How to Correctly Inflate Your Towable Tube (Step-By-Step Guide)
Welcome back to the channel, guys!
Today we’re running through how to correctly inflate your towable tube. Getting this right is key to durability, performance, and safety. A properly inflated tube will tow smoother, last longer, and keep drag to a minimum—so let’s jump in.
1. Start on a Safe Surface
Before you do anything, choose a grassy patch to lay your tube out.
Make sure there are no sticks, stones, or sharp objects around—anything sharp can puncture the cover or bladder.
Spread your tube out and check that the valves line up with the holes in the cover. Make sure the bladder is sitting correctly inside.
2. Prep Your Boston Valves
Most tubes use Boston valves, and the biggest mistake we see is cross-threading.
To avoid this:
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Unscrew the valve all the way out
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Then thread it fully back in
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Ensure it spins cleanly and smoothly—no cross-threading
This prevents leaks around the threads and keeps your tube airtight.
Do the valve up nice and tight before you start inflating.
3. Inflate Using a High-Volume Tube Pump
We recommend the KD Sports Cordless Tube Pump—it’s the fastest, simplest tube pump on the market:
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Up to 2 PSI
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600 L/min airflow
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USB-C rechargeable
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No need to be tied to your car, boat, or battery
It’s perfect for 2–3 person tubes.
Inflate the main chamber first. Your tube should be firm—for most tubes, 2 PSI is ideal.
A good quick test:
Stand on it. It should only depress slightly under your feet.
Then inflate the upper chamber (backrest or wings, depending on your model).
4. Temperature Matters — Let the Tube Sit in the Water
Here’s a pro tip many people miss:
The water temperature is often much colder than the air.
Cold water cools the air inside the bladder, reducing its volume and making your tube feel soft—even if you just pumped it up.
So once it’s inflated:
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Ensure all valves are properly sealed
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Chuck the tube in the water for 2–3 minutes
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Pull it back out
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You’ll notice it feels noticeably softer
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Use your cordless pump to top it up again to full firmness
This final top-up gives you the perfect pressure as it will stay once the tube acclimates to water temperature.
5. After Towing: Prevent Over-Inflation on the Bank
When you finish tubing and bring the tube out for lunch or a break, release a little air.
As the sun hits the tube, the warm air expands inside the bladder—which can over-inflate and stress the seams.
Letting a bit of air out prevents heat-related damage.
You're Ready to Ride!
And that’s it—the correct way to inflate your towable tube to maximise performance and lifespan.
Perfect inflation =
✔️ Lower drag
✔️ Better towing
✔️ Reduced chance of damage
✔️ Longer tube life
If you’ve got any questions or need gear advice, drop into Water Skis World or get in touch via our website.
Have a great day out on the water! 🚤🌞🛟
