How to Go Tubing on the James River
The James River is one of Virginia's most scenic rivers. Spanning over 400 miles, it's the eleventh-longest river in the country. The abundance of natural beauty and state parks make it an ideal destination for anyone who likes to go tubing.
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Instructions
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Select a Portion of the James River for Tubing
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Select a lazy, easy-going portion of the river for tubing. From the river's starting point in the Blue Ridge Mountains on through its tourist-friendly hotspots around Richmond, there are numerous stretches of river to enjoy. Portions of the river have pools and modest rapids, offering a variety of river terrains to experience.
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Brave the intense class III and IV rapids just past Richmond. This 2-mile stretch of the river is especially popular with rafters and canoers. Whitewater rapids can be fun, but you should wait until you're experienced on the water before attempting to conquer them.
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Visit the Fall Line portion of the James River just east of Richmond. This area is popular with boaters and skiers. Tow your inner tube with a motorboat for some high-speed tubing fun.
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Contact state parks to see which of them offer tubing activities. Talk to a privately owned "float house" to see about reserving a guided tubing adventure. Float houses make it easy to rent equipment and purchase supplies in one place.
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Select a destination point to end your tubing trip and arrange for a shuttle bus to meet you there. Shuttle buses are included in any tubing trip you schedule with a float house. Bring a couple of dollars to tip your driver.
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Pack everything you'll need for a day on the river. Since you'll be spending several hours on the water, you'll need to bring your own snacks and drinks. Consider renting an extra tube for a cooler so you'll have access to refreshments as you go. Bring a couple of garbage bags during your tubing trip. Use one of them to store your wet clothes and the other one to keep track of litter. If you're caught littering along the James River, you can receive substantial fines.
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Tips & Warnings
Portions of the James River have restrictions on alcoholic beverages. Makes sure to check with the local laws before loading your cooler with beer.
Bring plenty of sunscreen for your trip. You'll be exposed to direct sunlight for hours while tubing, often during the hottest and brightest portions of the day. Bring a waterproof sunscreen with a high SPF rating, and reapply it throughout the day.
