Maybe Jet Skis will be next?

[ThrillSeeker]

The U.S Army Corps of Engineers has prohibited the use of tube kites, inflatable rafts that fly on a rope pulled by a boat, on lakes in Middle Tennessee.

The corps announced the ban Monday. Its statement said the round, inflatable devices are pulled behind boats at speeds between 25 and 35 mph, which causes them to become airborne. Injuries can occur when a tube kite dives into the water with the force equivalent to a 70-foot drop or when the rider falls off.

David Treadway, corps spokesman for the Nashville district, said no specific incident on these lakes caused the corps to prohibit the tube kites, but it was one of about 15 districts nationally that issued restrictions.

According to warnings issued by the Consumer Product Safety Commission, riders have suffered broken necks, broken ribs, and chest and back injuries. The device has been blamed for two deaths this year nationwide.

Treadway said riders can still use tubes so long as the tubes stay on the surface of the water. •

[smedley]

this is what they are talking about

http://www.sevylor.com/towables.html#

[DavidD]

They have been banned here on corp lakes in SC as well.Maybe water ski's will go too. :rolleyes:

[mctiger]

this is what they are talking about

http://www.sevylor.com/towables.html#

I don't think that is the one that has caused the ban. I thought the Manta Ray just hovered.

This is the one that is causing all of the injuries:
http://www.sportsstuff.com/towables/wego/

You can go to YouTube and watch some dangerous crashes. This tube gets way up there.

[volfan]

We have intelligent tubers here in Midlle TN. A few weeks ago, one guy ran into the Hobson Pike bridge head-on on a tube. I've been under this bridge a thousand times and I usually steer clear of it every time.
Darwin usually takes care of these things!!!!!!

[gooch]

Does anyone have one of these they would like to sell? I would like to go ahead and get my mother-inlaws Christmas present taken care of instead of waiting till the last minute.

WILL PAY TOP DOLLAR.

[Crazyhorse420]

Here's one in action.
airborn tube

[J White]

Does anyone have one of these they would like to sell? I would like to go ahead and get my mother-inlaws Christmas present taken care of instead of waiting till the last minute.

WILL PAY TOP DOLLAR.

You crack me up you :D if this doens't pan out, I have some old deer
racks and could probably come up with a hide - might carry her hunting :D

[Charger]

Here's one in action.
airborn tube

That looks kinda fun, but I can see the danger!:D

[FishinTalk]

I wish they would ban them or at the very least limit them to a specific area on my local lake. They are worse (even less considerate) than skiers and I've seen a couple near collisions w/ other boats up here.