Subwing Underwater Glider

Think of the Subwing as a towable that flies beneath the surface instead of skimming over it. A boat pulls it at a slow 2 to 4 knots, and you steer by tilting its two independent wings, so gliding underwater feels a lot like flying through the water. Between runs you can float on the surface, or try a few tricks once the feel comes naturally.

It fits beach-vacation families well. The speed stays low and the controls are simple, so kids and first-timers can ride without any training. The maker says it works behind any size boat, burns less fuel than many other towables, and can carry several riders at once. The materials are built to handle regular use on the water, season after season.

The catch is that you need a boat and a driver who tows responsibly, keeping an eye on riders and staying clear of swimmers and other traffic. If you want a fast thrill or don’t have a boat in the plans, this is not the toy for you.