If you have never been tubing on the Salt River before, there are some things you need to know that might not seem immediately obvious. Following these tips will hopefully help you to have a relaxing and fun day, with no mishaps or misadventures!
- List of items to bring: Hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, several bottles of water, snacks, towel, sheet, shorts, shirt, water shoes, cash.
- Make sure everything you bring is dispensable. Items may become stained or torn, or lost. Leave the designer sunglasses home, and bring the $10 ones you got a Wal-Mart.
- Make sure your butt is protected, meaning I don't recommend wearing a thong. If the water level is low, you could be scraping bottom. Ouch.
- Apply sunscreen liberally several times throughout the day.
- You can tie a plastic cooler with beverages and food to an inner tube. Styrofoam coolers won't make it very far.
- The inner tubes will get very hot. Sheets draped over the tubes will make them more comfortable. It will also help to keep smaller people from falling through the middle of the tube.
- If you are taking the shuttle, or renting tubes, or buying supplies from Salt River Recreation, cash is required. No credit cards, no debit cards, no bartering, no begging.
- Leave jewelry and other valuables at home. Bring your driver license and money.
- Don't leave valuables in the car. Didn't I just say you should leave them home? There is no security at the parking areas. Lock your car doors.
- Wear old sneakers or water shoes in the river. There are rough parts where you could hurt your feet.
- If you tie your tubes together, it is possible that you will all get stuck or entangled. Despite all the recommendations about not tying the tubes together, many people will do it anyway.
- People do get hurt while tubing, and occasionally people will drown. It can happen in any body of water. Be smart. If you can't swim well, bring a life preserver or rent one.
- Do not litter. Bring a plastic trash bag. There's nothing worse than floating through other people's trash.
- Everyone who tubes on the Salt River is amazingly tired after a long day of lounging around. Drinking alcohol while tubing will make you drowsier, and could be risky.
- Tubes will not be rented to children under 8 or under 48" tall.
- No glass. Coolers will be checked.
- Make sure you have a way to attach your keys to your clothing such that they won't get lost.
Page 1: All About Salt River Tubing
Page 2: Salt River Tubing Tips
Page 3: Salt River Tubing FAQ
Photo Gallery: Salt River Tubing Pictures
All dates, times, prices and offerings are subject to change without notice.
