River Floating: A 4th of July Tradition
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When I first started out as a wedding photographer, I did a lot of contract work for bigger companies. Part of that was attending mixer events where engaged couples could meet a bunch of photographers to see who they clicked with.
At one of these events a couple approached me. We chatted, they glanced through my portfolio, and we hit it off right away. They were planning to get married on a yacht in Boston Harbor and were curious if I had any experience photographing on boats.
Without missing a beat, I launched into a story about how my friends and I have our annual 4th of July river float!
You see, every year, weather permitting, we plan a big float trip. We gather together and spend the day lazily drifting down the river. And that, I told them, was the extent of my nautical experience.
I didn't get the gig.
But as I think about our annual river float tradition, I find it fascinating how this ritual has evolved over time. There’s no book or guide; it’s purely handed-down knowledge that is then adapted by the new generation. It makes me wonder about the past, about how people used to experience the river.
In times gone by, canoes were the popular way to travel. Followed by adoption of the rubber inner tubes. Prior to that, I imagine people might have used whatever they could find—maybe even jumping into the river and floating along sections without having anything at all. I don't know much about the origins but it’s fun to think about how this activity has evolved over time.
River Float Style
River style is everything. It's not only about comfort; it's about expressing yourself and having fun.
Outfit
The fundimentles of the perfect river outfit is about standing out while being practical. You need to make sure you look great in the inevitable photos. I always go for bright colors, fun patterns, and unique accessories like wild sunglass (cheap ones), a straw hat, and maybe an umbrella.
But, you also need to dress for the event. A bathing suit is a given, but consider bringing a long-sleeve cover-up if you're concerned about sunburn like me. Sun protection is key and it’s always smart to have a lightweight, quick-drying shirt handy.
For footwear, flip-flops are a popular choice but going barefoot can work too. One of my preferred choices is lace up old sneakers so they don't come off in the water but you can walk over rocky pebbles with ease.
Just remember, anything you bring on a river float has the potential to get lost. So choose items you’re okay losing to the river if it happens.
I also like to take a dip occasionally so sunscreen often washes off. I prefer clothes options that offer full coverage if I get too crispy. If you're really sensitive to the sun, consider bringing an umbrella or wide-brimmed hat for extra shade. This way, you can enjoy the float without worrying about constantly reapplying sunscreen.
The Perfect Floatie
Choosing the right floatie is more critical that picking the perfect outfit. Your floatie can be a statement piece or it can be a practical ride for a day on the water. There are plenty of options to consider, choose wisely.
First, decide if you want a single or double floatie. If you’re planning to float with a significant other or BFF, a double floatie can be a great choice allowing you to stay close.
Next, think about how wet you want to be during the float. Some floaties keep you half-submerged, which can be refreshing on a hot day. Others keep you mostly out of the water, perfect for those who want to mostly sunbathe and only dip in on their own terms.
Another important factor is how you plan to keep track of your stuff. I like to bring a small inflatable boat that's used only for dry storage and ensuring nothing gets damaged or lost along the way.
Finally, consider the price point and how often you float. Are you going to use it for several years or is this a one-time adventure? There are durable options that can last a lifetime and budget-friendly choices if you’re just in it for the day.
Plan
Start planning by figuring out which group of friends to invite. It’s important to choose friends who will gel well together or, at the very least, be comfortable mingling and meeting new people. Encourage your friends to bring their own friends to build a unique group. Make sure everyone knows to bring their own floats too.
Selecting the route is the next step. Ensure there's plenty of parking at both the starting and ending points. Coordinate who's vehicle will be at the end of the float to transport everyone back to their cars. Also, find out who will have the equipment needed to blow up the floats at the start. Having extra pumps is a good idea.
Decide on a meeting time, I suggest telling people to meet an hour before whatever the float departure should be. This is to account for the time needed to get everyone organized and ready plus waiting for the inevitable late arrivals.
Estimate how long the float will take. Plan to get out of the water before the sun goes below the tree line because once it does, it can get very cold due to the shadows cast on the river. Aiming to finish no later than 4PM is usually a good rule of thumb.
Lastly, always keep an eye on the weather and river conditions. Be adaptable and ready to switch times or cancel if necessary.
Prep
Once you've planned your river float, it's time to focus on the preparations.
Make sure you have plenty of food and drinks. Hydration is key, so pack lots of water. Don’t forget sunscreen or your towel. It's wise to pack a few extra items in your car just in case someone forgets something.
Think about storage options for your most precious items. Waterproof bags or containers can keep your items safe and dry. Floating keychains can also be helpful for small items. If you're bringing alcohol, make sure it's in moderation and bring a trash bag or designate a floatie that can hold the garbage, no one likes a litter bug.
Bringing music can add to the fun too if someone has a waterproof speaker. And don’t forget to bring a long rope to attach all the floats together. This ensures no one drifts off or gets lost.
Make sure you’ve nailed down the exact start and end points and communicated them clearly to everyone. Knowing where to meet and at what time and allow some extra time for those who might be tardy.
Launch Day
Morning
It's launch day! Start by contacting and confirming with everyone who’s joining. Make sure to reach out to all participants to remind them of the meeting time and location. A group chat or a quick phone call can be helpful so everyone is on the same page.
Double check to make sure that you have the compressors needed to blow up the floats. Bringing a couple of extra floats can save the day if anyone forgets theirs.
Decide whose car will be at the end point to transport people back to the starting point once the float is over. Put everyone's towel in the end-point assigned vehicle.
Make sure you have a plan for where to store the key so you have it at the end. It's easy to forget small details in the chaos.
Once you arrive at the launch point and people start gathering, begin inflating the floats right away. This can take some time. Allow at least thirty minutes to an hour for this process before you actually get into the water. This buffer time also helps accommodate for any latecomers.
Gather all the floats, gear, food, drinks, and coolers, and get them into the water. Attach everything with the rope. It doesn’t have to be perfect, just make sure everyone is connected in some way.
Also, consider bringing a canoe, kayak, or a small inflatable boat to keep items you don’t want to get wet safely dry.
During the Float
After you’ve launched and everyone is floating, it’s all about relaxing and enjoying the ride. Have a yacht rock playlist ready to set the mood. It’s a time for drinks, sharing stories, and meeting new friends. The river float offers a unique way to experience nature. The scenery is beautiful and you might even encounter friendly river folk along the shoreline.
One of the dangers is someone realizing they’ve dropped their phone, keys, or $300 sunglasses. Always try to help them find it if the water is clear. It's a good idea to use floating cases for valuables to avoid losing them.
Remember to drink in moderation. The combination of sun and alcohol can lead to dehydration among other problems.
When it comes to etiquette, dunking and splashing should be done on occasion. Jumping in the water and having fun is encouraged. If your group enjoys little pranks, tipping people will provide endless laughs, but always make sure their expensive items (phones, etc) are safe from being lost to the river.
Ending the Day
As the float comes to an end, some folks may be feeling burnt out while others might still have energy to spare. It’s great to hang out at the exit point and swim some more or simply relax. If someone has a grill, consider having a small cookout to wrap up the day.
Before you get out of the water, take a moment to deflate your float while still in the river. This makes it easier to roll up and carry without dragging it through the dirt on the river bank. Once deflated, carry it to the car and let it dry on a grassy area, car, or fence to avoid it getting muddy.
After, we like to go out to a local restaurant or brewery for dinner. It’s a great way to end the evening on a positive note!
From all the years of doing this, preparation is key – from choosing the right route and floaties to making sure you have all the essentials. And don’t forget the importance of little details like staying hydrated, protecting yourself from the sun, and keeping everyone in a good mood.
So, next 4th of July, or whenever the weather is perfect, gather your crew, plan your float, and try a favorite tradition of mine.
And as a final note, I eventually found out in my wedding photography career that photographing on a boat isn't much different than on land. You just want to make sure you don't step off the edge!
Here’s to many more river floats and the stories they bring. Happy 4th!
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