Downstream

Salt River Tubing Season Opens Soon

Just around the corner — or more aptly just "downstream" — is the season for one of Arizonans’ favorite watersports: tubing the Salt River.

Depending on weather and water-flow conditions, the opening date for this traditional summer sport is Saturday, May 6.

The 2005 all-day rate was $13 per person/tube, included tube rental and shuttle bus service, and could be paid in cash only. Shuttle bus service without the tube rental was $10 per person/tube.

Operating hours were 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. during the ’05 season, and requirements were a deposit of one valid driver’s license per five tubes rented and a $20 penalty for a lost or stolen tube.

Other guidelines last season included the following:

• children needed to be eight years or older and 4 feet tall for tubing or shuttle bus service,
• glass containers were prohibited by law in the Lower Salt River Recreational Area and would be confiscated,
• ice chests were inspected, and
• participants were required to bring plastic containers or cans.

For more information on the 2006 tubing season, please contact Lynda Breault at (480) 984-3305 or visit www.saltrivertubing.com.