Tubing: A Colorado Adventure

Nothing like catching rays on the Colorado River.

Preston doesn't leave home without his pet dragonfly.

Seriously, who brought the cool kid?

Marina Pekanova took some convincing that there are no "water snakes" in the Colorado River.

Emelie came prepared with a dry sack for towels and other articles.

On Sunday, a rag tag group of adventures made their way up to Rancho Del Rio, home of K.K.'s BBQ (Center of the Universe) and popular loading spot for rafters, kayakers and the boldest of water-bound breeds, tubers. Our motley crew was among the latter, and our adventure was epic, at times wild, at times lazy and left most of us with stomachs full of river water. For three miles we braved the mighty Colorado River. Here are the lessons we learned.

1. The water will be cold. Always. With no exceptions. We're talking about glacier runoff here, people. So, the sooner you accept that AT FIRST you will be a little cold, the better, because then you can begin enjoying the ride. And rather quickly you will become accustomed to the temperature and refuse to leave the water. Provided the sun stays out from behind any clouds.

2. Extra tubes are handy. While they may seem cumbersome, extra tubes serve many welcome functions. For example, our extra tube served as an ottoman for up to three individuals, allowing us to ride comfortably and stylishly, down the mighty Colorado River. This tube was also tied to our cooler and became a unit we affectionately dubbed "The Living Room". However, it was when we were separated from one of our party and found her after turning a bend - stranded and tubeless upon a rock like some mythical siren - that the extra tube really had a chance to shine.

3. Rafters and kayakers are not as honorable a sort as tubers. Sure, they've got a lot of fancy gear and larger vessels but they lack a certain joie de vivre that marks every tuber. Be careful of these types because they will not think twice about running you over when the going gets tough, i.e. rapids. However, you will be able to use the unscrupulous and, let's be frank, jealous nature, of these groups to your advantage. Kayakers and rafters are easily bribed by varying degrees of cheap beer, and should you become separated from your party, you will be able to hitch a ride with these folk by simply making an offering.

4. Sunscreen is your friend. Your best friend. Think about it: you're sitting on a black tube in a reflective body of water under the dead heat of the sun for several hours. Unless you want to end the day burnt to a crisp and red as a beet, apply the SPF generously. Slather it on.

5. Don't drink the water. If your beverage has been compromised by the river, which will happen often in the rapids, cease consumption. The river was made for riding, not drinking. Your stomach (and all your other facilities) will thank you over the course of the next few days.

6. Go flat on your tube when riding through rapids. Pull your tokus up from the center of tube. The river can be quite shallow, and if you're not prepared, a cruel mistress. If you don't go as rigid as possible through the rapids, you may find the river playing pinball with your backside, possibly leaving a mark, but certainly leaving some lingering pain.

7. Most importantly, have fun. Actually it's impossible not to have fun. Tubing on any of Colorado's rivers is one of the most awesome summertime activities. But make sure you go prepared. Map your course so you don't end up inches away from the precipice of a waterfall, and remember to bring two cars so you can easily shuttle from ending point to starting point, and vice versa. Be sure to wear a flotation device (PFD), and make sure you travel with a well-stocked cooler. Pack your trash and take it far away from the river.