The mass hobby for tubing, which has recently appeared, has taken children and adults into its merry ranks. It is especially popular in winter, but originates from the summer version. Someone considers it a sport, while others - fun for spending time actively in the fresh air. In any case, his fans are only growing every year.
What it is?
The name of this winter type of transport for snowy mountains comes from the English word tube - "pipe". The population of the Old World and America calls this inflated sled. Our compatriots have come up with many funny nicknames for this product: cheesecake, snow tubing, donut, tube, bagel and others. It is both a sports load, and entertainment for children, and an opportunity for adults to plunge back into childhood again for a short time.
Tubing managed to unite several generations in a universal ardent love for this fun activity in the cold season.
They love inflatable sleds for many reasons. Compared to the classic wooden version or a bulky metal product, tubes have a number of advantages:
- little weight;
- greater safety when riding;
- softness of blows when overcoming bumps and obstacles;
- good shock absorption properties;
- bright attractive design;
- compact when stored deflated.
Inflatable sleds are in such demand that they began to organize competitions in downhill and range of arrival. Moreover, this can be done not only in winter. Some people manage to go down the slope in summer with damp grass after rain or dew. It will not be surprising if this sport (and it is) will be included in the number of the Winter Olympics.
Most are most familiar with winter tubing. However, there is also a summer version of it. Skiing in the cold season involves descending from mountains with a slope angle of no more than 25 degrees.
The summer cousin is divided into two subspecies. The first is going down the water, similar to boating or kayaking. In this case, the descent is carried out through reservoirs of lower current velocity. The second involves movement on a hitch or cable, rope behind a moving water vehicle... This is most often a boat. At the same time, in such skiing, a fast flight takes place, lasting a moment when the tubing breaks off the water.
Structurally, tubing is very simple. However, such a composition is brilliant, like everything uncomplicated. It is based on a rubber-like car camera. It provides high shock absorption properties. In addition, the cheesecake is strong and durable thanks to the outer coating of a special rubberized material.
It is reinforced at the bottom to improve strength. The top layer is made of a different material. It is rougher, which provides better grip with the rider. There are handles on the sides of the device. It is necessary to hold onto them during the descent.... In front of the donut there is a special engagement for attaching the cable, for which the tubing is pulled.
For greater safety, 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 while driving.
Descending from the snowy ice on snow tubing becomes an exciting pleasure. The shock absorption of the inner tube makes riding more enjoyable and comfortable. On tubing, you can reach a speed of about 90 kilometers per hour... Moreover, the greater the weight of the rider, the higher the speed and the greater the distance the inflatable sled can fly. For this reason, choose a slope that has sufficient braking space underneath.
But during the descent, it is absolutely impossible to brake with your feet or hands. Serious injury or injury can occur. Parents and their children should be instructed especially thoroughly.
Tubings, unlike sleds, are not operated by a rider. In many countries, there are special safe tracks in the form of a semi-closed gutter. Lifts lead to them, as they are quite impressive in height. It is also allowed to ride on specially equipped slopes. Moreover, trees, bushes should not grow on them.
You should also inspect the area for stones and similar dangerous obstacles. This is a rather extreme form of recreation, despite all its seeming harmlessness.
Kinds
This popularly loved mass entertainment appeared not so long ago. Snow tubing for children and adults of both sexes has become 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 sleds that can support 3 people at once.
So that skiing does not end with injuries, and the product does not burst after the first few descents, you need to buy high-quality tubing. Moreover, it is not so cheap.
You can use the advice of friends whose inventory has been serving for more than one season. Or you can read useful reviews about different manufacturing firms 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 camera and a cover with handles for holding in the seat while sliding down a slope or along the surface of the water.
In addition, the product has a tow rope with a special attachment. The pump for inflating the chamber inside is usually not included.
The product, when deflated and folded, can be stored rather compactly in a special case, which the manufacturer offers in a set with a cheesecake.
Domestic cheesecakes for riding are the most affordable in terms of price. Chinese inflatable sleds are in the same price range. They have a rather expressive smell of chemicals that is difficult to weather.... At 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 cover and the details of the inventory.
Some try to save money in the following way: they take a separate camera and buy or sew an inexpensive case. This has one undeniable advantage. Both parts of the inventory can be replaced. Branded products do not have this option, because cameras are not sold separately from covers.
It is still better to buy a high-quality tube from a trusted manufacturer. If an accident occurs while descending, you can get serious injuries.
Snow tubing is distinguished by the type of camera cover. Dense reinforced PVC material is considered the best.... It provides excellent glide for snow tubing and is a durable fabric.
For ice, they often take a tube with a plastic bottom for the greatest glide and range of descent.
The most durable products are used for cable riding after a riding snowmobile. They have increased strength characteristics and a reinforced structure. Their surface glides better, and the cable holder and handles are usually attached to the inner cylinder.
Children's option may differ from an adult's. Manufacturers usually write about ensuring and adhering to the best protection measures. However, you need to choose a winter tube for a child no less thoroughly than for yourself.
Tubings for children vary in size (usually up to 90 centimeters in diameter)... As well as additional strength criteria: reinforced handles, cover stitching, reinforced tow cable with a seat belt.
Particularly bright colors indicate that they are used by children. Emoji, characters from animated films and fairy tales can be depicted on the fabric. These sleds delight kids.
Tubing is chosen for them more carefully than for adults. The weight and height of the child are also taken into account.... So, for four-year-old children, an inflatable sled with a diameter of 60 centimeters will be enough. Teenage tubing will not differ much from an adult. Already from 12-14 years old he is chosen according to the same parameters as an adult. The exception is made by guys with small stature and thin physique.
Usually, adolescents by this age catch up with their parents. Therefore, when buying, you can focus on your physical data.
Adult inflatable sleds may have additional features. So, in some cases, the inflatable valve is zipped, which is very convenient.
One product can be calculated by the manufacturer for riding two people. This is indicated by the four handles on the sides... The design of the cover for such sports equipment is less flashy, more stylish and calm. Towing lines are usually located on two opposite sides.
Expensive options can be used on specialized tubing tracks. They have practically no weight restrictions and have additional reinforced parts on the case.
For towing behind a snowmobile, the most durable options with an awning shell fabric are used. The seams on them are sewn with special threads. They are resistant to various environments and decay in humid conditions and temperature extremes. Also, the cover is often treated with an antibacterial composition.
Tubing for double skating - 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 in such a way that the displacement of the rubber chambers inside the double product is impossible. Their stitching is also usually reinforced, and the seam line is additionally protected from damage and abrasion.
In recent seasons, manufacturers have presented triple options inflatable sleigh.
They are perfect for active winter holidays with a friendly family or a company of inseparable children.
This option is also convenient for summer fun on the water. It can withstand maximum stress and is made from the most durable fabric. It has the ability to rotate around its axis. The bottom is most often made of a very smooth, glossy material. It improves sliding properties and descent speed.
For a child 4 years old, it 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 ride with him on such a two-seater product of his friends. The bright design will be a nice highlight. He will delight the baby, and you can watch him even from afar, without confusing him with anyone.
The beautiful fashionable Troika model will suit schoolchildren. It is especially delightful for boys, as it is made in the form of a stylish sedan.
Be especially careful on steep slopes. And on ice floes it is better not to use this option at all.
Thanks to its smooth, durable surface, it glides very strongly and develops high speed.
It is better to ride a fun company of friends on a particularly durable cheesecake, which is famous for its unlimited carrying capacity.
In this case, it is better to buy it with a cover that does not have lacing in the seat area. Snow and debris can be clogged there.
Such models are very popular in the Scandinavian countries, as well as in youth ski resorts.
Stylish monochromatic options are best for teens and adults. Better to take a universal tube... You can take it with you to the river in the summer. And the slippery and especially durable bottom cover will make it a favorite of steep downhill descents.
It is good if the deflated and folded tubing is as compact as possible. To do this, use a manufacturer's cover that is ideally sized.
For downhill skiing on a special track, choose a product marked "pro". It has a particularly durable cover fabric, a reinforced tow rope attachment, a thick fabric and a well-sliding bottom surface. Such a tube is also suitable for riding in tow behind a snowmobile.
Even with such outstanding qualities of such models, it is worth considering the weight of a person when loading a cheesecake.
For renting, it is worth choosing an option in the middle price category. The economy option will not withstand the constant intensive load, and the pros will pay for themselves for a long time.
When choosing, special attention should be paid to the processing of the seams and the strength of the fastening for the tow rope. With frequent use, these parts suffer the most.
Dimensions
When shopping for tubing, it is important to choose the correct size for the safety of the riders. The main characteristics of inflatable sleds and their service life will depend on it. The weight of one such item varies from about 3 to 5 kilograms when inflated... The diameter of the children's options is 80 centimeters. Such a tube is designed for a load of up to 75 kilograms.
Adult models come in a variety of sizes and are capable of carrying over 130 kilograms, according to the manufacturer. The main diameters of winter tubing for adults are 100, 120 cm or 110 cm. The strength of the coating and the cost of the product depend on the diameter.
The largest tubing costs a little higher, but usually have more reliable and high quality covers for the inner rubber tube.
If you managed to decide on a manufacturer and choose the brightest or, conversely, stylish tubing in appearance, then do not rush to buy. It is important to choose the right size and determine the volume of the seat... It should be quite deep and you should fit comfortably there.
To determine the exact size, they learn the parameters of the ratio of a person's height in relation to the diameter of future inflatable sleds. These parameters should be decisive when choosing a tubing. The main dimensions are in the range from 60 to 140 centimeters... Although there may be exceptions for some 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, a diameter of 110 cm is sufficient... If the height of the skier reaches two meters, tubing with a diameter of 120 cm is used. However, such criteria are very relative. You need to be based not only on the 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 the friction force.
Especially carefully you should 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 select such a size so that he can easily reach the handles on the sides.... At the same time, during landing, the legs should touch the ground slightly. If they stand freely and firmly on the ground, a smaller tube should be used to eliminate the possibility of injury. The first times it is better to move down the hill with the child... So he will learn how to freely control the inflatable sled.
Children are selected according to their height and age. The smallest under 6 years old is suitable for a diameter of up to 80 centimeters... For a child with a height of about a meter up to 12 years old, a tube with a diameter of 90 cm will be a good choice.For a teenager 14 years old, a size of 100 centimeters is suitable.
An important fact: if you intend to ride on the track without a special lift, you should also think about the weight of the tubing, because you will have to climb the mountain with it dozens of times. If the inventory is too heavy, you will quickly get tired. If you buy a tube that is too large or too small, rolling will not be an exciting experience.
How to choose?
In the cold winter, it is so comfortable to sit at home with your favorite blanket under an interesting movie. But to lose six months of precious time like this is simply a crime. Not everyone loves winter sports. And, for example, not everyone can master skating or skiing, especially in adulthood. The issue of winter leisure is solved by bright and stylish tubing. This winter entertainment appeared with us quite recently, but it has already won the ardent love of representatives of all ages and genders.
Tubing is simple, democratic and straightforward. The rules of the game are simple: sit down and slide down the hill to the cheerful laughter of children and youth. But riding will only bring joy when it is safe. Modern manufacturers offer not only beautiful, but also comfortable models of cheesecakes for adults and children. Experts consider it the right purchase, as it is much more practical and safer than traditional sleds.
The product can be called universal. It has a lot of advantages that are important for skiers. The device can be used not only in winter, but also in summer for riding on the water. It is suitable for adults and children. And some models are designed for two or more people.
The tube is also valuable for its compactness and mobility. When folded, it is lightweight and does not take up much space. You can take it with you on a trip.
If you have already looked after a certain model for yourself, you should pay attention to some more nuances of the purchase. It is advisable to buy inventory assembled and filled with air... This makes it easier to check the goods for visible defects and damage. The air in the chamber must be evenly distributed. The protective case of a quality product has a smooth double stitching. The seams additionally protect against damage when riding with a sling.
There should be a car camera inside a good tubing... Other configurations of the shape of the rolling product are not allowed for use. Some people try to buy the camera separately from the case to save on the purchase cost.
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, don't be surprised if it bursts pretty quickly. Therefore, it is not worth saving on this sports equipment. The material is subjected to quite significant loads during operation. And high-quality tubing will last a long time.
The camera should be sized to fit the case perfectly... When buying a branded product, this rule is respected. If you are assembling the tube from separate parts, then a smaller camera will help you slide better and faster down the slope. When using a larger size, the tubing will generally be much softer. In this case, the sliding force decreases. But for descending on rough terrain, this option is ideal.
When purchasing a cheesecake, it is important to check the quality of all fasteners well. A transport strap with a loop is included with any tubing. Choose the most durable mount for outdoor activities. Check it especially carefully if you are going to ride a cheesecake even in the summer along the waves after the boat.
When buying equipment for children, special attention should be paid to the handles in order to hold on and not fall out when descending. They are most often made of the material from which the cable is made. For greater convenience and ergonomics, they can be sheathed with fabric and filled with an additional layer of foam rubber by the most caring manufacturers. Rubber inserts on the handles provide a better fit and no slip. But the best handles are 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 cover. They will come off quickly at best, and at worst can lead to injuries to the skater. Ideal if they are attached to the cable in a special insert... So the load on the tube is distributed correctly, and the fabric is well protected from damage.
You can buy new items: double and even triple cheesecakes. In this case, it is worth correctly calculating the weight load of the skaters. If you believe that bona fide manufacturers have effectively developed a model with all safety requirements in mind, then you should not rely on this too much. Especially when buying a tubing for a child, you need to choose sports equipment very carefully. After all, the health and safety of your child will depend on this.
The height of the rider should be taken into account. At a height of up to a meter, the diameter of the tube is chosen to be about 85 centimeters. If you intend to use it at once for riding two children, take a diameter of 120 centimeters. Better to buy a special double model with 4 handles for support during the descent.
The seat must be wide and deep enough. Its capacity is selected taking into account that the child will have voluminous multilayer winter clothing.
Tubing with zippers is the perfect solution for kids' fun. It provides security as the cords can come loose and the sticky closure can fill with snow. The camera must be securely attached to the case.
The durable material of the upper cover provides comfort, safety and the best riding speed. The best is the fabric based on polyvinyl chloride. Reinforced PVC fabric gives optimal properties for winter skiing. Also important is such a parameter as the density of the material. It depends on the intensity of the use of tubing. When skiing 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 it is better not to save on high-quality durable fabric... A high quality product is capable of withstanding a large mass. In addition, characteristics such as descent speed and durability are improved. 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 critical and loaded part, choose a fabric with a density of at least 900 grams per square meter. On the ice, the best choice would be a cheesecake with a plastic bottom.
The towing cable for dragging the cheesecake uphill after each ride should be no more than one and a half meters long. It is good if you have a special mount with a replaceable rope.
Terms of use
A novelty of entertainment for winter recreation - tubing, has made the life of lovers of active pastime more interesting. And children are happy with a bright fashionable toy, which is much lighter and more pleasant than the usual sleds. Adults and toddlers can ride down the hills with equal pleasure. Manufacturers offer a huge variety of models - from the simplest to multi-seat.
Tubing is a great activity both in winter and in the warm season near the river.
This subject has its generally recognized advantages:
- the rubber tube significantly reduces the force of impacts during descent, even on the most rugged terrain;
- durable handles and a belt provide safe sliding, it becomes difficult to fall out of the tubing;
- lightness gives this object a great advantage over ordinary sledges, because you will have to climb the mountain with it more than a dozen times;
- all parts are held together with strong threads, not glue.
Despite all these visible advantages, riding on a cheesecake also has a number of negative points that cannot be ignored. The creators assure the absolute safety of the updated models.
But there are also quite serious problems when using them:
- very high speed when skiing, especially from snowy slopes;
- lack of control and braking capabilities;
- most of the tracks are not intended for riding on this type of sports equipment.
High speed significantly increases the force of impact in the event of a collision with other riders or a natural natural obstacle. The significant height of the slope and the large weight of the rider further increase the value of this figure.
Experts advise to use children's varieties only on low slopes and without obstacles. The correct measure is to instruct the child in which he learns to fall safely. Such skills are taught in any sports section.
To minimize the risk of falling from the tubing and the possibility of subsequent injury, following simple rules will help.
- You should only ride tubing on a specially designed track.
- The one-passenger cheesecake should only be used by one person.
- For skiing, they choose not too steep slides: the slope angle of about twenty degrees is considered optimal.
- In no case should the tubing be tied to a high-speed vehicle (car) for riding.
- It is forbidden to use the tubing for the descent while intoxicated.
- When preparing to descend, do not stand with your back to the slope. It is imperative to observe the queue and sufficient distance during the descent and skiing.
- Tubing must not be used in areas without snow.
- Operation of the tubing is allowed at an ambient temperature of at least -35 degrees, unless otherwise provided by the manufacturer. At the same time, the chamber is pumped up to 2 atmospheres.
Riding popular equipment can be quite safe if you follow the correct downhill technique. The product is an excellent shock-absorbing protection against impacts on the trigger surface. But at the same time, in the event of a collision, he will not be able to save the skater.
It is imperative to explain to children what to do when riding in no case:
- ride down the slide on a tube in the place where they descend with the help of classic iron sleds;
- go down the slope in the hold of several tubes one after another;
- release special support loops from the hands when descending;
- ride in a standing or lying position;
- get into the tubing for several people, if it is intended for only one;
- carry out braking movements of the legs during descent;
- descend on a tubing from slides or trampolines covered with ice.
It is worth remembering that safety while riding is largely determined by a properly inflated tubing. So that it does not explode at the most crucial moment, this must be done according to the rules. Usually, instructions are attached to the product. If not, you can use the most general recommendations.
- First, a cover is spread on a flat surface. Clean the area from possible lying sharp objects.
- The chamber is positioned so that the inflation valve is at the bottom inside the cover.
- Inflate 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 wrong impression. When filled with air, it increases in size and fills the entire tissue from the inside.
- It is important to create optimal pressure inside the chamber. Insufficiently inflated, it can damage the case. A pumped one will be too hard and uncomfortable when rolling, it does not absorb possible shocks well. The chamber is filled with air until the lateral folds on the cover are straightened. At the last moment, turn off the pump and check if the valve is leaking air. After that, it is tightly closed or laced, depending on the design of the tube.
Care and storage tips
Tubing is not the cheapest pleasure. Therefore, everyone wants him to serve as many seasons as possible. A product of even the highest quality requires careful handling and proper storage. One of the important advantages of a tuba is that during summer storage it takes up ten times less space than a regular sled. Naturally, this applies to the deflated cheesecake.
It is necessary to bleed the air and disassemble the cheesecake correctly. Then it will serve more than one winter.
When packing for summer time, you can use the following tips.
- Deflate the tubing in the reverse order to how it was inflated. Those who use the attribute of winter entertainment for more than one year recommend that after each ride a little air is blown out of the tube. This is to prevent the air from bursting into the chamber. When it gets from a cold into a warm room, it expands significantly.
- The bleeding process will go a little faster and easier if you insert a needle from the pump into the release valve and press a little.
- After that, the cover should be cleaned of debris with a damp cloth, and then thoroughly dried in warm air.
- It is best to remove the rubber tube from the tubing and store it separately from the upper fabric.
- Possible cuts should be carefully examined and sealed with glue or patches should be installed from the inside.
- It is better to store the product in a folded case in a special case. So it takes up less space and is protected from damage.
Whichever tubing you choose, you should carefully read the manufacturer's recommendations and follow them during assembly. Simple tips on the operation and use of an inflatable sled will allow you to enjoy riding without serious injuries.
For information on how to choose the right tubing, see the next video.
