From Behind A Desk to Behind A Boat: My First Tubing Adventure on Lake Coeur d’Alene
Working at Coeur d’Alene Boat Rentals has given me a ton of great memories already in just a few short years. I’ve learned a lot about how these boats work and how to maintain them. I’ve gotten adept at controlling them even in rough conditions and tight spaces. I’ve been able to see the full length of the lake for the first time. But with all of that being done in the name of work, there was one element that had eluded me: I’d never actually gone tubing before! Thankfully, I was able to change that late last summer and get on the water myself for pleasure instead of business.
The Industry Paradox
I almost didn’t want to write about this, because I felt like it would hurt my credibility. But instead I realized that it is worth sharing the very relatable experience of being a part of something that you yourself don’t get to partake in. It felt like being a referee who knows all the rules, all of the intricacies of a sport, without ever having played it for real themselves. I’d spent two seasons helping people take out these wonderful toys of ours, instructing them on best practices and regulations, teaching them how to operate the boats and where to go. But I had never actually taken a boat out myself, just for fun!
Cloudy With A Chance of Adventure
Deep into a busy season, I began to itch for my chance. I’d be lying if I said there wasn’t a hint of jealousy, seeing all of these families coming back after having the best time of their summer (or even the time of their lives!), knowing that I still didn’t know what it was like. So I kept a keen eye on the calendar and waited for just the right conditions: a gloomy day in August. Having spoken with my fiancee and her family, we had a couple of weekends picked out that worked for everyone. But the trouble with working both outdoors and in the tourism industry is, when it’s good for you to go out, it’s good for *everyone* to go out! And I didn’t want to take time off knowing that the rest of my team would have to soldier on without me while I was having fun.
Thankfully, my crew is amazing. One of my bosses caught wind of what I was planning, and managed to flex their own schedule so they could help cover me while I was away. Turns out I didn’t need to wait for a colder day after all. I immediately contacted my family and booked the boat for us.
Taking Your Own Advice
I was able to get out nice and early with my fiance, her brother, sister-in-law, and their three teen daughters. We headed to Mica Bay, a popular destination we often encourage our guests to check out. The sun was out and the water was *perfect*! I understand that’s what everyone says, but it really was incredible how warm and inviting it was. After swimming a little to get acclimated to the water, it was time to get out there and start throwing people on (and off!) the tube. The girls wanted to go first, naturally. They had all done it before, but they still listened intently to my safety talk – a testament to the thorough briefings we give all our guests at Coeur d'Alene Boat Rentals. We went over hand signals, how fast they wanted to go, and the importance of the orange flag, which the youngest skillfully managed from the boat.
They flopped onto the tube and slowly drifted away from the boat. They gave the thumbs up, and I engaged the throttle. The motor roared to life, accompanied by a squeal from the girls and some laughter from their parents. As I pressed the throttle forward, coaxing the boat to rip through the lake faster and faster, I glanced over my shoulder. The look on the girls' faces as their tube skipped across the water was a mix of intense concentration and unrestrained joy. I carved a turn and the tow rope arced over the boat’s wake, the girls hanging on and shrieking with excitement. They bounced and jolted and jostled atop the inflated disc until their grips failed and they skidded out to the side, momentarily skittering along the surface until that too gave way and they fully hit the water. Exhausted, they must have been glad to be wearing vests that only minutes before they were protesting being forced to wear.
With the youngest sister holding the orange flag aloft, I circled back around to pick them up. Once I got close enough I stopped the engine and their dad shouted, “You girls skipped like a stone!” They laughed and talked over one another as they tried to explain whose fault it was that they finally fell off. They got back on board, buzzing with excitement and said, “Who’s next??” That’s when my fiance volunteered us to go on my first ride.
Floating out on the tiny raft, she gave me pointers on where to grip and what muscles were about to be very upset. Before I knew it, I felt a tremendous yank in my arms and we were on our way! Everything next is really a bit of a blur. It both flew by and seemed to last forever (as I was gripping the handles with all my might). Don’t get me wrong, I love my future brother-in-law… But I think we both wondered if he had it out for us! As someone with a lot of experience kayak surfing, I know it always feels faster and bigger when you’re right at the water’s level. Still, I could not believe how intense it felt. I know at one point I had flipped onto my back and my hips were sliding out from under me off the tube. Somehow, an extreme amount of stubbornness managed to keep my ride alive. For a little while, anyway. Eventually, we also turned into skipping stones, ricocheting over the surface of the water until finally coming to an awkward splashing stop.
Never Too Old
As we headed back to the gas station — many hours and many more wipeouts later — we all laughed and talked about how we hadn’t had that much fun in who knows how long. How it was going to be a memory the girls will talk about for years. How “we should do this kinda thing more often!” How sore we’d all be in the morning. Through it all, I was struck by how true those sentiments all were. In spite of this being my job for two years, I had not only never had an experience like this, but I’d almost been putting it off. Or… devaluing it, in my mind. That feels like a better word for it. I personally had helped guests learn how to do everything, helped prep them for the 'time of their lives' that they were about to have. And I don't think I didn't believe what I was saying. Instead, I think I just had convinced myself that it was fine and all, but maybe not for me – too time consuming, or too hard to get everyone together, or even that I was too old for that kind of fun, whatever that meant. What I realized was that our company truly makes it effortless for anyone to create these unforgettable memories, no matter their age or experience level, and that includes me.
Sitting here now, reflecting on that day, I am happy to report how wrong all of my concerns were. Already this spring the girls have asked when we’re going out on the boat again. Knowing how much joy it brought them is a real strong motivator. But you better believe I’m going to have another turn on the tube. And yeah, I’ll be sore in the morning. But it’ll be worth it. It’s always worth it.
If you’re ready to create your own memories that will last a lifetime, now is the time. Boats are available seven days a week. Book yours today with Coeur d’Alene Boat Rentals, whether it’ll be your first time on the water, or you’re ready to experience the thrill all over again. We love our Lake Life here, and we believe you will too.
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