Relax and enjoy the ride
Floating down a river might be the best way to relax and cool off. An inner tube, a free-flowing river, and warm weather combine for a full river tubing experience. Summer is an ideal time to jump in and take advantage of simply floating down a river.
Before you venture out, you might have a few questions. Such as where and when do you go? How long does it take? What should you take with you?
Lexington and Richland Counties have the convenience of the Saluda, Congaree, and Broad Rivers for floating. If you venture outside of the Columbia area, the Catawba and Edisto Rivers are two other hot spots for tubing. Since the water temperatures will be cool, mid-to-late summer is a popular time to go. If a shuttle service is not an option, tubers use their own drivers, or ride shares to manage drop-off and pick-up.
Jake Diehl joins family and friends for river tubing excursions on the Saluda River. “The hotter the better is the time to go. Thankfully you get plenty of hot summer days to choose from in Columbia,” Diehl said. “The water in the lower Saluda comes from the bottom of Lake Murray and it’s so cold, it will take your breath away.” Sounds like a dream in late July to August.
How long does it take to float? It depends on the river and the flow of water. For Jake and his crowd, he said, “It takes about three hours to float down behind the zoo and get out at the Gervais Street Bridge.” He’s usually with a group. “The whole family and about a dozen friends go along every year,” he said. “There is a nice set of rapids behind the zoo that make it a little exciting but otherwise it’s a slow, peaceful, relaxing float.”
The Catawba River is another popular tubing spot, especially on weekends when the weather is warm. It takes anywhere from two to five hours if you float from the dam at Lake Wylie to the Riverwalk in Rock Hill. Some people venture further down the river beyond the Riverwalk for a longer float. The speed of the current and the depth of the water are determining factors in how long the float can take. Tubers typically aren’t in any hurry.
Many people bring their own tubes, with a lot of options to purchase online, and have a driver drop them off and pick them up. Karen Triplett often serves as a driver for her adult daughter Becca and her friends. She said sometimes they tie their tubes together while they float, to stay connected. She recommends checking the dam’s water release schedule, which is available online, and will indicate how long the float might take – give or take a little. Mother Nature still maintains some control.
Another river tubing option is at the Edisto River, just outside Charleston in Ridgeville. Make it a day trip for small or big groups to float down the slow-moving black water. You can purchase tickets online to secure your spot(s).
In our world of alarm clocks, busy work schedules, and appointments, lazily floating down a river could be a respite from daily chaos. Beth and Steve Mack have enjoyed river tubing for years. “If you need a break from the world, consider a river tubing trip,” she said. “The bobbing in the gently flowing water, conversations with friends, and warm sunshine on your face are medicine for the soul.”
Resources for Tubing
Saluda Shoals Park
5605 Bush River Road
Columbia, SC
803-479-9886
Palmetto Outdoor
131 Alexander Road
West Columbia, SC
803-404-8254
Edisto River Adventures
746 Givhans Ferry
Ridgeville, SC
843-695-8146
Bailey’s Outdoor Adventures
575 Herrons Ferry Road
Rock Hill, SC
864-559-8222