I’d like to take some responsibility for the river float season starting today because I said yesterday that it wouldn’t be open for several more weeks. I do what I can!
And while this is exciting news, it’s likely to be a bit of a zoo this weekend.
Ada County Parks & Waterways estimates that every summer, 125,000 people float the Boise River. Last year on opening weekend, several people had to be rescued, and while there are some things you can’t control, there are plenty of mistakes that are easy to avoid.
This video (and especially the parking situation) is a great example of why I recommend starting your float downstream of Barber Park, if you can find a safe spot. (Ada County Parks & Waterways)
🍩 Use real gear. Our glorified canal has her share of puncture hazards. The cute donut floatie from Albertsons isn’t going to stand a chance on sharp rocks and branches from nearby trees.
💸 Rent gear if you don’t have any. You can rent or buy gear day-of at Barber Park.
🚯 Pack it out, pack it in. Don’t make someone else have to be your mom. And if you think to, bring an extra bag specifically for trash, because bins at every park along the route will fill up quickly.
⬆️ Follow the leader. Especially in the rapids, follow the line of rafts that is still upright. In particular, avoid the banks — a lot of the fatalities on the river come from getting trapped under branches underwater.
💧 Drink appropriately. Drinking alcohol on the water is actually illegal, and for good reason. Meanwhile, it’s very easy to get dehydrated on the water, so a go-to solution is hooking reusable water bottles with carabiners to your raft or tube.
