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Take to the river in your own inflatable tube and enjoy a more hands-on way to experience moving water. You’ll float, spin, and ride natural features as you work with the current rather than against it. It’s a playful session that still gives you a real feel for the river.
You’ll start by getting kitted out and running through a clear safety briefing on the riverbank. The guide will explain how to control your tube, position yourself in the water, and move safely through different types of flow. Once you’re on the water, the first section is all about getting comfortable—learning how your tube responds, how to steer, and how to work with the current.
As you progress downstream, the river begins to pick up pace. You’ll move through small rapids, catch gentle waves, and have the chance to try out different ways of riding the water. Because you’re sitting directly in the flow, everything feels more immediate and connected. There’s also time for a few river-based challenges and games, keeping things varied while building your confidence.
Towards the end, you’ll link everything together on a longer stretch of river. By this point, most people feel much more in control and able to read what’s ahead. The session finishes with time to get changed and warm up, usually with a few good moments to look back on from the water.
Sessions take place on a selection of rivers across Cumbria and the Lake District, with the exact stretch chosen based on conditions. This allows each trip to be run on water that suits tubing best, whether that’s a more playful section or something with a bit more pace.
A regular meeting point is near Backbarrow, Ulverston, Cumbria, close to the southern lakes area. Final details are always confirmed the day before, with clear instructions on where to meet and where to park. Most locations are within easy reach of the M6, making access straightforward.
You should be comfortable in and around water, as you’ll be sitting directly in the flow for much of the session. A reasonable level of fitness helps, as you’ll be moving yourself through the river and staying active throughout. Breaks are built in, and the guide adjusts things to suit how the group is getting on. The maximum weight limit is 120kg due to safety equipment requirements.
Anyone under 18 must be accompanied by an adult guardian. You’ll need to bring swimwear, a towel, and dry clothes for after the session. Sturdy closed-toe footwear is essential, such as old trainers or water shoes, as these will be worn in the river.
The team behind these sessions are active whitewater kayakers with years of guiding experience on rivers in the UK and further afield. Their focus is on using real river environments rather than fixed or artificial setups, choosing locations that properly suit tubing and the conditions on the day. Every session is guided with a strong emphasis on safety while keeping things relaxed and enjoyable.
They keep things simple—good equipment, clear instruction, and a proper understanding of how rivers behave. Each session is shaped around the group, meaning you’re not just following a set routine. The aim is to give you a genuine day on the water that feels fun, natural, and well run from start to finish.
Tubing is a more individual experience, where you ride the river in your own inflatable tube rather than as part of a group in a raft. This means you’re closer to the water and feel every movement of the current.
Because of this, it tends to feel more playful and hands-on. You’ll spin, drift, and move independently, while still being guided and supported throughout the session.
No experience is required to join. The session is designed so that beginners can get involved and learn everything they need on the day.
The guide will talk you through how to control your tube and stay safe before you get on the water, then continue helping you as you go along.
Conditions are always checked before running a session. Tubing works well in a range of levels, but if the river is too high or pushy, it may not be safe to continue.
If that happens, you’ll be offered an alternative such as rafting or another suitable option. The aim is always to give you a proper experience rather than forcing something that doesn’t work.
Most of the session is spent on the water, but there are natural breaks throughout. These give you time to rest, warm up slightly, and listen to the next set of instructions.
Some sections may also involve short walks between river features, depending on the location and layout of the route.
Arrive wearing swimwear underneath your clothes so you can get changed into your wetsuit easily. Bringing a towel and warm, dry clothes for afterwards is important.
Footwear needs to be secure and closed-toe, such as trainers or proper water shoes. These will stay on throughout the session and help protect your feet.
It can be active at times, especially when moving yourself through the water or controlling your position in faster sections. However, it’s manageable for most people with a basic level of fitness.
The pace is adjusted to suit the group, and breaks are included so you’re not constantly working without a rest.
You don’t need to be a strong swimmer, but you should feel comfortable in the water. You’ll be wearing a buoyancy aid at all times, which helps keep you afloat.
The guide will also explain what to do if you end up out of position, so you feel prepared before getting into the river.
The exact meeting point is confirmed the day before your session. This is because the best river location can change depending on conditions.
You’ll receive clear directions, parking information, and timings, so everything is straightforward when you arrive.
Tubing is suitable for those aged 12 and above, provided they are accompanied by an adult. It’s a good way for younger people to experience moving water in a controlled environment.
Guides keep a close eye on everyone throughout, making sure the session stays safe while still being enjoyable.
We had an amaxinng experience tubing just outside Kendal on the river Kent, truly breathtaking scenery and such a great adventure to accompany such idyllic scenery. Our guide Dan was a top bloke and really knowledgeable, he took us to some incredible areas and was really helpful and guided everyone…
Operated by Whitewater North, a partner of adventuro.
