"Float down a river on an inner tube? You've got to be kidding!" That was my reaction five years ago when a friend described one of her favorite kid-friendly summer activities."It's a blast," she assured me. "We go every year, and it's a highlight of our summer."
Skeptical but ready for an adventure, my husband, Paul, and I soon found ourselves on an easy-flowing stretch of the Delaware River with our kids, Michael, then age 5, and Mia, 9. Supplied with colorful inner tubes and gear from an outfitter (who also transported us back to our car afterward), we drifted along at a rate of about 1 to 2 miles an hour, each child's tube tied to one adult's.
Mia and Michael, snug in their life vests, oohed and aahed as we floated past little islands and shady riverbanks. For thrills, we bounced through stretches of ripples where the shallower water ran over rocks (the river depth varied from 2 to 4 feet, with some deeper pools). The current also carried us, laughing and shrieking, safely through a few sets of mini rapids. After a three-hour river journey, we reached our take-out point happy and refreshed.
Since that day, tubing has become a welcome break from our everyday summer activities. Our trips have ranged from lazy floats to challenging rides with heart-thumping stretches of rough water. For our most recent trip, we went back to the Delaware on a steamy August day. We realized we'd learned a lot about how to ensure a safe, enjoyable good time. Here are our tubing tips.
CHOOSING A TUBING ROUTE
Every stretch of water is unique, and some are more challenging than others. For safety's sake, always go with a reputable outfitter. To decide if its route is right for you, here are the questions to ask:• What's the length and duration of the float? On some rivers, tubers can float a 20- or 30-minute course several times. On others, tubers float a longer length of river once, with transportation provided either to the starting point or back from the take-out point.
• Are there any rough stretches? If so, ask whether lifeguards will be stationed at these points in the river.
• What are the current conditions on the river? The answer can change from day to day, depending on depth and rate of flow.
• Is the atmosphere suitable for kids? Some rivers attract college-age partyers. If you choose to tube on such a river, it's best to go on a weekday.
• Can you bring a cooler? If so, tie it behind you, floating on its own or in a special tube with a bottom. If not, you'll at least want to bring water bottles in holders with shoulder straps. And don't forget the sunscreen!
