Packing for a Float down the River
The Essentials
It goes without saying that if you're floating down a river, you will want to wear your bathing suit. But here are a few other I find helpful.
✅ Cover-up or T-shirt: If you are more modest, you may want to bring a cover up or T-shirt and shorts to slide on over your suit when catching the bus back to your car. Most people simply wear their suits, but if it makes you more comfortable then be sure to pack a light-weight cover up.
✅ Flip-Flops or Water Shoes: You'll want shoes for when you get out of the river and walk to where the bus picks you up. The walk is usually rather sandy and full of pebbles so shoes are a must. When you're on the river, you can wear them, pop them in a cooler, or tie them to your tube.
✅ Tube: Most people rent tubes, but if you'd prefer to buy one HEB and Academy sell great tubes for floating the river.
✅ A bit of cash and a credit card: Sometimes on the river you'll run into folks selling beer, water, jello shots, etc. It's not a bad idea to have a bit of cash if you think you might want a refill during your float.
✅ Towels to keep in the car for when you return.
✅ Change of clothes for the car when you return.
Sun Protection
Sun protection on the river is important. Depending on which river you float you'll be in the Texas sun for at least 2 hours with minimal shade, and good skin is a girls best friend. Here are my go-to items for sun protection on the river.
✅ Supergoop Glowscreen Body SPF 45
✅ Coola shaded lip protection
✅ Hat
💡Expert Packing Tip:
The rivers in Texas don't allow disposable items to be taken on your float, so if you want to take your sunscreen with you on the river to re-apply, pack your items in a large Stasher bag. They're airtight so water won't leak in if they happen to get wet.
Bring the Party
A float down the river can be relaxing and rejuvenating, or it can be a big ol' party. It's entirely up to you on what type of trip you'd like to have. Here are a few things to bring (and how to pack them) to take your experience to the next level.
✅ 30qt Cooler (or smaller): Fill it with snacks, drinks, and that Stasher bag holding your sunscreen. You'll be able to rent an extra tube (get one with a bottom) for your cooler so it can float down right along side you.
✅ Rope: It may sound strange but it's easy to get caught in a current and end up yards ahead or behind your group. Use the rope to tie your group together by the handles of your tube. Also, if you're bringing a cooler, you'll want to tie that cooler tube to yours so it doesn't end up in the Gulf of Mexico next week.
✅ Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker: There's nothing better than listening to your favorite music while you float down the river surrounded by friends and those beautiful Texas Live Oak trees.
✅ Waterproof Phone Case: Far too many phones have been lost in the river. Be sure you have a waterproof case if you plan to take your phone with you. We like the cases with straps so it can be worn around our necks
✅ Lifejackets: If you're taking littles with you, they are required to wear life jackets. The river gets quite deep in some areas and we've found the kids prefer to "swim" the river instead of float.
💡Expert Packing Tip:
Because Texas doesn't allow disposable items to be taken on your float, packing drinks can be a bit tricky. Here are a few ideas to help you out. Also, if you're not from around these parts...Hard Liquor isn't sold on Sundays so plan ahead.
✅ Brumate has 3 gallon coolers with spigots (BackTap)
✅ Large 1 gallon coolers with a spout are common. Most of the river outfitters even sell them.
✅ The 20 & 24oz Hydroflasks are small enough to fit a few into your cooler.
Happy Floating!
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