River Tubes Reimagined: Meet the Badfish Dingy

"You know, dude...I kind of don't like tubing," I said to my longtime friend and Badfish co-founder, Zack Hughes.

Zack leaned back in his chair, looked over at me and said, "Me neither."

We both started laughing. After all, we make a river tube called the Donut, and people love them. Our local whitewater park here in Salida is crawling with tubers in the summer, and thanks to our friends at Totally Tubular, the local tubing outfitter, a whole lot of them are floating around in our tubes.

It's not that we're river tubing haters. We love seeing people out having fun on the Arkansas River in the middle of summer. I think the problem is that we're both longtime whitewater kayakers and paddlers. And yeah, maybe we're a couple of control freaks.

We don't particularly enjoy being at the mercy of the current. We like to drive, not be passengers on the river.

Zack, being the designer around here and the ultimate creative engine behind Badfish, got his wheels turning.

Why couldn't you paddle a river tube? Come to think of it, why couldn't a river tube be elongated and directional so you could actually paddle it forward? What about adding a little rocker to help it punch through whitewater?

Holy mackerel. Did we just come up with the best whitewater tube in history?

That's roughly how the Dingy was born. And judging by the response, we weren't alone in thinking a river tube could be more.

People love this thing. We've seen videos from as far away as New Hampshire of people raising hell on their local rivers in the Dingy. We took a few along on a seven-day trip down Idaho's Salmon River this summer, and our friends were practically fighting over them.

The Dingy has changed the tubing experience by giving people a new way to get out on the water. But before we get into what makes it different, let's talk about river tubes in general.

Not All River Tubes Are Created Equal

At its core, tubing is about simplicity. Grab a tube, jump in the river and let the current do the work. There's practically no learning curve, which is a big part of its appeal.

But there's a pretty big difference between a cheap inflatable tube designed for a few afternoons on the water and a purpose-built river tube that will last for years.

The Basic River Tube

River tubing has been around since someone first looked at an old inner tube and thought it might be fun to float down the river in it.

And honestly, a lot of the tubes people use today haven't progressed much since then.

You've seen the cheap plastic river tubes sold at big-box retailers across the country. You know where else you've seen them? In the trash or deflated along the banks of the river.

These tubes are designed to be inexpensive, not necessarily durable. They work, and they're an easy way to cool off on a hot day, but thin materials and basic construction make them susceptible to punctures and leaks.

If you're planning to spend much time tubing, it's worth investing in something built to last.

The Durable River Tube

A quality river tube should be built with the same attention to materials and construction that goes into other inflatable river craft, like whitewater rafts.

Our Donut river tube is a great example. It's constructed from durable PVC with welded seams. The Donut takes a familiar design and builds it to withstand years of use.

A quality river tube should also have a reliable inflation valve. The Donut uses a valve similar to those found on inflatable whitewater rafts, rather than the basic air-mattress-style valves commonly found on inexpensive tubes.

The result is a durable river tube that's ready for a whole lot of summer adventures.

Meet the Dingy: A Whitewater Tube You Can Actually Paddle

This is where things get interesting.

The Dingy takes the simplicity and fun of a traditional river tube and adds something that's been missing: control.

Its elongated, directional shape allows you to paddle it much like an inflatable kayak or packraft. But unlike those boats, it's also a ridiculously comfortable river tube when you just want to kick back and float.

Think of it as the illegitimate child of a river tube and a packraft.

Here's what makes the Dingy different.

A Directional Shape Built for Comfort and Control

When you sit in a traditional river tube, you drop your backside into the hole and drape your arms and legs over the sides.

The Dingy's elongated shape and larger-diameter rear tube create a different experience. You can kick back and lounge with your feet stretched out over the front tubes, almost like having your own floating ottoman.

But when you want to paddle, you simply pull your feet inside and sit upright.

Suddenly, you're not just along for the ride. You can maneuver, choose your line and actively paddle downstream.

Built for Whitewater Tubing

The Dingy isn't just a traditional tube stretched into a different shape. We designed it specifically with moving water in mind.

Its durable construction is built for the demands of river use. The elevated four-inch floor (the 4xFloor) allows water to drain after you splash through whitewater, while the rocker in the nose helps the tube ride up and over waves.

Pair it with our Dingbat paddles, and you've got a whitewater tube that gives you a whole new level of maneuverability.

Of course, it's still a tube, not a replacement for a whitewater kayak. But for suitable river conditions, it opens up a whole new way to experience the river.

And when you're ready to stop paddling? Kick your feet up and let the river do the work.

Our Favorite River Tubing Destinations

One of the great things about river tubing is how many places you can do it. From mellow scenic floats to whitewater parks, there are tubing destinations all over the country.

Before heading out, do your homework. Not every section of river is appropriate for tubing, and conditions can change dramatically with water levels.

Check with local outfitters or retailers for current river conditions, recommended put-ins and take-outs, and potential hazards. Scout your route, pay particular attention to dams and other dangerous obstacles, and always wear a properly fitted personal flotation device.

Here are a few of our favorite places to get out on the water.

River Tubing in Salida, Colorado

We might be a little biased, but our hometown of Salida has a fantastic tubing scene.

The Arkansas River runs right through downtown, and the local whitewater park has become a summer playground for tubers, kayakers and river surfers.

One popular option is to lap the whitewater park, floating through its four drops before taking out and walking back upstream.

For a longer outing, there are additional access points, including Marvin Park upstream and Stockyard Bridge downstream. These longer sections require more planning and an understanding of current river conditions.

Stop by the Badfish Surf Shop for local information, and check out Totally Tubular for tube and Dingy rentals.

River Tubing in Golden, Colorado

Clear Creek in Golden has become one of Colorado's most popular tubing destinations.

Much like Salida, Golden has a downtown whitewater park where you can float through a series of drops and use the adjacent path to walk back upstream for another lap.

Although Golden is just outside Denver, it feels like a small mountain town tucked against the foothills of the Front Range.

Be aware that Clear Creek can have powerful currents, especially during spring runoff, and tubing restrictions may be in effect.

Check with Adventure West or Golden River Sports for rentals, current conditions and local information.

River Tubing in Bend, Oregon

The Deschutes River in Bend is a premier summer tubing destination.

Tubers can enjoy a scenic float through town before navigating the dedicated tubing passage at Bend's Whitewater Park, just downstream of the Colorado Avenue Bridge.

One of the coolest things about Bend is how the river is integrated into the town. There's even an amphitheater along the river where you can catch the sounds of a summer concert while floating past.

And if you're into river surfing, Bend has an excellent standing wave worth checking out.

Stop by Tumalo Creek for rentals, gear and local knowledge.

River Tubing in San Marcos, Texas

The San Marcos River in San Marcos, Texas, is a natural wonder.

This spring-fed river emerges from the limestone landscape with crystal-clear water that stays relatively warm year-round.

The river winds through town, and Rio Vista Park features three whitewater drops that make it a popular spot for paddlers and experienced river users.

There are several tubing outfitters in the area, and nearby New Braunfels offers even more tubing opportunities, including the Guadalupe River.

If you're planning to visit Rio Vista, check current conditions and local guidance before attempting the drops.

River Tubing in Asheville, North Carolina

The French Broad River flows right through Asheville, making it a great destination for a scenic summer float.

At suitable summer flows, you can enjoy a beautiful, tree-lined trip through town, including views of Asheville's River Arts District.

This is more of a mellow river tubing experience than a whitewater park, but that's part of its appeal.

If you haven't visited this mountain town in western North Carolina, put it on your list.

Check with Asheville Adventure Company for rentals and local river information.

River Tubing in Boise, Idaho

The Boise River flows right through town and is a fantastic place to cool off on a hot summer day.

Once spring runoff subsides and conditions are appropriate, the river offers a popular summer floating experience.

The Boise River Greenbelt follows the river through town, making it easy to enjoy the surrounding parks and scenery.

Check official local float information for approved put-ins, take-outs and current conditions.

And stop by Idaho River Sports for gear and local knowledge.

Essential River Tubing Gear

One of the biggest appeals of river tubing is its simplicity. You don't need a truckload of gear to have a great day on the water.

That said, a few essentials can make your outing safer, more comfortable and a whole lot more fun.

Personal Flotation Device (PFD)

You wouldn't drive without a seat belt. Don't go on the river without a PFD.

Choose a properly fitted, U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket.

Dry Bag

A small dry bag is perfect for keeping track of essentials like your keys, wallet and phone.

A simple roll-top bag will do the trick. Just make sure it's properly closed and securely attached.

River Tubing Paddles

Paddles? For tubing?

Yep.

Traditionally, tubers have relied on their hands to get around. But reaching over the sides of a tube can be a hassle, especially for people with shorter arms.

And when you want to maneuver, a paddle can make a big difference.

Our Dingbat and Double Dingbat paddles are designed specifically for tubing. Personally, I like the Double Dingbat in the Dingy and the single-bladed version in the Donut.

They're compact, easy to use and add a whole new dimension to the tubing experience.

Get Out There and Go River Tubing

At its core, tubing is just like all the other activities we're passionate about. It's another excuse to get out on the water with friends and family.

River tubing is a great entry point into river sports, but it's also a heck of a lot of fun for salty veterans like Zack and me.

With the Dingy and Donut, we've planted our flag in the world of durable, purpose-built river tubes. Whether you want to kick back and float or grab a paddle and take control, we've got you covered.

As always, we're here to help you have more fun on the water. Hit us up anytime, and we'll help get you dialed in for your next tubing adventure.