I’ve taken a LOT of float trips over the years. When I was skinny, and now that I’m larger.
Because of this, there are certain things that I’ve learned you absolutely HAVE to know before you go out on the water.
These are the most important things you need to know before your next float.
#1 – (Most Important) Google The Water Conditions before going.
You’ll need to know the flow rate, and also the water level. THIS IS IMPORTANT. When the water is super low, you can literally end up walking practically an entire trip. Not fun at all. If it is moving to fast, honestly it can be really really tough for a larger person to walk through when they need it.
#2 – Be Careful of The Business You Trust
This is IMPORTANT. These places want your money, so just because they tell you the water is high enough for a larger person……..or that their tube raft will be totally fine for a few people…….do NOT trust them. Be very very specific with your questions, and make sure they understand all of your concerns.
I have literally seen groups of larger people in “6 men rafts” and there only be 5 slightly larger people, and they are stuck on bottom and practically have to walk the ENTIRE trip back. I am not joking at all. The person who runs these trips and sells them tickets KNOWING this will happen should feel ashamed. The owners will many times be the guys putting you in the boat when you launch. They KNOW better and they don’t care.
#3 You might not get your money back
Even if you floated only 10% of your trip (which does happen to a lot of people………and you had to constantly get out and push and were dehydrating in the sun…….you’re honestly most likely not going to get your money back.
When you get there you’re going to sign COUNTLESS waivers. They’re most likely not going to care if they told you you’d be fine and you weren’t. I know it might sound like I’m being overly harsh here, but you should go read reviews online. You’d be shocked.
#4 You should count yourself as an extra person if you are larger
This is pretty simple, but some of the best advise I can give. If the boat is meant for four people…….even if you’re not that much larger, count yourself as two of those people. Like I’ll get to in my next point, a four person raft is really more for three people and a cooler anyways.
#5 A 6 man raft, means 5 people and a cooler or two.
These companies STREEEEEEETCH the amount of people you can really bring on a float trip pretty far. 6 people on a 6 person is almost always to much. Even if you don’t bring a cooler. It’s best to do 4 people on a 6 man if you’re bringing a cooler. If someone is larger, honestly 3. I know this might sound crazy but just do this……..
GO LOOK UP IMAGES OF 6 MAN RAFTS
You’re going to be shocked seeing just how small these are compared to what you should be getting. Please please adhere this warning. I don’t want you to end up walking for miles and miles through the rocks and water. Trudging through that is TOUGH. Especially for large people. And you’ll be walking for HOURS.
#6 Absolutely do not canoe
Floats really aren’t fun to canoe anyways, but if you’re really really into it……don’t do it as a larger person unless you’re majorly experienced on a river. But if you were majorly experienced I’d assume you’d probably have never searched this in the first place.
This advice goes same for kayaks if not more honestly. Kayaks can also break much easier than you’d think in low water like creeks where most floats are. This can cause all sorts of issues such as literally having to walk the kayak all the way back and then having to pay.
#7 Go on a river where other people can help you
AND DONT GO ALONE. Honestly, it’s always better to go with a buddy in any situation……..but on the river, the more people that are around……the better.
Honestly on the river, there’s almost always a team effort going on to help somebody.
#8 Research research research
Most importantly, research the reviews. I will never forget the time me and my girlfriend went on a trip that was supposedly going to be very easy to get to and there were supposed to be signs leading to it. We lost service, and there were practically no signs to figure out where we were supposed to go. After hours, we finally got there……..but the whole group was mad. The bus driver acted like a total you know what that we were only about five minutes late. I mean he serious acted like we were awful people. It was unreal. If I had seen the reviews, I would’ve noted that many people said the same about the staff. Not a big deal at all, but with these places who are constantly shuttling people and trying to make the most money without almost any customer service……..it’s really not surprising to say the least.
If you really take the time to research, you can find places that are VERY inexpensive…….and honestly much better than many of the main companies. From what I’ve found, the bigger they are……the worse they are. Minus a few.
#9 NEVER DO WHITE
WATER RAFTING.
Never, under any circumstances should any larger person white water raft. Even under the best of circumstances, even the best of swimmers are unable to swim out of rapids. There is absolutely no good reason for a larger person to ever go white water rafting. Do. Not. Even. Consider. It.
#10 Bring a LOT of water
As much as you possibly can. People will forget, and you will need a LOT out there. If you’re enjoying yourself and swimming and relaxing, you’ll need to drink a ton of water. It gets HOT when the sun is coming down right on you, and the reflection of the water makes it even hotter. Bring as much as you possibly can.
CONCLUSION:
Yes, I’m aware this might all sound incredibly negative. I won’t lie, it felt VERY negative writing this article. Honestly, float trips are an absolutely INSANE amount of fun. Honestly, some of the most fun I’ve had in my life personally.
But, I really really hope none of this deters you. These were just things that I wish I personally had known before taking some of the trips I’ve taken. Knowing what to expect can honestly make our break a good float trip. If you plan accordingly, you will have a FANTASTIC time that will be memorable for years and years to come.
THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR READING. Seriously, thank you so so much for reading my blog. Your support means absolutely so so much to me.
Thank you,
Cameron