Review on Intex River Lounge Inflatable – Enhanced Diameter for Optimum Comfort and Durability by Douglas Irwin

I just bought 12 River Run 1 tubes to take my family and friends sailing. Great fun on the river on our first trip this summer! Compared to the cost of renting cameras or booking a trip, these cameras pay for themselves in four passes (including the cost of the life jackets I bought). In addition, we have three rivers within an hour of us, and only one company offers an hour's rafting on one of them. As we prepared to go rafting and headed out on our first trip, I discovered these 5 tips that will save you. for headaches or disasters: 1. Buy an Intex Quick Fill 100 pump or something similar. I have an A/C model at home for inflating hoses and a D/C model that plugs into my van on the river. You can use hand pumps like the airhead, but electric ones are easier on your back. Fully fill each tube immediately upon delivery AND the day before your trip. That way you won't be surprised by the river. Some people have reported problems with seams; However, most have problems with leaking valves. Valves are easy to repair (see below). Seams are a little harder to find and repair.3. {*Most important:} Before starting, check the valves for leaks in the flow. Fully inflate the tube, then pour a cup of water into the compartment where the valve is located. If it bubbles, tighten the valve. If you can't destroy all the bubbles, go to tip #4. SEE IMAGE 4. If you have a valve that won't stop leaking, unscrew it completely and wrap teflon tape around the threads. Teflon tape is about $2 a roll and has stopped every leaky valve I've had. Wrap the white tape twice around the threads and screw the valve tight. (Check again for bubbles, just in case - see tip #3.) SEE PHOTO5. Carry a 3 foot length of flexible, 3/4 inch diameter clear plastic tubing to inflate all hoses while cruising the river. (You can buy this flexible hose at any hardware or hardware store.) SEE PHOTOS I think the tips above solve 90% of the problems people have with these hoses and help you enjoy (not just experience) your first swim . If your stitches have come loose, you'll have to find and fix them yourself. If your valves are leaking - which they probably are - I think the solutions in points 3 and 4 above will work.