Tubing in Helen, GA

To celebrate Fathers Day this year we decided to take the kids and do something that we have wanted to do for at least 10 years.

TUBE DOWN THE CHATTAHOOCHEE RIVER IN HELEN!!

We had a great time overall and will definitely go back. Here are some things I wish we had known before we went.

TIPS FOR TUBING IN HELEN:

1. Water shoes, old Tennis Shoes or sandals that strap on your feet are a must. Do not go bare foot or wear flip flops. It is really hard to get your footing in flip flops when you are on the rocks. You will get stuck and occassionally have to get off your float. My flip flops barely made it and Jack lost his completely. Apparently lots of people do as their was a LOST SOULS tree filled with shoes. :)
2. Pushing sticks for each 2 tubes. (They suggest only hooking 2 tubes together for safety and John agreed. He had 3 tubes and it got tricky more than a few times) They sell the pushing sticks there. We made ours with an old broom handle and then tied a string at the top to hold onto. Other people used long thicker sticks.
3. Safety pin your car key inside your suit or somewhere safe.
4. If you are even slightly questioning life jackets go ahead and get them. We put my mom and Maddie in them and I was very glad we did. We had barely got my mom on her tube and she fell in. Safety first. I actually saw somebody on a float with a tiny baby and she did not have a life jacket on her. My opinion NO WAY..
5. Buy a water camera to take with you. I believe they sell them there but they are usually pricey in the shops.
6. Cost for tubing is just $3 per person. You can choose the long ride or a short ride. We went with the long ride and it took us about 2.5 hours. It is definitely worth the money and is a fun family activity. The Greeneteam is already asking when they can go back. We give tubing in Helen two thumbs up!!