Buzz
Floating down the river with friends is a classic summer activity. If you'd prefer to stay close to your group instead of drifting apart, or if you'd like to keep your cooler with drinks easily accessible, tying your tubes together is a great option. Whether you choose rope or plastic buckles, you can spend a relaxing day on the water with your friends!
Steps to Follow
Using Rope
Buy water-resistant braided rope. Decide how many tubes you'll need to connect. Purchase 3 to 4 feet (0.91 to 1.22 m) of rope for each additional tube you're tying. Choose a rope no thicker than 1⁄2 inch (13 mm) in diameter, as a thinner rope will be easier to manage.
- Outdoor stores typically sell braided rope.
- Braided rope is ideal for anchor lines.
- Coordinate with your group to see if they can also buy rope.
Measure the required length of rope and cut it accordingly. If your tubes are already in place, use a flexible tape measure to determine the necessary length of rope to connect them. Be sure to add an extra 4 inches (10 cm) on each end to allow room for knots. Use sharp scissors or a utility knife to make the cut.
Pass the rope through the center hole of your tube. Hold one end of the rope firmly and feed it through the middle of your tube, allowing it to go underwater. Reach around the outside of the tube with your other hand to grab the submerged part of the rope.
- Consider working with a friend to help keep the tubes in place or to grab the rope on the other side.
- If your tubes have handles, tying the rope to them can help use less material.
Thread the submerged rope through the hole of the second tube. Take the underwater end of the rope and pull it through the hole of the second tube you wish to connect. Once both ends of the rope meet between the tubes, tighten it securely.
Tie an overhand knot to fasten the rope tightly. Create a loop with the end of the rope and pass the free end through it. Pull the knot tight to secure the tubes. Make sure they are tightly connected. If they feel loose, untie the knot and tighten it further.
- For extra security, tie a double knot.
Attach your tube to any other tube. Depending on the number of people in your group, you might have 3 or 4 ropes linking your river tubes. Ensure each tube is connected to at least one other tube.
- Arrange the tubes in a cluster rather than a straight line. This helps because the current can move the tubes at different speeds, and it’s easier to chat and relax with friends.
- If you have a large group, consider dividing into smaller groups of no more than 5 people to make it easier to navigate through shallow waters or rapids.
Joining Tubes with Buckle Straps
Buy buckles with polypropylene webbing, each 3 to 4 ft (0.91 to 1.22 m) long. Look for buckles that feature both a male and female end—one side with the buckle and the other side where you slide it in. A side release buckle makes attachment and release much easier.
- Ensure you have at least 2 straps per tube that you're connecting.
- Plastic buckles with webbing can be found at hardware stores or outdoor specialty shops.
- Polypropylene is sturdy and water-resistant, making it simple to use.
Wrap one buckle around the first tube and the other around the second tube. Pass one end of each buckle through the hole at the center of each tube. Be sure that the opposite end goes underwater for each tube. For instance, if you pass the male end through one tube, insert the female end into the other tube so that they can securely clasp.
- If your tubes have handles, wrap the straps around them for added stability.
Secure the male end of one buckle to the female end of the other. Clip the two buckles together to secure the connection. If the tubes are still loosely connected, pull on the webbing attached to the male end to tighten it.
- Loose straps could be dangerous if you become tangled in them, so ensure the connection is tight and secure.
Connect all the tubes in your group together. Ensure each tube is attached to at least two others to prevent them from drifting apart. Position the tubes in a cluster instead of a straight line, making it easier to chat and enjoy time with your friends!
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Many tube rental services offer buckle straps as a standard feature, or give you the option to add them to your rental package.
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If you're bringing a cooler with you, position it in the center of your group to ensure everyone can easily access it while floating down the river.
Important Safety Warnings
- Ensure the ropes are tightly secured to avoid getting tangled. River currents can be unpredictable and may pull you underwater.
Required Items
Using Rope
- Water-resistant braided rope
- Flexible measuring tape
- Sharp scissors or a utility knife
Joining Tubes with Buckle Straps
- Plastic buckles with polypropylene webbing
