Water Fun

Best in TowBehind Toys

by Mike Petrucelli photos by Mike Deak

Plenty of fun can be had on boats. Most everyone understands that.

But do you really have to be in the boat to enjoy yourself? Most definitely not, with the help of the right ‘toy.’ From water skis to wakeboards to inflatables, great water tow-behind toy options are plentiful. And there’s even one popular toy (it’s more like a ‘ride’) on the market that doesn’t require a boat.

Funky but fun

New this year is the Connelly Ninja TwoRider towable tube. Hannah-Marie Lamle at Bart’s Water Sports in North Webster likens it to a tube with what looks like two mechanical bull rides on top. These ‘seats’ are a way of mimicking a motorcycle, with handles as well, allowing riders to lean into turns. “It’s a little bit funky (compared to other tubes), but fun,” Lamle said.

Wake up!

Wake surfing continues to remain popular, and wakeboards are still a solid seller. New this year for the serious wakeboarder is the Connelly AK Wake Surfer. The “AK” stands for four-time world champion Ashley Kidd, and this is her new signature design. They just became available in June, so move fast, or there may be a wait.

Definitely RAD

Another interesting tow-behind, Lamle says, is anything from the HO RAD (Round Aquatic Device) and FAD (Fun Aquatic Device) lines. These are inspired by the homemade (from plywood!) discs people made in the 1960s to experiment with as tow-behinds. The materials have become a lot more advanced, and the devices themselves are inflatable, though they are rigid when inflated.

Lamle says these are really versatile for people of any skill level, from experienced adults down to kids. They can be used as a surfboard, wakeboard, or even like a tube. It’s good for getting newbies out into the water and ride behind the boat or ride the wakes, Lamle says. It’s also something that can be played with around a sandbar on its own.

Wakefoil

Foiled again

Wakeboarders looking for a new challenge (or just something different) may want to try a wakefoil. A wakefoil is essentially a wakeboard with a hydrofoil on the bottom, which brings the rider up out of the water. It literally adds a new dimension that the rider needs to move in when balancing and working on new moves. Or, simply ride back and explore the waves. Some models allow the foil to be removed and a fin to be added, turning the wakefoil into a traditional surfboard or wakeboard.

And once you get accustomed to a wakefoil, Lamle says, you don’t even need a boat. Through the miracle of science, “pumping” the toy up and down in the water can make it propel.

“They’re pretty popular,” Lamle said. “I’d say they’ve become the new must-have toy.”

Tools for the toys

But the toys do require some extra accessories. First and foremost is a personal flotation device. Many of the pro style vests, designed with an eye toward performance, aren’t always U.S. Coast Guard-approved. Lamle recommends for anyone looking for a personal flotation device to be sure to look for a USCGapproved device. Too, gloves are a must when you’ll be holding onto handles at speed. And, of course, as for wakeboarding, Lamle recommends investing in a good helmet. Concussions can happen, so better to err on the side of safety.

Try out the newest tow-behind toys—and make your family’s time in the water the best it can be.