top of page
Search

OTG's Top 10 Floating Tips

Floating is one of our favorite summer pastimes here in Arkansas. If you’re planning a float trip on any of our beautiful rivers soon, take a look at these tips and tricks to help make your adventure the best it can be!


  1. LIFE JACKETS, TRASH BAGS, AND NO GLASS

    Forgetting one of these three things, can quickly turn your cheap nature getaway into a costly expense. Life jackets are legally required to be worn by any floater 12 and under, and every boat must have a life jacket on board for every person aboard. It’s also essential to keep a trash bag on board every boat to avoid a BIG FAT ticket and of course this helps keep the rivers clean and our state beautiful :). It’s also illegal to have any glass containers, as it is harmful to the environment and dangerous if it breaks, so save yourself the money and buy those drinks in a can! Game and Fish can and will issue fines for any laws broken (so don’t fish without a license, either!). Keeping these things in mind can keep your floating trip both safe and affordable!


  2. GET A DRY BAG

    Losing your phone in the water is everyone’s worst fear. Having a dry bag for safekeeping of all of your essentials is the best way to put those fears to rest! Dry bags can be purchased almost anywhere, so it’s easy to grab one before your next float trip!


  3. AVOID OBSTACLES IN THE WATER

    Be on the lookout for trees, branches, rocks, or any other debris as you float. These things, if hit, can damage or flip your boat, and even put you at risk of injury. “Better safe than sorry & just walk it” is a motto to live by!


  4. KEEP YOUR KEYS SAFE

    The only thing worse than losing your phone on the river? Losing your keys! I always recommend leaving them with your car. If that’s not an option, the next best thing is to keep them at the bottom of your dry bag and avoid removing them for the entirety of your float trip. For extra peace of mind, consider a flotation key ring as well. The last thing you want at the end of your float trip is to be abandoned without a car.


  5. SUNSCREEN, SUNSCREEN, SUNSCREEN!

    Some floats have more shade than others, but you should always be diligent about applying sunscreen, no matter the coverage of the trees. It’s generally recommended to reapply every 2 hours, so don’t forget to take it on the boat with you!


  6. STAY HYDRATED

    Drink water! No, beer doesn’t count just because alcohol has water in it. Dehydration can happen fast on float trips! The constant sun exposure and the physical exertion only expedite the process, especially if you plan on drinking alcohol!! Be sure to pack more than you plan to drink, our personal goal is at least a bottle of water for every two beers. And even if you aren’t drinking alcohol, you should still be drinking water regularly.


  7. BOAT ETIQUETTE

    If you’re using your own boat, be sure to bring both extra paddles and life jackets. If renting, treat everything borrowed as if it were yours, and bring it all back! There is no excuse for jumping ship and abandoning someone else’s property on the side of the river. They probably have your card on file anyway!


  8. FISHING ETIQUTTE

    If you’re wanting to add a little more activity to your float trip, fishing is always a fun choice. Please be mindful of those fishing around you, though! Find your own spot and give the other fishers around you some room to breathe.

If you prefer not to fish and would rather just let the river take you where it will, be respectful of those fishing. Avoid excessive splashing and noise. The fish and your fellow floaters will thank you!


  1. KNOW WHAT YOU’RE DOING

    Whether you’re an experienced floater or just looking to start a new hobby, it’s important to have a good basis of knowledge before you set foot in a boat.

    Pro tip: learn the meaning of “back paddle.” It may come in handier than you’d think!


  2. EMBRACE THE FLOAT

    In many cases, paddling isn’t always necessary. Let the river do what it does best! Unless you’re in a sticky situation and you need to paddle out, sit back, relax, and float on!


Consider these tips as you plan your next float trip, and you’ll not only be floating in safety and mindfulness of others, but also in style!



 


 


 


 


 



Comments

bottom of page