DELAWARE WATER GAP, Pa. — The kayaks are ready, and the water tubes are inflated at Chamberlain Canoes near East Stroudsburg in preparation for a busy Fourth of July weekend.
"We do expect to see a sizable crowd tomorrow through the weekend. A lot of people have four days off this week," said Brad Sweeney with Chamberlain Canoes.
The Zimmerman family from Georgia got together for an afternoon on the Delaware River at Smithfield Beach.
"We came up to visit our family that is still up here in the New York area," Mathew Zimmerman said. "This is a really great spot. We've been to the Delaware Water Gap before. So, beautiful day, we got lucky."
"It's two hours outside of New York, and you feel like you're on a different planet. It's calm and quiet. Living in New York is hectic," Allyson O'Connell said.
For the O'Connell family from New York, coming out to the river is a July 4th tradition.
"We anchor, we beach, read, listen to music, snack, and just enjoy the family. It really is spectacular."
River guides say conditions right now out on the water are perfect for a smooth ride down the Delaware.
"Conditions are slightly above normal as far as water height goes," Sweeney said. "That means there's a little more current helping people get down the river, so might not have to do as much paddling."
"The water is very warm. It is crystal clear. It's at the perfect height. It's going to be a great weekend for people of all abilities to get out and enjoy the river," said Chuck Cooper with Edge of the Woods Rentals in the Delaware Water Gap.
Edge of the Woods is also ready for a busy weekend of sending people out on the water. They remind people enjoying their time in the Poconos about the importance of safety.
"River safety starts and ends with a properly fitted life jacket, and that's important not only if you are boating but also swimming in the river; you want that life jacket on and buckled."