The swashbuckling Salt River Pirates will be singing Yo-Ho-Ho, and a Bottle of Water as they celebrate the ninth annual National Get Outdoors Day (GO Day) event at Salt River Tubing, on Saturday, June 11, from 8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Salt River Tubing will tender free pirate bandanas to the first 1,000 buccaneers during National Get Outdoors Day. Free tubing passes will be awarded to participants throughout the event for the best pirate tuber costumes. Buccaneers can frolic in the pirate-themed merriment as costumed Salt River Tubing employees and pirate warships (shuttle buses) ferry the Salt River pirates to and from the river.
Salt River Tubing’s infamous pirate line dancers will be performing hourly during the event. Live entertainment will be offered by KISSFM 104.7 radio station, including water cannon battles, pirate coin grabbers, contests and free giveaways. Invited exhibitors include Tonto National Forest, Smokey Bear, Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office Lake Patrol, Maricopa County Attorney’s Office Anti-Dui Task Force and Monster Energy.
“Salt River Pirates is the second highest visitation day on the Lower Salt River during the summer,” said Salt River Tubing President and Chief Executive Officer Henri Breault. “Everyone wants to be a pirate as they shoot the rocking rapids on the river. Our pirate-themed event endeavors to capture the attention of teens and their families and create a unique, memorable adventure in beautiful Tonto National Forest,” he continued. “We hope our guests will return for multiple visits, and enjoy the natural wonders of the mini-Grand Canyon of our recreational paradise.”
Launched on June 14, 2008, the pilot effort of National Get Outdoors Day was built on the success of the More Kids in the Woods and other important efforts to connect Americans—especially children—with nature and active lifestyles. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Forest Service and the American Recreation Coalition agreed to lead an inclusive, nationwide effort, focusing on a single day when people would be inspired and motivated to get outdoors.
GO Day partnered with federal, state and local agencies, as well as key enthusiast organizations and recreation businesses to create a healthy, fun day of outdoor adventure aimed at reaching first-time visitors to public lands and reconnecting children to the outdoors. Last year, 171 official GO Day sites across the nation welcomed thousands of new faces to the joy and benefits of the great outdoors.
Salt River Tubing operates in Tonto National Forest under permit of the USDA Forest Service.
The cost is only $17 per person or tube, which includes tube rental, shuttle bus ride and free parking at Salt River Tubing.
Tubing Tips
Children must be 8 years old or older and at least 4 feet tall for tube rental and shuttle bus service.
Glass containers are prohibited by law in the Lower Salt River Recreational Area and will be confiscated. Ice chests and coolers will be inspected for glass containers before boarding shuttle buses.
Have a great time on the Lower Salt River by responsibly appointing a designated driver before beginning your tubing adventure.
Drugs, alcohol and the Salt River do not mix. Play it safe, and just don’t do it.
Daily hours of operation are from 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., with weather and water flow permitting. Salt River Tubing is open seven days a week.
Salt River Tubing is located in beautiful Tonto National Forest, just seven minutes from Highway 202 East and Power Road Exit 23A.
For more information about Salt River Tubing and National Get Outdoors Day (GO Day), please visit their websites at www.saltrivertubing.com and www.nationalgetoutdoorsday.org, or call (480) 984-3305.