Noah Patel
Planning a float trip is an exciting adventure, but it's important to know what to expect and how to prepare. Whether you're floating down the Russian River or the Meramec River, there are a few key things to keep in mind. Firstly, you'll need to decide if you want to bring your own float or rent one. Most float trip destinations offer rental options, including tubes, kayaks, canoes, and rafts, which can be booked in advance. It's worth noting that some companies may require reservations, especially during peak season, to avoid long wait times. When choosing a river, consider the difficulty level and opt for calmer waters if you're travelling with kids. Additionally, be mindful of the weather and water conditions, as they can impact your trip. Always prioritise safety by wearing a life jacket, staying hydrated, and being mindful of alcohol consumption. Now that you know the basics, you're well on your way to planning an unforgettable float trip!
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Raft rental availability | Yes, rafts can be rented from companies such as Meramec Caverns, Raft Rentals, Buffalo River Outfitters, Riverfront Camp Canoe, and local outfitters. |
| Requirements for rental | Some companies require reservations, while others allow walk-ins. Minimum age and weight requirements vary by company and range from 3 years old to 12 years old, and 40 lbs. to 10 lbs. respectively. |
| Rental inclusions | Paddles, life vests/jackets, and sometimes PFDs, coolers, and trash bags are included. |
| Shuttle service | Some companies provide shuttle services to and from the river, while others do not. Shuttle times may vary. |
| Pet policy | Pets are generally not allowed in rafts, but some companies allow small, docile dogs at the owner's risk. Pets are not permitted on shuttle buses. |
| Additional considerations | Raft rental fees, water levels, and river conditions should be considered. Reservations may be required for specific equipment and during peak times. |
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What You'll Learn
Raft rental costs and availability
American River Raft Rentals:
American River Raft Rentals, located in Sacramento, offers a range of rental options, including kayaking, tubing, and paddleboarding. They serve two locations: Sunrise and Sailor Bar. While their cutoff time for rentals is typically 1:00 pm, it can vary depending on river flows. They offer discounts for larger groups, with a 10% discount when you book five or more rafts for the same day. They also have a loyalty program where your fourth rental is free if you rent for three days during the summer. Reservations are highly recommended, especially for their Lower American River raft rentals. They provide a large fleet of shuttle buses to transport rental guests back to their vehicles for a fee of $10 per person.
Meramec Caverns:
Meramec Caverns offers raft rentals on the Meramec River, with a variety of raft sizes, including 4-man, 6-man, 8-man, 10-man, and 12-man rafts. Their rafts are priced based on capacity, with an extra fee of $35 to fill the raft to its maximum capacity. They also offer canoe and kayak rentals, with pets allowed in canoes and kayaks but not in rafts. Reservations are not required but are highly recommended to guarantee your desired watercraft and departure time. Their floats typically take between 3-5 hours to complete the 6-mile route.
Russian River Tubing:
Russian River Tubing in Sonoma County offers tube rentals at Steelhead Beach, eliminating the need to bring your own. You can book these rentals in advance online. The recommended route is the 2-mile float from Steelhead Beach to Sunset Beach in Forestville, which takes about 4.5 hours. Parking at Steelhead and Sunset beaches during the peak summer season is $12 per vehicle, with discounted rates for Regional Parks members and larger groups.
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Safety considerations
Before embarking on a float trip, it is important to plan and prepare for a safe and enjoyable experience. Here are some key safety considerations to keep in mind:
Know Your Limits and the River's Conditions: Understand your swimming ability and comfort level in the water. Check the river's conditions, including water levels, current speed, and any potential hazards like rapids or rocky areas. Some rivers offer calmer, more relaxed experiences, while others have faster currents and rapids for a more thrilling adventure. Choose a river that aligns with your skill level and preferences.
Proper Clothing and Gear: Wear suitable clothing that provides a balance between comfort, protection, and style. Opt for swimwear with light base layers, a hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses. Protect your feet with water shoes or sandals with gripping soles to provide traction and stability when navigating the riverbed. Avoid wearing cotton as it takes a long time to dry and can be uncomfortable when wet. Consider bringing a windbreaker to stay warm and dry, especially if the weather is unpredictable.
Life Jackets and Flotation Devices: Always wear a lightweight life jacket, especially if you are a less confident swimmer. Life jackets provide essential buoyancy and can help keep you safe in the event of capsizing or unexpected swims. Other flotation devices, such as inner tubes or floaties, can also be useful for added buoyancy and fun.
Stay Visible and Prepared: Consider using brightly coloured gear, such as a vibrant dry bag or float, to improve visibility on the river. This can help with retrieval in case of unintended scenarios. Always bring a first aid kit, and if you have special medical needs, ensure you have the necessary supplies and medications. It is also wise to pack energy-giving snacks and thirst-quenching beverages to stay nourished and hydrated throughout your trip.
Protect Your Belongings: Keep your valuables safe and dry by investing in a waterproof bag or dry bag. Ensure it has a watertight seal and consider using a brightly coloured one for improved visibility. Keep items like keys, cell phones, wallets, dry clothes, and food protected from water exposure and potential damage.
File a Float Plan: Just like pilots file a flight plan, boaters should consider filing a float plan before heading out. Share your float plan with a trusted contact on shore, including details such as your vessel description, the number of people onboard, and your expected return time. This could be crucial in the event of an emergency and can help ensure a fast and effective response.
By following these safety considerations and staying vigilant, you can greatly enhance your float trip experience and create memorable adventures.
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Float trip packing essentials
When going on a float trip, you can choose to bring your own raft, kayak, or tube, or you can rent one. Some places even offer shuttle services for free if you rent a watercraft from them.
Now, let's dive into the float trip packing essentials to ensure you have a memorable time:
Clothing and Footwear:
- Wear rash guards to protect yourself from the sun while swimming. They are cool, breathable, and quick-drying.
- Pack enough layers to stay warm and dry, including non-cotton layers (polypropylene or similar) and a fleece. The wind off the cold water can make it feel 10-15 degrees cooler.
- Bring at least one set of comfortable clothes specifically for wearing at the campsite.
- Waterproof shoes are a must-have for walking through streams and rivers. They provide a good grip and dry off quickly.
- Pack neoprene booties or sandals, or rubber boots to keep your feet dry while on the boat.
- Don't forget a pair of camp shoes, like Crocs, for relaxing around the campfire.
- Bring a sun hat that covers your neck and long sleeves for protection from the sun.
Accessories:
- A waterproof phone pouch is essential to keep your phone dry and safe while taking pictures.
- Pack beach towels and sunglasses.
- Don't forget sunscreen to protect your skin from sunburn.
- Bring a dry bag backpack to keep your belongings dry.
- A waterproof, portable backpack cooler is perfect for storing drinks and food and keeping them cold.
- If you have a kayak or canoe, a waterproof speaker attached to your backpack or secured to your vessel can provide some entertainment.
Other Essentials:
- If you're bringing your own inflatable raft or tube, don't forget an air pump.
- Pack car keys, driver's licenses, and other valuables. There may not be a place to store them at the shuttle or parks, so keep them with you on the water.
- Bring life jackets, especially if you have children or less confident swimmers in your group.
- Pack garbage bags to follow "Leave No Trace" guidelines and take all your trash with you, including your raft or tube if it's inflatable.
- Bring snacks to keep your energy up throughout the trip.
- If you plan to swim, consider bringing a dry bag to keep your belongings safe and dry.
- If you're camping, bring a novel or any other entertainment you'd enjoy.
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Suitable rivers for float trips
There are several rivers across the United States that are suitable for float trips. Here are some notable ones:
Meramec River, Missouri
The Meramec River in Missouri is a popular choice for float trips, offering a scenic and leisurely experience. The river is surrounded by steep limestone bluffs, caves, and bubbling springs, with a diverse array of aquatic plants and animals. The Meramec is a Class I (sometimes II) river, making it suitable for all levels of floating experience. You can choose to explore the river in a canoe, kayak, or raft, and there are also opportunities for fishing along the way. The float trip typically covers a distance of 5 to 6 miles and takes around 2 to 5 hours to complete, depending on stops and paddling.
Russian River, Sonoma County, California
The Russian River in Sonoma County is a popular destination for tubing float trips during the summer. The recommended route is the 2-mile stretch from Steelhead Beach to Sunset Beach in Forestville, which takes about 4.5 hours. This float trip offers a relaxing journey through the picturesque landscapes of Sonoma County. It is important to plan ahead, as the parking lots at the river parks tend to fill up quickly during the summer. Tubes can be rented at Steelhead Beach, and shuttles are available to transport floaters to and from the river.
Green River, Utah
The Green River in Utah offers a tranquil flatwater trip through the state's breathtaking red-rock canyons. The Labyrinth Canyon section, spanning 44 miles, is suitable for canoes, kayaks, and rafts of all types. This trip can be enjoyed during spring, summer, and fall, with the most popular times being between Easter and Labor Day. It is important to note that this area is remote, with limited services and no cell phone reception. Proper planning and self-reliance are crucial for this float trip.
Gunnison River, Colorado
The Gunnison River in Colorado flows through the Gunnison Gorge National Conservation Area, a diverse landscape featuring adobe badlands and rugged slopes. The river carves through a spectacular black granite and red sandstone double canyon, creating a breathtaking setting for float trips. The river attracts anglers for its gold-medal trout waters, as well as skilled rafters and kayakers for its whitewater sections. A unique feature of this float trip is the mile-long hike into the gorge before embarking on the water.
Gulkana River, Alaska
The Gulkana Wild and Scenic River in Alaska offers an adventurous float trip through meandering waters with numerous riffles and a short stretch of Class III rapids. This 3- to 4-day journey provides stunning views of the Wrangell Mountains and Alaska Range, as well as the opportunity to observe a wide range of wildlife. The Gulkana River is also a popular sport fishing destination, known for its rich habitat for salmon and trout.
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Float trip duration
The duration of a float trip can vary depending on several factors, including the length of the trip, river conditions, and personal preferences. Here are some estimates and factors to consider when planning a float trip:
- River Conditions and Flow: The water flow and speed of a river can significantly impact the duration of a float trip. For example, the water levels in the Meramec River fluctuate, with a typical depth of 10 to 30 feet. The river is generally slow and relaxing, but it picks up speed through certain riffles and rapids. Similarly, the Russian River in Sonoma County is known for its slow flow during the summer, which contributes to a longer float time.
- Length of the Trip: The distance covered during a float trip will affect its duration. A 6-mile float trip is commonly offered by many rental companies and can take between 3 to 5 hours to complete. However, this duration can vary depending on stops, swimming, and picnicking along the way. A shorter 2-mile float trip on the Russian River from Steelhead Beach to Sunset Beach in Forestville is recommended and takes approximately 4.5 hours.
- Personal Preferences and Stops: Some people may prefer a more leisurely float trip with stops for swimming, picnicking, or enjoying the scenery. These stops can extend the duration of the trip. Additionally, factors such as hunger, thirst, sunburn, and restroom breaks should be considered. It is recommended to limit float trips to no more than 5 hours to avoid discomfort and fatigue.
- Shuttle Services and Transportation: Float trip durations can also be influenced by the availability and efficiency of shuttle services. Some companies offer shuttle services to transport participants back to their vehicles or starting points. These shuttles may run at specific intervals, and participants should plan their trip timing accordingly.
- River Difficulty and Rapids: The presence of rapids or varying river difficulty levels can impact the duration of a float trip. For example, the San Juan Rapids are approximately 2 miles into a trip and offer a thrilling experience for beginners. However, participants can choose to avoid the rapids by staying left.
- Group Size and Dynamics: The size and dynamics of the group can also affect the duration of a float trip. Larger groups or those with children may require more time for preparation, getting situated, and ensuring everyone's needs are met during the trip.
It is important to plan ahead and consider these factors when estimating the duration of a float trip. By allowing for flexibility and considering personal preferences, you can ensure a memorable and enjoyable experience.
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Frequently asked questions
No, you can bring your own raft, tube, kayak, or canoe. However, renting a raft is a good option if you don't own one or don't want to transport it to the trip location.
Many float trip destinations have rental companies that provide rafts and other equipment. You can search online for rental companies near your desired float trip location.
The cost of renting a raft varies depending on the company and the size of the raft. Some companies charge a deposit or a daily rental fee, which can range from $25 to $100 per day.
It is important to plan ahead and make a reservation, especially during peak season, weekends, and holidays. Some companies may require a minimum age or weight for children, and it's essential to follow safety guidelines, such as wearing a life jacket and checking water levels and conditions.
