Wet commute: Boulder hosts 10th annual Tube to Work Day

BOULDER, Colo. — This gives new meaning to enduring a wet commute to work.

The 10th annual Tube to Work Day was held in Boulder on Friday, with hundreds of “commuters” braving the cold water of Boulder Creek dressed in a variety of costumes. Crowds assembled at the creek beginning at 7 a.m., eager to begin what has become a quirky tradition in this Colorado city.

"I can see how some people in other places might think this is weird," Kirsti Freeland told the Daily Camera. "But this is normal for me. This is normal for Boulder. That's why we live here."

The event is free, but participants had to sign a waiver and had to supply their own inner tubes. Helmets and closed-toed footwear also were mandatory, KDVR reported.

Michael Westfield was participating in the event for the first time, but he is eager to return. He said the trip down the creek was exhilarating.

“I thought, ‘Oh my God, oh my God, I’m gonna die,’” he told the Daily Camera. “Wait, this is amazing.”

Cox Media Group