On a sunny Adirondack summer morning I set out to the Tubby Tubes Company in Lake Luzerne, just minutes from the Lake George Village, in search of some relaxation and fun. I was certain that water tubing on the Hudson River would give that to me. When I arrived I found that about 50 other people, from little kids to grandmas and grandpas, had the same idea. "I must be in the right spot." I thought.

After I signed up for the trip and was sized for my life jacket, our guide for the day, Phil, gave us a safety review and then we all hopped on the bus. The bus took us on a 15 minute trip to the launching point on the Hudson for the water tubes. The entire ride Phil entertained the crowd with stories filled with the rich history of man and nature that the Adirondacks, and specifically the Hudson River, have to offer.

More Than A Trip Down A River
Once on the river, I quickly realized that water tubing in the Adirondacks is more than just spending time gliding from Point A to Point B – although on a sunny day in Upstate New York not much can beat that. There is so much to appreciate when tubing the Hudson, whether you’re on vacation in the Adirondacks or you’re a local resident in search of a quick getaway to enjoy the outdoors.

Of course, since I was in the Adirondacks, clear views of area mountains stood out, with bright green leaves of the different trees growing in the mountainsides. For a second I imagined water tubing in the Fall to catch the trees as their leaves are changing and creating a pallet of colors against the blue sky.

Nature As It Was Meant To Be Enjoyed
As I glided along I was able to take in some of the wonder the Adirondacks has to offer. I floated between shorelines that change from sandy beaches to huge boulders to pebbly strips that reach into the river. All along the shoreline are the trees that serve as an entrance to the forest from the water. I was away from it all. In fact, the only signs of other people were the colors of the few tents in the woods as you drive to your launch point. As I meandered between the shoreline, I caught a glimpse of some of the local fauna and wildlife. According to Phil, ducks, chipmunks and even eagles are often seen by tubers on their journey.

Informing us on the wildlife around us what just part of what Phil did. He navigated the group through the shallow parts of the river, taught us how to position ourselves in the tube properly so the current would take us down the river and brought us to a resting area where anyone could get off the tubes and swim in a quiet part of the Hudson River. He also gave us tips on how to get our tubes over to the exit point so that no one would get swept down the river for a longer than expected trip.

On the bus ride back to the Tubby Tubes headquarters, the group quietly talked about what we saw and experienced while going down the Hudson. Much of the conversation was regarding the clearness of the water and the sights of nature. These were just some of the reasons that I realized a waterproof camera would have been a good idea. The best reason for the camera is quite possibly to capture the smiles on the faces of the group as we all took time out to relax and enjoy the best of the Adirondacks – water, sun, mountains and wildlife.

The Right Spot
I started the day, in search of some relaxation and fun. What I and the other 50 people in the group found is that when you’re in the Adirondacks, tubing is the perfect way to enjoy the sun’s summer rays as you glide on the clear water past trees of the Adirondack Park as the rising mountains look down from above. “I was in the right spot.”

Anyone Can Go Tubing – No Experience Necessary
Adventure companies like Tubby Tubes Company make it so easy and fun to go water tubing in the Adirondacks. Not only do they provide rides to and from the river, they also provide all the equipment you will need – a life jacket and of course, your tube for the trip. They even provide a guide, like our knowledgeable Phil, who not only shows the group where to go and what to do, but also shares knowledge of natural surroundings to help gain an appreciation of what you are experiencing. The only items they ask you to bring are sunscreen, a towel, swimsuit and a pair of shoes you won’t mind getting wet. Then they ask you to leave your worries behind as you prepare for a trip that’s both fun and relaxing for children, teens and adults of all ages.

Tubby Tubes Company has multiple launch times daily and offers a number of different trips for you to choose from. They have plenty of equipment to accommodate large groups. This way you can plan your adventure well ahead of time or just wake up and decide you want to glide down the Hudson (although they recommend having a reservation). If you have more time, ask your outdoor adventure company about the different style packages they offer, including kayak and canoe rentals, and rafting trips, as well as trips that include hiking adventures for a little exploration of the land.

For more information on Tubby Tubes and their Adirondack adventures, visit their website  or call them at (518) 696-5454.