We have a few newbies coming on this annual float-o-holics trip, so I thought I would take a minute to let them know what to expect.
First, bring beer, a lot. It is always good to have too many than not enough. Trust me every year, someone does not bring enough, do not be that guy! Okay, now on to important things. Make your reservation early! Its only a month away, the bus and the campsite will sell out. If you are with Jeana & Austin (a.k.a. Juice & Frosty) you want the 9:00 am bus. Especially if you have never been floating before. If you still are not 100% sure you are going, make the reservation anyway! I can always have Cindy transfer the credit to someone else & bring you back cash.
What to float in?
Now here is the big decision if you are bringing a significant other; do you want to float together or alone? Austin and I use a four person boat by Sevylor (Coleman). You can buy one at Wal-Mart or Amazon.com (Sevlyor river boats
). There is also the individual option. Either way, plan ahead and bring your desired flotation device with you. They are expensive in the small town. Here are some pictures:
What keeps your beer cold?
Austin and I have an
sportsstuff 60 Quart inflatable cooler
, some (as you can see
in the photo to the left), use a two person boat and put their cooler inside of that.
If you are floating by yourself, you can use your old laundry bag or a new one (as seen to the right) and let it hang in the river. And yes, your beers will stay just as cold in the 47° average water temperature.
What to eat?
While floating: Most of the group brings stuff to make sandwiches. I personally bring
lunchables. They are cheap, 5 for $5 at Smart & Final. I never have to worry about them getting smashed by all the beer.
Remember, whatever you take on the float you have to carry with you off the bus to the river bend.
While camping: Austin brings a BBQ and Aaron brings a flat top BBQ. Everyone is welcome to use both as long as they clean up after themselves. So, burgers, hot dogs, the usual camping food. We usually do a potluck dinner one night, I will keep everyone posted on that as well.
What else?
Here is your go to packing list. Print this out, check it twice because a newbie always forgets something!
Must pack
- A hat. Even if you hate them, bring one. The float takes about 5 hours, in the sun without shade.
- Sunglasses, probably a couple pairs (in case you lose one).
- Sunscreen, lots of it!
- Bathing suit, its hot during the day & wont need much more.
- Bug spray.
- A chair.
- Tent.
- Sleeping bag/blankets.
- Pillow.
- Toilet paper.
- Shower goodies.
- A shower towel & a lake towel (2 total boys).
- Alcohol, beer is the safest.
- Koozies, no one like warm beer.
- Flash light, or head light.
- Food.
- Snacks; veggies, fruit, chips.
- Water & other liquids to re-hydrate.
- Plates, forks, spoons, ect. Spices depending on what you bring to eat.
- Cups; for beer pong & flip cup.
- Warm clothes for sleeping & hanging by the fire.
- Flip-flops and/or water shoes.
- An over sized shirt for the float, in case you start to burn.
Optional
- Air mattress.
- iPod or CDs for camping & floating.
- Water guns other water toys.
- Games; corn hole, Ladder Golf/how’s it hanging, etc.
Additional notes
The camp site is a five minute drive from town if you do forget something. The campsite has a bar & restaurant if you do not feel like making dinner at night. They also have a store to buy ice. Both take credit card & cash.
Hope this helps, if you have questions let me know!
If you’ve got something to add, please feel free to comments below!
