Zak Wood / Colorado Daily

CU senior Brandon Griffin tubes into a Boulder Creek rapid during the spring runoff Wednesday afternoon. Griffin is spending his summer working five different jobs.

Coming soon is one of Boulder's most popular summertime activities: tubing the Boulder Creek. Equal parts exhilarating and relaxing, tubing in Boulder is one of the true rites of summer.

Tubers may begin their journey at the Conoco station on the corner of Arapahoe and Broadway, where tubes may be purchased for about $12 plus tax, and the air is free.

Another option is Whitewater Tube Co., located near Eben G. Fine Park, one of the launching points for tubes on the Boulder Creek.

Whitewater Tube Co. will soon open its doors for tube rental, starting at $6 a day, as well as the option to purchase for $12. "We open the first weekend in June," said Pete, an employee.

As well as sales, Whitewater has advice. "The most popular section is the white-water park," Pete said. "It gets more mellow the further you go."

Foot wear, helmets and life jackets are recommended, but not required. Helmets and life jackets are available for rent from Whitewater.

"Bring some sort of foot wear," Pete said. "Shoes or sandals."

It is also recommended to pay attention to conditions in the creek, such as temperature, water level and the speed at which the creek flows.

"Water flow is huge," Pete said.

The creek's water level is also important to note, as it is likely to be closed to tubers should the water rise too high, a common occurrence on the Boulder Creek.

Although the creek is relaxing, there is a degree of risk involved, and tubers are recommended to heed certain precautions.

Lifejackets and helmets, while not required, are recommended, though not very popular amongst tubers.

"It's a good idea," said Commander Phil West of the Boulder Sheriff's Office.

"Some type of head protection would be valuable," West said. "That would be the safest way to go."

West also advised that tubers should "go with someone else and make sure there's some means of communication," such as a cell phone.

Tubers who bring their children along are advised to be cautious as well. "Parents shouldn't overestimate the abilities of their children," West said.

Finally, the use of alcohol while tubing is discouraged.

"Don't be drinking and tubing," West said.

Contact Steven Sinclair about this story, please call (303) 443-6272, ext. 113, or at editor@coloradodaily.com.