Thoughts of a Granola Girlie . . . 

The 18th Annual Boulder, Colorado Tube to Work event saw an impressive turnout, with 500 registered participants eager to embrace this fun alternative commuting option. On June 26, Friday morning in Boulder Colorado, Denver News 9 covered the event LIVE. At 7AM bright and early on Friday, many Boulder locals tubed down river in their business suites, daily work attire and quirky costumes. The co-founder of Tube to Work Day, Jeff Kagan arrived in a water droplet costume! He was gracious enough to give an interview to Denver News 9. In the eighteen years he has been organizing this event, he has never seen the water so low. Kagan gave all attendees the advice to, "lift their bottoms up." Kagan also lead early group stretching and calisthenics. Calisthenics is a form of strength training that uses your own body weight for resistance. After the participant check-in, the opening speech by Jeff Kagan, morning group stretching and ribbon cutting ceremony, it was time to set off on the float downstream. 

The snowpack this year was barely there; Colorado is facing one of its driest years in it's 150 year history.

However, with lower water levels this year due to ongoing drought conditions, participants must prioritize safety and preparedness while kayaking. It is always advised to wear a lifejacket and protective headgear while out on the water. Even if one is a very capable swimmer, it is still strongly encouraged to wear a lifejacket for extra precaution. The protective headgear is recommended due to the risk of flipping the  kayak over and hitting ones head on a rock. These occurrences are fairly common so the gear is needed for one's own safety. The safety gear required to participate in the event are not provided by the event organizers, all participants will need to bring their own. Items needed are: a Lifejacket, a Helmet with chinstrap and closed toed shoes.

Other gear that is recommended on a regular kayaking day would be: water, extra food or snacks, sunscreen (SPF 50+), sunglasses, a hat, and a dry bag.  

Gear rentals are available at the event, equipment provided by Crystal Ski Shop.

Over the many, many years of the event taking place the amount of participants has gradually increased from 8 to 20 to 200 to 500 and in 2018 and 2019, 1,000 participants registered for Tube to Work Day. Due to the COVID pandemic, there was a two year laps in the tradition. However in 2023, organizers brought the Boulder Tubing Community together once more!

Twenty-five percent of every ticket sold for Tube to Work Day is directly donated to Bridge House. Bridge House is an organization that provides a wide range of programs and services to aid adults experiencing homelessness. Covering multiple needs from housing to employment opportunities.

For more information about Bridge House, click on the link provided: http://www.boulderbridgehouse.org 

If you intend on participating in the 2027 Boulder Tube to Work Day be prepared for the ride down river (safety gear not provided), prepare for unpredictable weather, arrive early to check-in for the event, preregister online, and get ready for a day of fun! Ticket prices for 2026 were $22, expect the same if not slightly higher prices for 2027.

Colorado Health Coach emphasizes the importance of honing not just physical health but overall wellness, encouraging individuals to stay informed about their surroundings and the challenges that nature presents. As you navigate the waterways, remember that just like in health coaching, being prepared helps ensure a smooth journey to your goals — whether they be weight loss or simply enjoying a day on the water.

Source(s):

Tube to Work Day Official Website

https://www.tubetoworkday.com/

Denver News 9: Tube to Work Day Coverage

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AZwAKPDEZxI

Axios Boulder

https://www.axios.com/local/boulder/2026/06/26/boulder-tube-to-work-day-drought