How Tubing Got Started?

A lot of people ask me the question. Tubing has been going on for a long time by the local kids in Phoenicia. Back in 1974, while sitting on a fence in front of my sporting goods shop. I saw a bunch of kids rolling tubes down the street heading for the creek. Being the sports nut that I am, I followed them, and thought that tubing looked like great fun. So I picked up a couple of truck tubes and hit the rapids myself with a friend. To be honest, I lost some business that week since I tubed most of it. The following summer, in 1975, I bought 15 tubes and started renting them. We rented 43 tubes that first summer, but it was a start. Since that time, we have made some changes. We started a tube taxi shuttle to drop off points. We experienced that your butt can take a beating, so we added seats to the tubes to make them comfortable. Later, handles were added for better control and safety, and finally life jackets and paddles for even greater safety and control. The rest is history.

By the way, my name is Richie Bedner, but they call me the Tube King. Well, I guess a rubber crown doesn’t hurt as much as a gold one! See you on the creek!

 
Price List – no credit cards
Rental fees include tax
Tube with seat and handles ……….......……………..$12.00
Tube Taxi Trnsportation………………..........…………N/C
Life Jackets………………………………..............……...$3.00
Wetsuit…………………………………................……….$15.00
Bring your own Tube, kayak, facility charge……...$10.00
2nd Trip Rental…………………..........………………...$5.00
Sneakers………………………..............………………...$2.00
Helmets mandatory 9 years – 11 years old……….$3.00
Eyeglass Holders – Sell……….................…...……$2.00 or $3.00
Bumper Stickers…………………............………………$1.00
“I tubed the Esopus and survived” T-shirts available
Disposable waterproof cameras available

Group Rates
If you’re a representative of a group of 25 or more and interested in tubing, please write or call:
F.S. Tube and Raft Rental , P.O. Box 205, Pheonicia, N.Y. 12464
All group rates apply strictly Monday through Friday, except on 4th of July and Labor Day weekend

Facilities
We have changing and bathroom facilities on premesis. Picnic area and grills. Also free parking available at F.S.

Full Water Realeases*
June, July, and September
One weekend each month there is a full water release which brings the Esopus up 1 to 2 feet. Call for release dates. *Water is released every day at about 30% so there is tubing every day. The full water releases are at 90%.
(845) 688-7633 or 1-866-4FS TUBE