I was thinking of going on a camping trip in the Harpers Ferry area and taking my daughter tubing in Antietam Creek. It has small riffles in areas. Has anyone ever gone before and do you think this is OK for 7 year old to do?
Thanks for the fast responses. I think we will go. Everyone including adults have to wear life vests and she can swim small distances by herself. I just didn't want it to be too scary or difficult for her to do.
you'll be right down the road from me!
the creek is on the low side right now due to lack of rain, so the 'riffles' will be minor and probably fun.
do it! you'll have a blast!
:) khairete
S.
Here in Missouri, kids under age 10 are required to wear a PFD on public waterways.
Your state might have similar laws.
I suggest that you bring along a few bungees so you can hook your tube to your daughter's. You can unhook when needed. Also, consider getting a raft instead. Or a bigger, two person tube.
The minimum age and weight requirement for kids is 7 years old and 50 lbs.
I haven't been myself, but I've seen plenty of groups gently floating down the river.
The currents I've seen are pretty gentle (and in some drought years there's not enough water to float the tubes) although I've never seen the whole route.
It can take 4-5 hours.
My son is 4 and he's been river rafting since he was two. Granted, laws are different here in Texas and my son rides in a raft, not in a tube. Or he's in a tube with a mesh botto so he can't fall thru. In your area, call the local people who rent the tubes and ask what they think. They'll likely ask you about her swiming abilities and suggest she wear a life-vest. Places around here in Texas say they will not rent tubes to children under age 5.
So as long as law is fine with her, and so long as she wants to go and feels comfortable in the water - I say go for it. My 4 yr old LOVES the rapid parts the best. We watch damselflies land on our legs. We drink water and juice boxes. We keep our eyes out for turtles. It's a 2.5 hour trip where we go and I consider it "fun family time".
by us you can take little kids tubing down the river but its not a strong current.
I;d J. call and ask the employees. Their answer may change depending on recent weather and how the water is acting.
You could have her wear a personal floatation device. Can she swim? How deep is it? If it is calm water I would let my 7 year old do it with rules.
