02-01-2012, 08:35 AM
Winnie:
Float tubes are generally quite safe by design as you discovered when being blown about on the lake. Almost like having a large PFD that you ride in a stormy lake, scary but safe. Thats assuming one is a swimmer, knows about the quirks of inflatable craft, and hypothermia/health issues are NOT a factor. Eventually you will be blown to safety, even if you have to get out and ride on one chamber or your PFD that remains, assuming the shoreline is not unusually hazardous. This will not mean it will be a comfortable or pleasant experience or that you won't lose equipment.
If there is a protected cove to use, most of above possibility can be avoided.
Good luck, have fun as I have had with my family.
Pon
[quote 300winnie]flygoddess,
You are spot on about that lake. I have been out there in my share of storms...some intentionally and some not so much...
That is one of my major concerns, and has been with taking the littles out on that lake. When I had my float tube back in the 90's I got blown clear across the lake...well almost. My parents dropped me off the boat just out from the A-Frame and the wind came up out Red Rock pass and I rode the white caps out until I could get out in the north east corner...luckily our cabin was located there. That was a very scary ride until I realized my center of gravity was keeping right side up.
Looking extremely forward to watching them hook into some of those fish, but fighting the anxiety of how to get them into the action, while still minimizing the risk.
Thanks,
300winnie[/quote]
[signature]
Float tubes are generally quite safe by design as you discovered when being blown about on the lake. Almost like having a large PFD that you ride in a stormy lake, scary but safe. Thats assuming one is a swimmer, knows about the quirks of inflatable craft, and hypothermia/health issues are NOT a factor. Eventually you will be blown to safety, even if you have to get out and ride on one chamber or your PFD that remains, assuming the shoreline is not unusually hazardous. This will not mean it will be a comfortable or pleasant experience or that you won't lose equipment.
If there is a protected cove to use, most of above possibility can be avoided.
Good luck, have fun as I have had with my family.
Pon
[quote 300winnie]flygoddess,
You are spot on about that lake. I have been out there in my share of storms...some intentionally and some not so much...
That is one of my major concerns, and has been with taking the littles out on that lake. When I had my float tube back in the 90's I got blown clear across the lake...well almost. My parents dropped me off the boat just out from the A-Frame and the wind came up out Red Rock pass and I rode the white caps out until I could get out in the north east corner...luckily our cabin was located there. That was a very scary ride until I realized my center of gravity was keeping right side up.
Looking extremely forward to watching them hook into some of those fish, but fighting the anxiety of how to get them into the action, while still minimizing the risk.
Thanks,
300winnie[/quote]
[signature]