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Tethering Advice

At Australian Inflatable Decorations, we want your inflatables to stand tall, proud, and secure all season long. A properly tethered inflatable is safer, looks better, and lasts longer — no matter what the Aussie weather throws at it. Follow our guide below for the best tethering practices.

1. Anchor to the Ground Properly

Use the provided stakes or pegs to firmly anchor your tethers into the ground.

  • Angle stakes at 45 degrees away from the inflatable for the strongest hold.
  • Make sure the ropes are taut but not over-tightened — a little bit of give helps the inflatable flex naturally in the breeze.

If your ground is too hard for stakes, consider using heavy sandbags or water weights.

2. Add Extra Tether Points if Needed

For larger inflatables or those exposed to strong winds, it’s a good idea to add extra tie-down points.

  • Attach additional ropes around secure parts of the inflatable (like loops or seams near the base).
  • Spread tie-downs wide and low to create a strong anchoring base.

Extra tethering dramatically increases stability without stressing the material.

3. Monitor Tension Regularly

Over time, temperature changes, rain, and wind can loosen or shift your tie-downs. It’s smart to:

  • Check your tethers every few days.
  • Re-tighten ropes if they’ve loosened.
  • Reposition stakes if they’ve shifted in soft soil.

A few minutes of maintenance can prevent your inflatable from tipping or sagging.

4. Weigh Down the Base

In addition to rope tethers, securing the base can give your inflatable even more stability:

  • Use sandbags, water bags, or heavy pots positioned discreetly inside or around the base.
  • Make sure weights are heavy enough to resist sudden gusts but won’t damage the inflatable material.

This is especially important for taller, lighter, or top-heavy designs.

5. Think About the Wind

If high winds or storms are forecast, it’s best to deflate your inflatable and pack it down temporarily.

Tethering helps with everyday breezes, but no inflatable is designed to withstand extreme weather. Protect your display — and your neighbours — by bringing it down when necessary.