Cool water, calm river, chilled drinks and classic comradery. If the summer's heat has taken its toll on you, take advantage of Charlottesville's area attractions and hit the James River for a day of beating the sun with wet fun!
James River Reeling and Rafting, located in Scottsville, is a twenty minute drive from Charlottesville. The company offers flexible tubing trip options, perfect for anyone's schedules.
Currently in their fifteenth season, Reeling and Rafting averages 75 visitors on a typical weekday and 350 on the weekends. Due to the high demand, those interested in taking a tubing trip should call at least a day in advance for weekday trips and a week in advance for weekend trips. Once reservations are made, however, tubers are ready to roll.
Shuttles run seven days a week, from 10:30 a.m to 2:30 p.m., leaving each half-hour, to take rafters to the water.
After reaching the river, the true tubing experience begins. The 4-mile stretch of water will take anywhere from 2 to 4 hours to complete, depending on the preference of the participants. Along the way there are places to stop off for awhile, eat lunch, hang out and swim, the most popular being a beach area two-thirds of the way down the river, according to Reeling and Rafting employee Kevin Denby.
There are a few essential items one should make sure to bring on their tubing expedition. A pair of old sneakers or river shoes are required by the company. Visitors should also take into consideration bringing a change of clothes for the ride home.
Prices for tubing are reasonable, with different choices available, depending on what adventure one chooses to create. The most standard package, costing $15, will provide tubers with the shuttle to the river, a tube and rope that can be used to rig large parties together. For groups twenty-five or larger, the same package costs $12. In addition to the packages, a cooler tube can be purchased for $5, or a shuttle ticket for $10.
As well as tubing, those interested in canoeing, rafting, kayaking and fishing can also spend a day, or even a night, on the James River with services provided through Reeling and Rafting.
This year, trips have been unable to run so far due to high river conditions. The company is hoping however to have everything up and running this weekend, including tubing trips, according to Denby.
For more information on trips and daily condition updates, check out the James River Reeling and Rafting website at www.reelingandrafting.com.
Read More
It’s okay not to be okay
By Mai Hukuoka | 2 days agoWhether talking to a friend, a loved one or a professional, it is so necessary, and human, to need more than you can provide for yourself.
Taking a break at Tangerines Kitchen
By Charley Thomas | 3 days agoWhat the restaurant somewhat lacks in ambiance, it compensates for in tasty dishes and prompt service.
Virginia Policy Lab — a hub for student-led policy action
By Katherine Haden | December 9, 2024Students propose their own projects and collaborate with other members to research their issues of interest, brainstorm solutions and write policy proposals.
