Big Bear tubing set to sail down the Delaware

Big Bear Gear in Frenchtown, N.J.,will have its tubing business in full swing just in time for the July Fourth weekend.
The business, which opened about a year ago as an outdoor equipment and rental shop, recently received a license from the state of New Jersey to operate tubing on the Delaware River after facing some challenges. Big Bear Gear delayed its plans to open from April to June 2020 because of COVID-19.
“In the one year we have created a successful outdoor gear store along with classes and activities, and now the river tubing license from New Jersey,” said Michael Ehrenreich, the owner of Big Bear Gear. “In a challenging time, we have managed to launch a new business, create jobs, and support tourism and the local economy.”
After learning that the river tubing license on the river had not been renewed and the state put it up for bid, Ehrenreich took the opportunity to apply. After receiving approval, the business had to move quickly to become operational. This comes after some controversy surrounding the tubing license. The previous license owner, Delaware River Tubing, lost its concession agreement in 2019 and continued to operate while receiving citations.
Michael Ehrenreich, the owner of Big Bear Gear, said he isn’t aware whether Delaware River Tubing will continue to operate since the owner recently passed away.
“We don’t know for sure if they’re going to continue to try to operate or what the state’s going to do,” he said.

Now, as we’re emerging from pandemic restrictions, Big Bear Gear can focus on typical issues a business of its nature may face.
“The main issues are not restrictions imposed on us by the state in terms COVID-19, just normal operational concerns: how many tubes you have, how many buses you have, how many staff you have,” Ehrenreich said.
During the month of June, services only ran on the weekends, but starting on July 4, Big Bear Gear will be running “all day, every day,” Ehrenreich said. It will operate seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. until September.
Tubing was a “natural fit” for Big Bear Gear and although it’s too soon to tell, it seems that it will be beneficial to the business and the community.
“We’re right on the river and it’s consistent with what we see as our mission to bring safe outdoor activities and education to the public. It’s something that I’ve done with my family on the river and it just seemed like something that we should be offering,” Ehrenreich said. “I think we’re going to be happy with it and so far it has been a successful launch to the season and people seem to be happy that we are doing it.”
“We’re here to serve the public and anybody that wants a safe, fun day on the river,” Ehrenreich added. “That’s what we’re here to do.”

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