The sun is hot, almost too hot as you stretch out on your black inner tube. As you drift lazily around the creek's bend, a noise appears, faint but you recognize it well. That faint noise quickly becomes a low roar. Gradually becoming louder, you notice that you are tensing up a little. You look ahead but all you see is the gentle rippling of calm water. Moving faster now, that noise becomes a very loud roar. Looking ahead, this time you see the calm water end as the water sprays into the air and the rapids begin. Your adrenaline rushes and your breaths come quicker as you get your first look at what's to come. There is no time for adjustments now, the position you have will have to do. The front of the tube dips down as the back seems to rise and you go into this hole. Then suddenly you hit this wall of water and there is a pause as the water rushes over the edge of the tube. Then it repeats, each time causing you to lose a bit more of that safe seating you had. If you are not careful, one rogue wave will send you flying out of your tube!

Located in the heart of the Catskill Mountains is a five mile stretch of river that has become one of the most popular tubing courses around. People come from all over to ride the rapids and drift with the currents of the Esopus Creek. The Esopus Creek is located in the Ulster County section of the Catskill Mountains. From its source high on Slide Mountain, it flows 26 miles to the Ashokan Reservoir. As a link in the New York City water system, the Esopus receives a huge flow of water through a tunnel from the bottom of the Schoharie Reservoir. This 50-60 degree water then crashes down stream over a boulder strewn bottom creating excellent white water conditions for tube runs. Your transport down this creek is nothing more than the soft inner tube of a truck tire. It's a giant black rubber donut with a wooden board lashed with nylon rope in the hole for a seat. Cleverly fashioned from that rope is a pair of handles that you will need to hang on for dear life.

There are two tubing courses to choose from. The five mile Upper Course, which begins at the water release point on the creek known as the portal, takes 2 hours to complete. This course is recommended for adults since it is much more challenging due to larger, faster and more frequent rapids. The four mile Lower Course, which is recommended for children and families, takes 1 hour and 45 minutes to complete. While the water on this course has a swift current, the rapids are smaller and less frequent. Another factor that determines the intensity of the rapids is the percentage of the water release. The water release from the portal is generally only 30% of the maximum release, however once a month there is a 100% water release. This full water release brings the creek level up a few feet generating fewer rocks and much faster rapids. If you have never tubed before, it is a good idea to complete the Lower Course first on a full water release weekend.

With the water temperature between 50-60 degrees, when you first step into the water it is cold. Some choose to wear a wetsuit, however when the air temperature hits 80 degrees it really isn't necessary. In fact, during a good heat wave, the water is quite refreshing. Once you drift further down the creek the water seems to get warmer. I am not sure if this is due to the sun heating up the water or the fact that your are too busy anticipating the next rapid to think about the water temperature.

All this talk about rapids bring up a good point: Is tubing the Esopus safe? Despite the rocks and the fast current, I think it's about as safe as your bathtub. It may seem scary at times, but as long as you don't panic, you'll be fine. Richie Bedner, the owner of F-S Tube & Raft Rental in the town of Phoenicia located along the Esopus, is looking out for you. He will not allow children to take the Upper Course. "The kids will be sad, but at least they'll be alive," he says, "And when the adults come back from the Upper Course they'll be thanking me." Richie will tell you everything you need to know for a safe, fun time. And when the creek gets too fast or the obstacles are too dangerous, he won't let you go.   All in all, if it is a hot day, there is no better way to cool off than to take a wild and fun ride down the Esopus.

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