While inner tubes, once essential for inflating tires on all kinds of vehicles, disappeared from circulation, they remained very present on European beaches. Many vacationers practiced and gave birth to tubing without even knowing it! Today, and more specifically since the late 1990s, it has become a very popular recreational activity in the United States. The person, sitting on a round inner tube like a well-inflated tire, glides freely on the water (or snow). They can also be pulled by a boat or a car.
Here are four of the most popular sites today.
1 – Ichetucknee Springs State Park – Fort White
About two and a half hours northwest of Orlando, this site is considered the jewel of tubing destinations. With crystal clear water, you can see the white sand at the bottom and observe fish, turtles, and much more. Ichetucknee Springs is described as a peaceful place, and tubing enthusiasts can bring their own equipment or rent it on site. The course is accessible from the south entrance.
For more information: 12087 S.W. U.S. Highway 27, Fort White – Open from 8 a.m. to sunset – Park entrance: $6 per car; plus an optional tram service for $5.50 or shuttle service for $7.50.
2 – Rainbow Springs State Park – Dunnellon
Once a private family amusement park, it is now a state park open to the public, who can enjoy the park’s remaining man-made features, including waterfalls and azalea gardens.
Tubing enthusiasts must enter the park through a separate entrance. Once inside, take the shuttle ($20) to the starting point of the descent, which will take about two hours, or even longer if it starts outside the park at KP Hole.
For your information: 19158 S.W. 81st Place Road, Dunnellon – Open from 8 a.m. to sunset. Park admission: $2 per person. Tubing is not available from October to March.
3 – Rock Springs Run, Kelly Park – Apopka
Located in the heart of Seminole County, this is the shortest circuit in the area and can easily be done several times a day. It is one of the most popular family theme parks in the Orlando area. You can bring a picnic to enjoy during a break away from the water.
For your information: 12087 S.W. U.S. Highway 27, Fort White – Open from 8 a.m. to sunset – Park admission: $6 per car; plus an optional tram service for $5.50 or shuttle service for $7.50.
4 – Blue Spring State Park – Orange City
Less than an hour from Orlando, tubing enthusiasts can rent all the necessary equipment here and launch from a gravel bank, but it is recommended to start the course at the upper entrance of the spring and float down to the main dock. It doesn’t take very long, as the course is only about 200 meters (220 yards) long.
For your information: 2100 W. French Ave, Orange City – Open from 8 a.m. to sunset. Park entrance: $6 per vehicle.
Sources: https://www.floridarambler.com – www.wikipedia.org
