iv had the tube out a few times last year but couldnt get my head round it, just seemed to splash my fins about andgo round in circles !! whats the secret as the guys iv seen tubing make it look easy

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Paul

Decent fins make a huge difference. Last year I used some cheapy Caddis fins which were OK in benign conditions but near useless in anything other.

Yesterday, I had my first chance to try my new Force Fins and the difference was remarkable. They're expensive, I bought mine from Cabela's in the US.

With regard to technique, the action is more akin to back pedalling a bike than the action you'd adopt when swimming on your back.

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The advice I was given when I first started was to go out without a rod. Spend a couple of hours practising manoeuvres without having to worry about a rod. Just get used to keeping it facing the way you want - try picking an aiming point on the bank and staying square to it, holding your position against wind and currents, then birl through 180 degrees and paddle towards it, checking your line now and then. You'll find it's even more intuitive than rowing, and you make corrections so quickly you get good at going in straight lines or holding your position without thinking. Once you're tubing like a seasoned pro, grab the rod and you'll be fishing without any worries.

As Lighthouse said the action is cycling backwards, dont try to put to much power into your strokes either.Also on the down stroke dip your toes down to generate more force. Tubing isn't meant to be fast, its just fishing in a big comfy chair When turning try imagining you are volleying a ball, to turn right sweep your left leg from the side round to the front if you get what I mean. I'm probably not the best at explaining this, I'm better at showing but hey ho hope this is some help. If not just keep plodding away you'll get the hang of it ATB

Force fins are certainly better but you'll do fine with standard ones if you just take it easy with big steady kicks.
Sounds a good idea to go out for a bit of practice without the rod

Stuart

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thanks guys for the advice , i was trying to kick feet like i was doing backstroke an outing without the rod on the cards i think sounds the best idea

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Paul

peebster - whilst you're learning, always start tubing from the leeward shore and kick out into the wind - as directly into it as access allows.
As the wind will be trying to blow you back on shore it'll be safer while you learn to navigate with the fins.

Sure, this won't matter on a small water, but on anything bigger than a football pitch it can save a hard carry back to the car!

The advice above about cycling backwards and adjusting the non-kicking foot is spot on - you'll soon feel when the fin is at the point of least resistance on the back-paddle and learn how to spin, all it takes is a wee bit of practice.

I wish I'd sent my bro out without a rod the first time he tubed, it was all a bit too much for him and he didn't enjoy the fishing or the tube. Good idea to just muck about in the water until you're comfortable.