Tubing

I can understand if you want to kayak. It’s more dynamic, more thrilling.

When I imagine kayaking, I think of intrepid daredevils battling white water rapids on the Colorado River, skillfully rowing their way between boulders and small waterfalls.

Then I remember that, after working hard all year, the last thing I want to do is work harder this summer and that is why tubing is the better option.

Who wants to exert themselves when they can lay back, go belly up and drift down the river, possibly with their alcoholic beverage of choice in one hand?

In fact, I’d say the hardest challenge of tubing is not doing something, but maintaining the discipline to do nothing. My best experiences tubing are when I let myself go, ignored the cares of the world and allowed myself to relax.

Tubing doesn’t require any kind of skill. Tubers simply have to be able to doggy-paddle so when they inevitably fall in they don’t sink to the bottom of the river like a rock.

It doesn’t require too many resources, certainly not compared to kayaking. A tube is much cheaper than a kayak and there are few worries about transportation or storage. These are not true water vessels. Simply shove that tube in the trunk of the car or in an obscure corner of the garage and it will always be ready for another adventure.

In terms of aquatic journeys, take the scenic route and hop on a tube this summer.

— Gabriel Lagarde, News Editor

Kayaks

Do you enjoy being guided through life like a mindless sheep? Do you enjoy having no control in where you go or what you do? If yes, then you’d probably like tubing.

Tubing involves nothing more than sitting in a tube, waiting for the water to take you where it wants. Aside from helplessly flopping your hands and feet in the water, you have no control over the navigation of your water vessel.

Now hop on my 2014 Sea Eagle Explorer, the inflatable kayak I purchased two summers ago. With its narrow shape and convenient paddles, it can take you wherever it is your heart desires to explore. The kayak deflates completely, making it every bit as portable as a tube.

No longer are the days where you need a car or some other form of transportation to lug your hardshell kayak around. You need only a pump (which comes with the kayak) to set sail.

The next time you’re floating down the Chippewa River and you get to the end, ask yourself this: If was in a kayak right now, would I really have to walk back home with my tube? The answer is no. With a little kayaking experience and a tremendous amount of determination, you could paddle your way back up the river.

So don’t allow yourself to be that mindless sheep; take control of your life (or kayak) and tell it where to go.

— Thomas Hensen, Chief Copy Editor