Anybody got any info on the Wego Kite Tube?

[cableguy]

If anybody knows or has one give me some feedback. I was thinking about getting one. Thanks

[AbunDiga909]

Yeah, I've got some info you just might be interested in...

Kite Tube DEATH (http://planetnautique.com/index.php?name=PNphpBB2&file=viewtopic&t=5630)

[mfloski]

I got one....only been on it once...the driver controls your fate! pretty cool though.

[ShoeDad]

My brother was with the hydrofoil group that tried one a couple of weeks ago and he said that although it looks cool there is no way to communicate with the boat and the window really isn't in the right place for either of you to see anything. He said it's an accident waiting to happen. He also said that the tube is huge and a behemoth to move around if you aren't pulling it behind the boat.

[ihaveansv211]

http://www.cb7tuner.com/vbb/showthread.php?t=46867

whats with all the craze over this thing?

[Hydrofoilmaniac]

Well, it looks cool but it's not for me. In fact, I wouldn't even pull it behind my boat. Not worth the risk......or the liability.
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=3662795352661557160&q=kite[/list]

[surroundsound64]

The thing looks really fun! A helmet might be a good idea. Also, deep water is probably your friend considering the heights you might fall from. hehe.

[Andrew]

lol, deep water won't matter. it all feels like cement on the surface. i've been on one, it was ok but at the same time pretty dangerous. a friend of mine fell from about 30ft up and was coughing up blood afterwards (her mouth wasn't bleeding, it was definetly internal)

the rider really has no control whatsoever on the height. and the driver doesn't have very much. a sudden gut of wind can put u over 20ft in the air before u can even fall off. personally i'll just stick to the board. imo its is worth gettin hurt over. kite tubing isn't

[nautique06]

I bought one a few weeks ago and tried it last week. I either tore or strained something in my knee. I was on it for no longer than 10 minutes.....anyone want to buy mine???

[surroundsound64]

I bought one a few weeks ago and tried it last week. I either tore or strained something in my knee. I was on it for no longer than 10 minutes.....anyone want to buy mine???

How much?

[nautique06]

$450.00 I pay shipping....

[surroundsound64]

$450.00 I pay shipping....

No thanks. I've seen new ones for $400.

[TylerO]

Cableguy,

I've ridden the Kite Tube and been in the boat while several other experienced "riders" have taken their turn. Prior to riding the kite I was planning on buying one. No more, my curiosity has been satisfied! While your mileage may vary with this product here is my two cents....

1) Proper inflation is key with this product. It must be hard enough or it will sandwich on you while trying to catch flight.
2) A good headwind makes a big difference. You really need to be going into the wind for consistent/stable flight.
3) Weight matters. The smaller guys on the crew were airborne at 25...us bigger guys needed speeds in the 30 mph range to get air.
4) The window is useless. It's really opaque and even if you could see thru it you wouldn't see the boat or your altitiude.
5) You know when your in flight (ride gets smooth and silent) but determining your altitude requires a backwards or sideways glance.
6) Getting down requires leaning forward or letting go if you have a choice. This is the painful part.
7) Make sure the boat driver values your life. When the kite is airborne, easing back on the throttle will keep things a litte more "down to earth"

My personal experience was bailing off the back at approx 15 feet up while traveling approx 34 mph. Wind knocked out of me and helmet yanked off. Several other riders had better luck and were able to escape injury. Just know going in that gravity sucks and water is hard.

[morfoot]

Just remember........................

Pain goes away, and chicks dig scars!!!!!

[Andrew]

"pain goes away"

so does life lol

[Onthewater]

you guys are so easy, or maybe I read into this too much.

diga posts story about kite tube, good thread.

newbie's first post is less than a day later about "info" regarding a kite tube. and he hasn't been back. not that there is anything wrong with responding but....somebody needs a hobby.

[Andrew]

lol, who checks the posters last post?

[Onthewater]

first post and only post

[joelhern2]

This past weekend a friend of ours was thrown from the "kite tube" and knocked unconscious. He was riding the tube when a gust of wind came shooting across the lake which made the tube take a drastic incline to nearly 30-35 feet. Upon hitting that altitude the tube bucked him off and sent him flying off in an awkward position.

He was taken to the dock where he regained conciousness, but began vomiting blood. 911 was called and off to the hospital he went. Two major problems with this particular situation: 1. They tied the rope off to the tower (which I understand is not recommended) 2. He was wearing the non-USCG approved jacket by Jet Pilot and began to sink after hitting the surface.

IMO: It looks like a great time...not worth dying for.

[Hollywood]

Maybe riders should wear the Sumo tube while on this thing? :mrgreen:

I still think it looks like fun, maybe ride it with another passenger though to keep it somewhat down.

[Onthewater]

http://www.break.com/index/tubingtakeoff.html

http://www.break.com/index/tubingtakeoff23.html

[ccskier16]

Wisonsin has just reported its first fatality...new news at 10 o'clock....http://www.themilwaukeechannel.com/news/9435944/detail.html

[Onthewater]

I can't get the link to open, can somebody paste the story here? Thank you.

[AbunDiga909]

This is all I got...


ST. GERMAIN, Wis. -- A 42-year-old man was killed while riding on an inflatable tube kite on a Vilas County lake.

Authorities said that the man was floating several feet above Little St. Germain Lake when he hit the water on Monday night. Authorities said that he suffered fatal head and chest injuries.

Conservation warden Mike Sealander said that it appears the man hit only water.

The man was riding on an inflatable tube kite, which is towed by a boat and can become airborne.


His name wasn't immediately released.