Can there be anything more fun than floating down a river in a tube? I don’t think so …..
This is part of a series on Tubing:
The danger of snakes
Things you need to take
Choosing the right water for tubing
Repairing a Tube — ‘on-the-fly’
Goin’ Tubin’
Tubing is a wonderful way to spend time; however, it requires some planning
One of Summer's Great Joys: Riding Down a River on a Tube!
& preparation. Here are a few safety tips to help get you on the water in record time!
An ideal tubing locale is a shallow, warm body of water with no obstructions. The idea is for the water to be moving quickly enough to offer a “moving experience,” but slow enough to keep the tuber safe.
That combination is a difficult one to achieve. First, a tuber has no control over the tube. Using a paddle usually only causes the tube to spin around.
Second, most rivers have parts that are not navigable. It is important for tubers to know where those places are. Contact the state’s “fish & game” office for a map.
Must Haves
A pair of tennis shoes – to protect feet from sharp rocks, etc.
Sunburn protection – plan to reapply it often
Sunglasses and/or eyeglasses - to be strapped or tied on
Jeans – cut-offs to full length – for sun protection and to protect your backside from obstructions poking up from the river bed
Rope – 5′ to 8′ long for emergencies, plus knowledge of some quick-release knots
A Hat – Some use a crash helmet (bike riders’ helmets, for example) or at least a baseball cap (for sunburn protection for the head)
Tubing items: a knife, duct tape (temporary tube repairs), patch kit, a small air pump, a valve core remover, extra valve cores and stem caps.
Personal items: set of dry clothes, waterproof matches, a first-aid/snake-bite kit, food and drinks, extra water (Don’t plan on drinking river water; most waterways have some pollution), personal flotation device (also known as a ”Mae West”) and insect repellent.
Possibles: If the water is below 60 degrees, you may want to have a diver’s wet suit ready to protect you from hypothermia (a potentially lethal condition, when the cold water chills the body below a tolerable temperature).
** Added ‘head gear’ info
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Tubing is a great way to spend a lazy, summer day. We have a few more ideas to share in the coming days. Check back often!
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This blog is a companion to my website: EasyOnlineOrdering.com
