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River tube float trips are some of the most enjoyable experiences you can have while being lazy. You don’t need to put much effort into it; just let the calm currents take you. If you’ve never been, give river tubing a shot! But, you might ask, “What river tube for floating should I get?” Well, this quick guide is aimed at answering that, helping you find the perfect river tube for lazy river fun.
What is a River Tube?
River tubing is the art of floating in a tube down the river. Pretty basic, right? Usually, you and some friends set up a car at the launch point and end point. You float in the river tube from the launch point until you reach the end point, stopping where you desire along the way.
There are also organizations that can handle the transportation for you. Regardless, river tubing is lazy fun. My favorite aspect is how you are forced to relax and enjoy the natural environment you are in. It’s difficult to do that in modern-day living, so river tubing is dedicated time to focus on the simple things in life.
When you and your friends make it onto the water, there are multiple different ways to organize the float trip. Generally, everyone ties themselves together with their river tubes. Either around in a circle or another formation, such as by a floating cooler. You can also plan stops along the way if you can reach them! Each river is unique in how the currents flow and where there’s a spot to chill.
Where to River Float
Figuring out where to float can be the hard part. All that is needed is a launch point, an end point, and a calm river that flows. Your launch point and end point for river tubing should be within 1-3 miles of each other. I’d generally recommend 1-2 miles, as any river tube can complete that in a day.
For the Carolinas, the Catawba River down in Fort Mill, South Carolina, is the perfect spot to float. My article I linked to will tell you more! The Catawba River is a perfect, slow-moving waterway for river tubing. Columbia, South Carolina, offers the Congaree River for a bit of a faster-flowing experience. The entirety of Western North Carolina also offers plenty of fast-flowing waterways for river tubing.
The River Tube Anatomy
The basic lazy river float comprises of some key elements:
- Semi-Durable Shell – This thick PVC plastic on an inflatable river tube for floating works as your structure and generally resists punctures. I say semi-durable because it’s not designed for high-impact, whitewater rivers. So, stay on the lazy river!
- A Comfortable Headrest – This is key to relaxing on your river tube for floating! You should be able to lie down and soak in all that sun. Some river tubes may not offer a headrest. I recommend staying away from those as you will get uncomfortable fast.
- Drink Holders and Other Accessory Pockets – Drink holders are always a necessity on a river tube. There are even floating coolers made for river tubing! For your items that can get wet, pockets and other storage are a game-changer on the water. You will find yourself needing storage on the water. Besides the cooler and pockets on your own river tube, an extra river tube works well as a storage vessel.
- A Mesh Bottom – I highly recommend getting a river tube with a mesh bottom instead of an open bottom. You will feel more secure and prevent the risk of your stuff making its way to the riverbed.
Some nice-to-haves would include a canopy on those summer days. The Sunlite Sports Tube on Amazon offers this. I believe your local Walmart might offer a similar river tube as well. For a true party experience on the river, a river raft is the way to go! This INTEX raft is the go-to if you want to have your group all on the same inflatable. Be warned, however, these rafts are difficult to steer if needed!
Recommendations
Anything from INTEX is my main brand to find a river tube for floating. Their products are reasonably priced and hold up well in lazy river conditions.
- The INTEX River Run is their most popular model. It meets all my basic criteria and is what I use. However, I wish INTEX offered a canopy.
- The INTEX River Run II is their two-person river tube model. It is essentially two River Run tubes struck together. It also features a little cooler/cover storage in the back.
If you need something truly durable for whitewater, I’d investigate brands like NRS or other outfitters. You are going to pay a premium, but you’ll get a professional-grade product. Generally, this is a niche market, so I wouldn’t expect to find a river tube for floating that perfectly meets your needs
Conclusion
Picking the right river tube isn’t rocket science, but putting some thought into the purchase can go a long way. It could be the difference between a popped river tube on the water or endless hours of relaxation this summer! Now go out there and enjoy the day!
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