I just got a tube for free. I got it for free because it had a 4-inch tear along the seam. It was declared hopeless and was about to be thrown away. That's when I swooped in... FREE tube!!! Who could say no?

Step 1: Tools/Materials

Tools:

Heat Gun

Materials:

10 mil pipe wrap

Step 2: First Try

I had a great idea that had to work, right? Wrong, this first try did not work. I am describing what I did so you won't waste your time as I did.

Sand the edges of the hole
Mix up some epoxy
Spread the epoxy across the tape
Apply the epoxy coated tape to the hole
Clamp the tape

Step 3: Second Try

This try actually worked. I taped the hole, with 10 mil pipe tape. Then I just used a heat gun to heat up the plastic until it smelled bad, at that point I could EASILY stretch it.

Step 4: Chill

If you are going to blow it up with an air compressor (I highly discourage) go very slowly. I used an air compressor to get it 90% full. Then I blew it up by mouth to 99%.

If you are going to the river, be very safe. Make sure to avoid branches and other such dangers.