Tips for Tubing on the Salt River in Arizona, USA
Make Floating Down the River a Fun, Safe Adventure
May 29, 2009
Early summer can be a great time to go tubing down the Salt River, as the water flow is generally strong and cold from the winter and spring mountain run-offs. The current is fast enough to keep your tubes and rafts moving at a steady pace, and the cold water feels like heaven compared to the hot sun.
To make the trip down the river the most enjoyable, consider the following tips.
Avoid Sunburn while Tubing
Apply sunscreen ahead of time, and keep applying on a regular basis while floating down the river, as you will get wet and will be accidentally wiping it off by shifting your position on the tube. Be sure to apply sunscreen to your face and along the edges of your swimsuit, and apply generously.
Consider wearing a wide-brimmed hat, and don't forget the sunglasses. To avoid burning yourself on the black inflatable tubes, bring an extra towel to lay over the rubber and under your body. Keep it wet to stay cool and keep the tube from overheating.
Stay Hydrated
Bring lots of bottled water or sports drinks and keep drinking the whole way down the river, particularly if you will also be consuming alcoholic beverages. This will help prevent additional dangers that can be caused by dehydration and excessive sun exposure, such as heat exhaustion.
Buy Your Own Tube
It is often the same price to buy the black tubes at local grocery and sporting goods stores as it is to rent them at the Salt River tubing office, and by purchasing one you get the extra benefit of being able to use them over and over for the one-time cost.
Pack Snacks Appropriately
If you will be bringing snacks and drinks, consider investing in a watertight bag that you can attach to a tube and allow to float off to the side. Otherwise, get an extra tube to secure a cooler or container of food and drinks to.
Remember not to bring any containers that can be dangerous, such as glass bottles. Always keep your own trash and garbage together so that it does not pollute the river. There are places to throw it away as soon as you get out.
Secure Belongings Carefully
Place keys in a waterproof bag that is securely attached to the raft or secured in a pocket that can be zippered shut. Flipping over in a tube or falling into the river is the easiest way to lose keys and other valuables in the muck at the bottom of the river. Leave cell phones and wallets in the car.
Bring Additional Fun
If children will be part of the party, bring some water guns to help keep them occupied while the adults relax and chat (or play with their own water pistols!). Floating frisbees and other pool toys are also a great way to add some excitement to the trip down the river. Keep your eye out for the few places where cliff-jumping is safe along the river, and give it a try if you are feeling brave.
Stay Safe
Keep an eye on children to make sure they do not get caught at the edges of the river where low-hanging trees and sharp rocks abound. To make sure the party does not get separated in areas with faster currents, hold onto each others' tubes with hands or feet. It is generally best to not tie tubes together.
When the river gets shallow, consider walking the stretch to avoid bumping your rear end on the riverbed. Be sure to pack water shoes or to secure your flip-flops or sandals safely to the side of the tube. Keep your eyes peeled for the exit signs, and steer toward the marked exit spot you have chosen on the river ahead of time to make sure you don't pass them up.
Now that you have these tips for staying safe and having fun on the Salt River, go enjoy this affordable summer activity!
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