether the flying boat and other necessary equipment are high-quality and safe for you to use.
If you do not know how to judge their quality, ask some experienced person.
Tip #4: Avoid Bad Weather
Bad weather with strong wind can make it super dangerous for kite tubers. If you want to try this sport, only do it in more suitable natural conditions.
Tip #5: Do It with an Experienced Person
Those who have taken this sport will have many things to share with you.
If you have a friend who used to try this sport, you can ask them for advice or do it with them (if they want to.)
Tip #6: Ensure Your Rider Know What He Is Doing
While you are lifted high up above the water, some mistakes from your boat rider can result in bad consequences for you.
Your rider needs to be familiar with riding boats, especially with someone who is tubing or kite tubing. He should also be comfortable with the water regulation in that water body.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Fast Can Flying Boat Tubes Go?
While regular tubes can go somewhere between 8 to 20 miles per hour (MPH), flying boat tubes’ average speed is already 20 MPH.
Sometimes, people can also reach up to 35 MPH if they have a high-quality kite tube and, of course, if they dare to do that.
Can I Still Buy Flying Boat Tubes Online?
As flying boat tubing has been banned widely, many manufacturers have to take them off their selling sites.
For this reason, searching for a flying boat that meets your interest might be a little bit more different than usual. However, if you still want to get it, you can still buy it online.
Two of the reseller platforms you can use to find them are Aliexpress and eBay.
How Many People Have Died Because of Flying Boat Tubes?
In 2006, three people were reported dead directly because of flying boat tubes. All of these three dead cases were recorded in only four-month months straight.
Besides, 84 people also got injuries from this water sport in the same year.
Are Flying Boat Tubes Currently Illegal In Florida?
Currently, flying boat tubes are illegal in Florida, and there has not yet been any news showing that this sport will be unbanned any time soon.
Is Manta-Ray Tube Kite Legal?
Amongst kite tubes brands, Manta-Ray Tube Kite is one of the most outstanding. People know it as high-quality, durable, and can work fine with higher height and faster speed.
Unfortunately for kite tubing lovers, Manta-Ray Tube Kite is also banned in the areas where other kite tubes are banned.
What Famous Area Lakes Where This Sport Is Prohibited?
This sport is banned in many area lakes, including three famous ones like West Point Lake, Lake Walter F. George, and Lake Lanier.
Final Words
Are flying boat tubes illegal? As we mentioned above, they are illegal in so many areas, so make sure you only use them in the locations where this sport is still allowed.
Moreover, do not forget to make your tubing time as safe as possible for yourself and others. Afterward, you will still take responsibility for all the consequences, no matter if this sport is legal or illegal in that specific location.