04-21-2010, 03:56 PM
[cool][#0000ff]One of the many things about tubing that you learn by doing. After a few trips you have a better feel for when you need to add a few extra pumps before launching...or when you need to reach back and tap the valve a little to let off some air in the hot sun.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]When I launch on a chilly morning, the first thing I do is air up my tube to the max...tight at the pointy end. Then I sit the tube in the edge of the water while I get the rest of the gear set up. I check the tube again before launching. Sometimes it takes another couple of pumps to get it good and tight.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]One thing you DO NOT want to do is air up your tube to the max in cool conditions and then put it inside a vehicle for the ride to the lake. The air can expand TOO MUCH and cause damage. Better to ride to the lake with the tube mostly inflated but not rigid. It might be rigid when you get there...and will then shrink again in the cool outside air.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]Until you really get a feel for it you might want to carry a small cheap pump to add air if necessary. A good firm ride makes a lot of difference in not only how your rod racks ride but how efficient your kicking or other propulsion is too. Better to glide on top of the water than plow through it.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]When I launch on a chilly morning, the first thing I do is air up my tube to the max...tight at the pointy end. Then I sit the tube in the edge of the water while I get the rest of the gear set up. I check the tube again before launching. Sometimes it takes another couple of pumps to get it good and tight.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]One thing you DO NOT want to do is air up your tube to the max in cool conditions and then put it inside a vehicle for the ride to the lake. The air can expand TOO MUCH and cause damage. Better to ride to the lake with the tube mostly inflated but not rigid. It might be rigid when you get there...and will then shrink again in the cool outside air.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]Until you really get a feel for it you might want to carry a small cheap pump to add air if necessary. A good firm ride makes a lot of difference in not only how your rod racks ride but how efficient your kicking or other propulsion is too. Better to glide on top of the water than plow through it.[/#0000ff]
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