White Water Tubing in Sarangani
I never learned how to swim. I used to dread swimming pools and cannot fully explore the water when out on a beach. I also cannot remember why I got so afraid of the water. But on my first trip to Mindanao a few years back, I braved an advanced course on white water rafting along with some male friends because I wanted to challenge myself and not be a kill joy type of girl. Since then, I have been a non-hesitant to water adventures.
I went back to Mindanao earlier this month and experienced white water tubing, yet another exhilarating water adventure! It was part of the itinerary of the Soccskscargen Experience Tour 3, an annual event full of adventure, fun and delicious food while exploring destinations all over South Central Mindanao.
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| Getting ready to start our water tubing adventure. Photo courtesy of Dabaw Pinoy |
White water tubing is available at Maitum, Sarangani Province. The challenge is to navigate 1.6km of white water of the Pangui River at Barangay New La Union. Tubing is alike to rafting. But instead of having a raft and a paddle, water tubing entails sitting on an inflated rubber tire as you navigate through the rapids. These tires have a buttom support to make sure you don't slip right through and 2 rubber vertical handles in front to hold on to for balance.
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| Inflated rubber tires with bottom support. |
There will be a brief orientation at the beginning of the adventure. Listen carefully. They will tell you how to balance yourself inside your designated inflated tube and remind you of things to do or what not to do when you are already in the water.
Each water tuber is accompanied by a guide or two depending on your size. He/they will always stay behind you aboard a separate tire. The guides are there to help you stay afloat, to navigate the water, and to remind you of safety measures during the adventure. You can also trust them to get you back on your tube if in case you lose your balance and fall into the water.
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| Tubers and tubes on a service to be taken to the drop off point. Photo courtesy of Dabaw Pinoy |
Safety gears will be handed out right after the briefing. Make sure to have a guide check that your helmet fits and your life vest properly fastened before your white water tubing adventure. I also recommend safe keeping all valuable items, such as gadgets and jewelry as you may lose them along the way. The vests have pockets at the back that can fit your pair of slippers if you decide to bring them along with you.
I saw that each tube to be used were scrutinized before loading them into the service vehicle that would take it and the participants to the drop off point. It's a bumpy ride so be ready.
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| Tubing at Pangi River in Maitum, Sarangani Photo courtesy of Micamyx |
A final check of safety gears takes place at the drop off area. You will be guided on to your inflated rubber tire and will get final instructions on how to settle in.
Here are a few personal tips to help you enjoy your water tubing adventure:
- Relax - There is a higher tendency that you would fall over or lose your balance when you move a lot inside your inflated tube. Leaning forward is not advisable too for the same reason.
- Anticipate splashes - It is inevitable that you will be facing (literally) splashes of water as you battle the rapids. These splashes is painful when it comes up to your nose. Keep your eyes open at all times and anticipate these splashes so you will be prepared. Try to keep your head up or hold your breath or exhale when you hit a splash.
- Hold on - Always hold on to the handles in front of your tube. They don't really navigate you through the river. It is there to help you balance yourself, specially when you hit a big splash or rapid. If you need to wipe water off your face, make sure you are on calmer waters.
- Open your eyes - The river is full of large rocks. If your eyes are closed, you will not be able to lift your leg to avoid these rocks. And well, the view is great. It would be a waste not to enjoy it.
- Goggles and shoes - It is optional but would be very helpful to wear goggles and amphibian shoes. The goggles can help you avoid water on your eyes, specially on splashes. Protection for your feet against those rocks is always a better idea.
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| With my guide, Jonjie. |
White Water Tubing in Maitum, Sarangani costs approximately Php120 or ($3) and will take around 45 minutes. It is a must for every adventurer that would set foot on South Mindanao, Philippines. It is absolutely a one of a kind experience.
For inquiries, please visit the Official Website of the Municipality of Maitum. You may also want to check out this article on the same site that captured me during our water tubing challenge.