10-26-2006, 02:39 PM
[cool][#0000ff]It is good to tube with a buddy, from the dual standpoints of companionship and safety. However, as you observe, tubing often becomes a solitary thing if you can't find anybody else available...or who shares your sense of reckless abandon.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]Personally, I sometimes prefer the solitude of tubing alone. Under good weather conditions and on scenic waters it is a therapeutic experience. My term for it is "brainbroom". The only thing that ruins the meditative beauty of it all is when a pesky fish insists on playing too.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]I really don't do much differently on a solo trip than I do when tubing with TubeBabe or other fellow floatation fanatics. I always go through my gear checklist and load the vehicle the night before, to avoid leaving vital components behind. Of course, those vital components include the PFD.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]Because of the experience I have and the self confidence I have acquired over many years of trouble free tubing, I am not paranoid about the "what-ifs". Sure, anything could happen at any time, but major problems are not likely to happen if you plan ahead and do not take any unnecessary or risky chances.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]Most of my solitary trips are within reasonable distance of assistance, if I should need it. If I launch on or near a public ramp, or near road access, I have the confidence of being able to be rescued if something unforseen happens. If I meet with something fatal, then I guess I would just have to accept the fact that it was time for my ticket to be punched and it really wouldn't matter how close I was to someone else...fishing buddy or otherwise.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]For those who are more cautious, it is suggested that you carry a cell phone (where there is reception) and/or a small radio. Even a good walkie talkie can usually get some response if you work through the channels in the event of an emergency.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]Carrying an inexpensive canned air horn can be a good idea, especially on waters with lots of boating traffic. It will come in handy for signaling errant boaters of your presence as well as summoning attention if you need help.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]The prevention part is more important than any device you can get to help bail you out. Pay attention to the weather and don't put yourself in harm's way. Avoid strong winds and especially stay off the water if there is lightning.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]If you are tubing on a large lake, you should not try to cross the lake or cover too much water. Most of the best fishing for tubers is going to be near shore anyway, so there is seldom a good reason for getting too far offshore. The further from shore you wander, the more likely you will be dodging boats. And, the greater the potential for getting caught in a sudden wind situation.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]Just as with any solo expedition, it is wise to let someone else know of your intended destination...and your planned return time. Check in with them when you leave and when you return. And, don't change plans without advising your contact person.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]If I am faced with going alone, or not at all, I will usually go solo. With gas prices being what they are, however, I seldom make long range trips to isolated areas when I am by myself. I stick closer to home and just find someplace to enjoy without making a major expedition out of it. You don't need distance and expense to get the therapy benefits.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]Is that about the way you look at it?[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]Personally, I sometimes prefer the solitude of tubing alone. Under good weather conditions and on scenic waters it is a therapeutic experience. My term for it is "brainbroom". The only thing that ruins the meditative beauty of it all is when a pesky fish insists on playing too.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]I really don't do much differently on a solo trip than I do when tubing with TubeBabe or other fellow floatation fanatics. I always go through my gear checklist and load the vehicle the night before, to avoid leaving vital components behind. Of course, those vital components include the PFD.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]Because of the experience I have and the self confidence I have acquired over many years of trouble free tubing, I am not paranoid about the "what-ifs". Sure, anything could happen at any time, but major problems are not likely to happen if you plan ahead and do not take any unnecessary or risky chances.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]Most of my solitary trips are within reasonable distance of assistance, if I should need it. If I launch on or near a public ramp, or near road access, I have the confidence of being able to be rescued if something unforseen happens. If I meet with something fatal, then I guess I would just have to accept the fact that it was time for my ticket to be punched and it really wouldn't matter how close I was to someone else...fishing buddy or otherwise.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]For those who are more cautious, it is suggested that you carry a cell phone (where there is reception) and/or a small radio. Even a good walkie talkie can usually get some response if you work through the channels in the event of an emergency.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]Carrying an inexpensive canned air horn can be a good idea, especially on waters with lots of boating traffic. It will come in handy for signaling errant boaters of your presence as well as summoning attention if you need help.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]The prevention part is more important than any device you can get to help bail you out. Pay attention to the weather and don't put yourself in harm's way. Avoid strong winds and especially stay off the water if there is lightning.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]If you are tubing on a large lake, you should not try to cross the lake or cover too much water. Most of the best fishing for tubers is going to be near shore anyway, so there is seldom a good reason for getting too far offshore. The further from shore you wander, the more likely you will be dodging boats. And, the greater the potential for getting caught in a sudden wind situation.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]Just as with any solo expedition, it is wise to let someone else know of your intended destination...and your planned return time. Check in with them when you leave and when you return. And, don't change plans without advising your contact person.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]If I am faced with going alone, or not at all, I will usually go solo. With gas prices being what they are, however, I seldom make long range trips to isolated areas when I am by myself. I stick closer to home and just find someplace to enjoy without making a major expedition out of it. You don't need distance and expense to get the therapy benefits.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]Is that about the way you look at it?[/#0000ff]
[signature]