DIY Tubing Adventure on the Hermon Stream
Translated & summarized from Ynet by baba
Travel blogger Kobi Peled, "Kuku Trip," outlines a do-it-yourself tubing adventure on Israel's lower Hermon Stream, emphasizing safety precautions and offering tips for enjoying the water independently.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- A travel blogger shared a guide for a free, independent tubing experience on the lower Hermon Stream.
- The activity involves using an inflatable raft and drifting downstream for about two hours.
- A stationary circular eddy and occasional Tarzan rope offer alternative water activities.
- The blogger stresses that independent tubing is dangerous and requires caution.
- Safety measures include checking flow, planning exits, and ensuring swimming ability.
Travel blogger Kobi Peled, known online as "Kuku Trip," has shared a guide for an independent and free tubing experience on the lower Hermon Stream, also known as Banias.
Peled suggests purchasing an inflatable raft from a gas station or toy store and entering the water near the Eucalyptus campsite. From there, tubers can drift for approximately two hours downstream to Joseph's Bridge. He notes that this route has been known for ages but is not widely practiced today due to lack of awareness.
For those preferring a stationary activity, Peled highlights a circular eddy at the Shaked campsite where visitors can float repeatedly. Sometimes, a "Tarzan rope" for jumping into the water is also available, depending on its placement on a tree.
Peled describes the lower Hermon Stream as having a moderate and slow current, suitable for families and children. He advises starting in shallow water to easily get onto the tube and using a backstroke motion with the hands to propel oneself. He also cautions that in shallower sections near the end, one might need to lift their posterior to avoid getting stuck on the riverbed.
He emphasizes that independent tubing is a dangerous activity, even in seemingly calm waters. There are no rescue services on the lower Hermon Stream, and entering the water is solely at the swimmer's own risk. Peled stresses the importance of checking the water flow, ensuring the tube is intact, planning an exit point, and never tubing without knowing how to swim, with continuous close supervision for children.
Peled also addresses potential conflicts over natural spots, acknowledging that some locals dislike publicizing their favorite natural areas. However, he believes that natural gems open to the public should not be kept secret and should be accessible for everyone to enjoy.