We just got to finally use our new Rubber Dockie for the first time this summer and the adults and grandkids had a blast! We bought the 9x6 due to size limitations. We only have a jet-ski, and don't own a boat so web need to bring it in the truck, then carry it to the beach (quite lightweight--weighs about 15-17 lbs). The tether worked great attached to the swimming beach buoy. It's sturdy enough to hold three adults with minimal water flow over the top. Lightweight kids can stand, jump, do whatever with barely any water getting on top. It's not slippery, so no fear of sliding and getting hurt, yet it's not terribly abrasive to hurt your skin.