When the water is low and the sun is out, tubing down the Lickety Split section of the Kern River is a highlight and for many, a rite of passage. Not to be confused with a lazy river float, Kern River tubing is a full-on adventure, as you’ll tackle a handful of rapids as you make your way down the 1.73 mile run. There are important considerations to pay attention to though, and this post will go into those items to help ensure you have a memorable and safe experience.
Wear a life jacket
Whether you call it a PFD or a life jacket, it is critically important that you wear one while tubing on the Kern River. Even though wearing a life jacket while tubing might seem like overkill, keep in mind that a tube can easily deflate, or if you accidentally flip over, separate from you entirely. A PFD on the other hand, won’t pop, can’t separate from you, and is Coast Guard approved.
The vast majority of serious river incidents involve someone not wearing a life jacket. Just wear one and don’t become a statistic.
Only go during low water
Kern River tubing is a low water activity. You shouldn’t go during medium or high river flows. The rule of thumb for the Lickety Split section of the Kern River is when the water is between 200 – 500 CFS. Nothing higher. Below 200 CFS it can still be fun, but be prepared to get stuck quite a bit. Below is a river gauge showing you the flow.
Where to go
Lickety Split section – shuttling required
The tried and true Kern River tubing run is the Lickety Split section of the Upper Kern river. At any water flow, you should avoid the Lower Kern. It’s just not set up well for a tubing run and the numerous trees present a real strainer hazard. Sections besides the Lickety Split of the Upper Kern should be avoided as well. The best part of the Lickety is it’s easy to arrange a shuttle and there are usually many others out there with you.
Click here for a Google Map of the Lickety Split shuttle.
Riverside Park – no shuttling required
If you don’t want to deal with a shuttle, or want a more leisurely tubing experience, then an option is to go to Riverside Park in Kernville and simply walk up to the bridge, float down and then finish at the bottom of this Class II rapid. Want to ride again? Simply walk up the path and hop in. Obviously, this is a much shorter ride of just a minute or two, but this can be a good option if you don’t want to commit to a long Lickety Split tubing run, or if you don’t want to set your own shuttle.
Click here for the Google Map of Riverside Park.
Which tubes to buy
You can buy tubes for less than a tube rental offered by local companies. The ones below are very popular.
2025 season outlook
River flows will likely be good for tubing starting at some point in July or possibly the end of June. Keep in mind the date of this forecast, May 4, as a lot can change based on temperature.
Final pointers
- Kern River tubing is not a solo activity. Always take a buddy with you (or more.) Safety in numbers is a real thing and should be followed here.
- Alcohol and rivers don’t mix. Don’t drink alcohol before or while tubing.
- It can’t be said enough: Wear a life jacket. It could save your life.
- Go during the correct river flows. NEVER when the water is too high.
- Use a decent tube. Leave the old leaky tube at home. We’ve had good luck with these tubes here.
- Download the Kern River guidebook onto your phone. This will show you where the rapids are on the Lickety Split section of the Kern.
Have a question? Leave a comment! And a special note on comments…
This post has become the information board for tubing the Kern River. If you have any questions at all, feel free to leave a comment and I will respond. Your question might help the next tuber out!
A special note on comments and water flows: If you’re reading the comments and come across one about water flows that isn’t from the current year, it should be ignored. This is because flows change dramatically every single year based on snowpack and the subsequent melt. While this doesn’t change the guidelines for safe water flows, it does change what dates tubing is safe.
Can my family tube down the Lickety Split without paying a guide or tour fee?
No permit is required as you are launching and ending on private property. No guide is required either. Please pay attention to water levels and have fun!