Thinking of Float Tubing in the UK….?

Simon Kidd asks David Williams, organiser for the forthcoming Snowbee Sponsored float tube association competition at Drift on 10 May, for his comments on float tubing in general...
 

Float tubing is a steadily growing arm of Fly Fishing practiced across the world today. It is mainly confined to still waters but can also be done with caution in top ends of rivers and back waters of some estuaries but certainly not recommended on the open sea. All the usual fly fishing equipment is used with a few additions, viz: a float tube, a lifejacket, a pair of flippers and a warning whistle for attracting attention.
 
Most modern float tubes consist of more than one bladder, any of which should support the user’s weight, and coupled with a manual inflation lifejacket, make float tubing very safe. In summary it is rather like armchair fishing….but with plenty of exercise thrown in. ‘Tubing’ can be done in all conditions depending on the experience and physical abilities of the angler but there are certain precautions one should always take.

One of the most important things of course is to check your equipment before you launch. The tube should be properly inflated, not “over-inflated” and fully checked for leaks and any signs of damage or wear. All accessories, net etc should be suitably stowed for easy access but out of the way for safety too.

Dressing correctly is crucial. You can almost always add 5mph to any wind speed on water and it is important to stay warm, dry and comfortable. In the early part of the season the water is still very cold and the parts that are affected most are the feet, the backs of the legs and backside, which are the parts continually submerged in water. Good, preferably CR Neoprene waders, are the preferred option for most but breathable waders can be worn with an effective thermal layering of clothing underneath. Cold can creep up your body, so do not underestimate the effect that sitting in the water for hours can have on your upper body.

Normal wading equipment can be worn to protect the upper body but layering suitably with wind proof, waterproof breathable clothing will always be an advantage. Thin gloves can be a useful addition, a neck warmer, a good hat and sunglasses of course are imperative.

When tubing for the first time don’t be too ambitious. It takes time to get used to steering a tube, so stay close to the shore until you get more confident. Choose a calm day or a sheltered bay and a gently shelving shore if possible with plenty of good access and concentrate on the paddling. Launching into any light breeze initially is a useful practice for the inexperienced as any breeze will then return you to the launching shore.

Even in a light wind you can drift very quickly and it is surprising how long it can take to get back. Also it is easy to drift over your line and get tangled up or get hooks in your legs, fins or tube, if you stop paddling when unhooking a fish or changing tackle. It is always advisable therefore to tube with a friend in case of any such eventualities. 

To date there has not been a tubing accident in the UK and following a few simple rules will prevent one occurring. A full list of the Do’s and Don’ts can be found at www.bfta.org.uk along with lots of useful information such as locations that allow float tubing in the UK.

There are several organised events such the SPORTFISH Float Tube Day at SPORTFISH Reading, click here for more details.