The time has come for the prime summer season. The sun is beating down, the air is hot and humid, and people are in need of some rest and relaxation! What better way to spend a summer day than cooling off in the water? River floating is the perfect summer activity, and we’ve got the guide for a perfect day on the water.
Planning a River Day
A successful river float starts long before you get in the water. There are tons of factors that come into play when planning a river float and much to consider when planning it out. First, you’ll have to pick a location and choose the right stretch of water. Some river stretches have calm, deep water with plenty of room to stop and swim, while others are shallow with rocks, requiring more effort to navigate. You must decide whether you want more rapid whitewater, or a lazy-river-style experience. As you narrow down your options, it is also important to consider the length of the float, what kind of water conditions you’ll be experiencing, and the overall atmosphere.
Locate Access Points
Once you’ve got a location, it is time to choose your entry and exit points. Before heading over, identify access areas that allow for safe entry and exit. Knowing the take-off and landing zones beforehand helps eliminate any confusion. Many river-goers also use the two-car method, leaving one car at the launch point and another at the exit point, allowing for seamless transportation back. If two cars aren’t available, shuttle services are also often offered at popular river floating locations and may be easier for larger groups. Downloading an offline map, taking screenshots, or bringing a physical copy of the access points can be helpful, as cell service is not always reliable on the river. With your route and transportation figured out, it is now time to make sure you have all the right items to support you on your float!
Pack Your Gear
Having the right gear can make the difference between a smooth river float and a hectic day battling unnecessary hassles. Before you hit the water, make sure you've packed and prepared these river floating essentials.
Floatation device: Make sure to choose a durable float that matches the conditions of the river stretch you’ll be floating in and accommodates the group. Look for something puncture resistant and durable so it can withstand any rocks or branches. Additionally, extra comfort features like a backrest or a mesh bottom can help make your float much more comfortable.
Rope or connector cables: This is especially important if you’re floating with a large group. If the crew is spread out across multiple rafts, tying the floats together ensures no one gets separated as you make your way down the river. Make sure whatever connector you use has some slack to it so everyone can maneuver comfortably.
Water and Snacks: Hydration is the most important part of any successful river float, especially in the dead of summer. Pack more water than you think you’ll need, and even include electrolyte packets if you’ll be spending multiple hours on the river. When it comes to snacks, choose options that are easy to pack and eat. Sandwiches, wraps, and fruit are always good options, and can all easily be stowed in a cooler. Avoid foods that require a lot of prep, you’ll appreciate the grab-and-go once you’re floating on the water.
Cooler: Speaking of coolers, no river float is complete without ice-cold drinks and snacks. While spending hours in the sun, heat exhaustion and dehydration are real risks, so having cool food and drinks on hand is necessary to help cool off. Plus, you won’t have to worry about reaching into lukewarm water for some soggy snacks. When spending a long time in the river, having a cooler that is lightweight, easy to carry, easy to access, and built to hold ice longer will make all the difference. This way, you can spend much less time worrying about the gear, and more time enjoying the river float!
Cooler float: Usually, bringing an extra raft or float for the cooler would be recommended, which adds another item to track, inflate, and carry throughout the day. Fortunately, with a Rugged Road cooler you can skip that step. Since the cooler floats upright completely on its own, even when fully loaded, it floats right alongside you, making it the perfect cooler for the occasion, without hauling another tube. It allows for a simpler day on the river, requiring less gear, less weight, and less work.
Entertainment: River floating is all about relaxing and enjoying the outdoors, but a few forms of entertainment to bring along can help make the experience even better. A waterproof speaker or even a football are all great options. Additionally, to be paired with your floating cooler, Rugged Road has an attachable Gamelidz feature, making it easy to keep the fun going.
Sun protection: Spending hours on a river float also means spending hours in the sun. Be sure to bring waterproof sunscreen and apply it multiple times throughout the day. Even when you don’t feel it, your skin is soaking up the strong summer rays. Hats and sunglasses also protect the head and face, giving you that extra step of precaution in style.
Appropriate footwear: While easy slip-on shoes are usually the go-to for summer days, you can risk them falling off in the water and getting swept away by the current. Wear footwear with secure straps or ties to protect your feet and make getting in and out of the water much easier.
First aid: With the proper preparation mentioned above, risk of harm or injury is highly unlikely. However, it is important to always be prepared. A small, waterproof kit is easy to find with essentials like bandages, wipes, pain relievers, and more.
Waterproof bags: Dry bags are one of the most important things to bring on a river float. They keep your valuables like wallet, keys, phone, towels, and other materials safe from unexpected splashes. Make sure the bag you choose has a secure seal and some form of attachment to either keep latched to you or your flotation device.
River Risk Prevention and Safety
As mentioned, river floating is all about relaxation, but the right preparation ensures everything runs smoothly. Before heading out, take some time to check the weather forecast. Especially in summer, unexpected wind and storms can pop up. Heavy rainfall also leads to stronger currents, and if there is a risk of thunderstorms, it is best to save the float for another day. Better safe than sorry!
Once you’ve entered the water, take some time to evaluate the current. Even the calmer stretches can have strong currents. Be cautious around rocks, turns, and branches, as the water there gets redirected, affecting the movement of your river float.
Even when you feel you’ve got a good understanding of the river, it’s always better to be over-prepared. No matter how confident you are in your river knowledge and swimming skills, wearing a proper lifejacket can make a huge difference if conditions were to switch up unexpectedly.
Another simple way to stay safe is to ensure the group stays together. With currents constantly changing, the river can quickly split a group up and cause someone to drift much further downstream than anticipated. Having a proper tie or connector and checking in with each other ensures the group stays safe throughout the float.
River safety is not just about UV protection and life jackets, but also includes doing your part to protect the environment and community around you. Before leaving your river float, take the time to check your surroundings and ensure you have all the gear you came with. Even the smallest of items can disrupt wildlife and add hazards for other river floaters. By following Leave No Trace principles, you will play your part in keeping the river clean, ensuring a beautiful experience and preserving the water for both humans and wildlife.
What have we said multiple times throughout this post? That river floating is all about relaxing! And for many people, that looks like kicking back and enjoying a cold drink. If alcohol is part of your river float, be sure to enjoy it responsibly. Know your limits, hydrate appropriately, and make sure you eat. Before packing your cooler, be sure to check any regulations for the river stretch you will be floating in, as some locations prohibit cans, glass, or other materials. Guidelines are placed for a reason, and following them allows everyone to stay safe and enjoy their river experience.
Why a Floating Cooler Matters
There are plenty of gear choices out there that can add value to your river float. Outdoor recreation is only growing in popularity, with gear options becoming more accessible. But, if you’re looking for a piece of gear that makes a notable difference, Rugged Road’s floating cooler is a necessity, and here's why.
A massive benefit is the literal weight off your shoulders. Traditional coolers require multiple people to carry when full, and often need an extra float for the water, meaning you have to haul and track another item throughout the day. A floating cooler gets rid of that extra step by staying upright on its own and floating alongside you from start to finish. This means less gear to worry about and more time to unwind.
Convenience also makes all the difference during a river float. Since you are constantly moving downstream, the last thing you want is unnecessary gear to manage. The fewer items you have to carry, set up, and keep track of, the more stress-free your river float will be. A cooler that floats simplifies your setup by getting rid of unnecessary gear and still keeping food and drinks accessible throughout the float.
At the end of the day, the best river floating gear is the equipment that makes your trip easier. A floating cooler simplifies transportation, reduces the amount of gear needed, and keeps your food and drinks within reach.
A successful day on the water comes down to a balance of strong preparation and safety with laid-back relaxation. By mapping access points, taking safety precautions, and investing in durable gear, you can leave all the stress on the shore and focus entirely on the river. You don’t need a massive packing list to create a memorable river float, just a few smart essentials that let you kick back, relax, and enjoy the flow of the current. So, pick your river, pack your floating cooler, and get ready for an amazing day on the water. The river is waiting for you!