How to Float Down a River on an Inner Tube

Those lazy, hazy, crazy days of summer call for a long, leisurely float down the river on an inner tube. It's a great way to cool off and see some scenery. A little advance planning helps make your float trip successful. The following are some steps and tips that almost anyone can use to participate in this sport.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Large inner tubes
• Cooler with ice and drinks
• Snacks
• Sunscreen
• Life jackets
• Water shoes
• Sunglasses
• Identification
• Money
• Bungee cords
• Mesh bag for garbage

1. Find at least one friend to do the float with you. Try not to get too many people going or you'll have to allow extra time. A group of three or four works well.

2. Obtain inner tubes or make a decision to use an outfitter. An outfitter rents tubes, arranges transportation to the launch point and picks you up at the end of the float.

3. Pick out a river to float and scope out the territory before the outing. Find a place to put in and a landing. Most states stipulate the area next to bridges as public access points. Be aware the banks of the river are generally private property and you may face trespassing charges if you get out of the stream on private land.

4. Get an extra tube to carry your gear, including a cooler for drinks, snacks, sunscreen and other items. Don't take glass containers of anything. Buy drinks in cans or plastic bottles, and get a hard plastic cooler, not foam.

5. Wear appropriate clothing. Bathing suits are appropriate, but ensure they fit well, or the river currents might take them away. You'll need some sort of water shoes, such as thongs or Crocks. Life jackets are required equipment.

6. Buy some cheap sunglasses and a hat that you can replace easily if they float away.

7. Have identification and a small amount of money with you sealed in a waterproof bag, but don't take your keys unless you tie them to your swimsuit. They will sink to the bottom of the river and be impossible to find if you drop them.

8. Take some bungee cords to strap items to the spare tube and to connect tubes together before you get in the water. Connect tubes in a circle around the cooler tube so everyone has access to drinks as you float down the river.

Tips & Warnings

• If you plan to participate in this activity often, consider buying your own tubes. Get 20-inch or larger inner tubes from a tire store or tire repair shop.

• Buy waterproof cases for cameras and other electronics you may want to take.

• Take along a small mesh bag, like the ones onions come in, to use as a trash bag.

• Keep yourself well-hydrated. Even though you are in the water, you will still need water to drink.

• Don't take alcoholic beverages unless everyone is of legal drinking age.

• Never leave trash behind you on the river. Always carry out whatever you brought with you.