faq

River Tubin’

How old do you need to be to tube?  Children need to be 5 years old to tube.  We recommend a 1:1 child to adult ratio for safety.  

Do we need lifejackets?  Children 12 and under are required to wear a lifejacket.  You can bring your own or we rent them for $5.  If you do not know how to swim, you WILL need a lifejacket.  The water gets very deep at different parts of the river. 

Do you know the water temperature?  + or – 1 degree above refreshing. 

What can we bring in our coolers?  We do not look at what is inside your cooler.  We just ask that you be responsible and bring ALL trash back with you and absolutely NO STYROFOAM or GLASS BOTTLES. 

Do we need reservations?  River Tubin’ doesn’t require any reservations.  If you’d like to save some dough, book online to save 20%.

Where is the drop off?  When the water is high enough we drop off at Greenhouse.  When it is lower we drop off in Ferndale.  Check the water level that is listed on the Homepage or the River Tubin’ page. 

Where do we go to check in?  Come to our location at 100 Station Street Johnstown, PA 15905

When do your shuttles leave?  Our shuttles depart at the shuttle time that you booked online.  Please arrive 15-30 minutes prior to check-in.

How deep is the water?  When we talk about the level of water, it is just where the gauge is located.  The river will get as shallow as a few inches, and as deep as 12 feet in a couple of pools.

What should we wear? Swimwear always works and we highly recommend having footwear that stays on your feet.  Sandals are not a good idea, unless you want to donate them to the river.  It is called the Stonycreek for a reason and without proper footwear it will be very difficult to walk in the river and once you get out.  Ouch!

Can we tie our tubes together?  When the water level is high enough, it is ok to tie 4 tubes plus a cooler tube max together.  Otherwise the floatilla becomes too difficult to maneuver and can be dangerous.  At lower levels we recommend only tying children to an adult tube.  Otherwise you will get hung up on rocks too often.   

What happens if it rains or thunderstorms while we are on the river?  Rain is ok, lightning is not.  Float to the next bridge and wait out the storm or for a Coal Tubin’ employee to come and give you instructions.  We keep our eye on the weather and do our best to keep customers safe or warn them about incoming weather.  We can’t predict mother nature but we do our best!  Keep your head about you and you’ll be just fine in stormy circumstances.

What if we miss the takeout?  Stay with your tube!  Try to get to the shore and wait for instructions from a Coal Tubin’ employee.    

What if my tube floats away?  We charge $30 for a lost or stolen tube.  Make every effort to hold on to your tube.