SRTR Pirates 2016
There will be pirate sightings on the Lower Salt River as they celebrate Get Outdoors Day (GO Day) with Salt River Tubing on Saturday, June 10, from 8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Pirates will sail the Salt River on tubes while brandishing swords, waving pirate flags and humming Yo, Ho, Ho and a bottle of water. National GO Day, celebrating its 10th annual event, is a fan favorite.
Free pirate bandanas will be tendered to the first 1,000 participants. Salt River Tubing also will award free tubing passes for the best pirate tuber costumes.
“Join us for the time of your life at our Salt River Pirates event,” said Salt River Tubing President and Chief Executive Officer Henri Breault. “Buccaneers can kick up their heels with our pirate line dancers, grab a photo opportunity with Smokey Bear, and ride our pirate warships (shuttle buses) to and from the Salt River. GO Day is keyed to enticing first-time visitors to the great outdoors and enjoying the mountain-stream waters of the Salt River while floating in the mini-Grand Canyon of Tonto National Forest,” he continued. “Our recreational paradise is a fun-filled adventure in the great outdoors.”
According to GO Day organizers, participants from federal agencies, nonprofit organizations and the recreation industry have teamed up to host the 10th annual event to encourage healthy, active outdoor fun at sites across the nation. On Saturday, June 10, these diverse partners will offer opportunities for American families to experience traditional and nontraditional types of outdoor activities. Prime goals of the day are reaching currently underserved populations and first-time visitors to public lands, as well as reconnecting our youth to the great outdoors.
The event’s invited exhibitors include Tonto National Forest, Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office Lake Patrol and Monster Energy beverage company. Extra splash and sizzle includes live entertainment by
KISS FM 104.7 radio station, pirate coin grabs, water cannon battles and free giveaways.
On April 25, Governor Doug Ducey issued Arizona’s Great Outdoors Month proclamation, which states, “Arizona is blessed with outstanding opportunities for safe and healthy fun in the Great Outdoors enjoying our natural splendors in the company of family and in the company of old and new friends.”
The pilot effort of National Get Outdoors Day was launched on June 14, 2008. Building on the success of 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, 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, 138 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 of tube rental is $17 per person or tube, which includes inner tube rental, shuttle bus service and free parking at Salt River Tubing.
Tubing Tips
- Children must be at least 8 years or older and 4 feet tall for tubing and shuttle bus service.
- Glass containers are prohibited by law in the Lower Salt River Recreational Area and will be confiscated. Ice chests will be inspected for glass containers before boarding shuttle buses. Please use plastic bottles or aluminum cans.
- Have a great time during your floating beach blasts, but remember that drugs, alcohol and the Salt River do not mix. Responsibly appoint a designated driver before your tubing adventure.
- Daily operating hours at Salt River Tubing are from 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Salt River Tubing is located in Northeast Mesa, in the Tonto National Forest. The fun is located just 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 saltrivertubing.com and nationalgetoutdoorsday.org, or call (480) 984-3305.