What does a float trip involve?
 

Pardon my ignorance, but as a Brit I am wondering what is a float trip? I would like to do a scenic boat trip whilst in Jackson in July and wonder if anyone can recommend one in that area. Though I love the sound of the white water rafting, I am not in the first flush of youth and slightly disabled, so I would want something not too difficult or strenuous.

Suggestions most welcome.
Thanks, Dot

That will depend entirely on the float trip. Some involve lots of up-and-down, spashing, and rapid water; others are less energetic (depending on the river, time of year, etc.); check out the websites before you make any reservations.

The float trip in Jackson in the summer is just that--floating down a river. It is wonderful to do, particularly at dusk when the animals may come out to graze and drink. It is not like a rapids trip there. When we did it and the guide noticed we were from NC, he commented that theirs is a lot calmer. There are undoubtedly a number in the valley to choose from.

I would not do white water rafting but did do a float trip in Jackson Hole. We did go over a few small rapids but nothing serious I would recommend you should try it. The scenery was great.

Hi Dotty,

A float trip means just that, you float along with no rapids significant enough to be rated. You probably won't even get wet, except for your feet. Good to take along a hat with strap and a wind breaking layer, as even in the summer it can be cool on the water or in the shade.

A whitewater rafting trip will involve rapids of various class categories and that does vary by many factors. I'm not a rafting expert, but I believe the class categories go from I to VI. I've done Class III and it was fun, exciting, but not scary. You will get wet.

Getting into Class IV are the Grand Canyon and Cataract Canyon (also on the Colorado River, but above Lake Mead. This gets into serious stuff!

The float trips in Grand Teton are gentle. The rafting trips that go between Jackson and Alpine on the Snake are a bit more, but you could do it have have a great time. A slight disability wouldn't matter! You will be required to wear a life vest.

Have fun!

PS - did you know that folks with all types of "disabilities" do the Grand Canyon? Wheelchairs, blind, whatever - they go!

Thanks to sylvia3,Gretchen,mmouse and Dayle for your replies.

I had polio as a child, which is beginning to limit my activities as I am getting older, but am still as active as I can be and do a fair amount of walking, especially on holiday.

I love boats, the faster the better, but am not keen on having to climb into them if they are not steady (my OH is very patient and helpful though).

I am sure, from what you have all told me, one of the float trips would be fine and I am sure I will enjoy one.

Dayle, thanks yet again for your, as ever, helpful reply.

Regards, Dot

Dotty,

You are welcome! What did you decide to do with your night between Jackson and southern UT?

I saw some bald eagles on my float trip early in the morning there. quite exciting.

Hi Dayle, haven't made any arrangements as yet. Not sure what to do as we only have the one night. Thought we might just take a chance and stop whenever we feel we need a break and just hope we get in somewhere!

youngtom2910 - thanks for your reply. It would be great to see something like that. Will have to hope we experience something similar!

Dot

So you are going to Jackson in Wyoming? Float trips in the Missouri Ozarks are entirely different, of course, meanering down spring fed shallow streams with only a few rapids. Canoe outfitters provide all the equipment needed. Quite restful.

ozarksbill

I think you'd love a float trip, maybe even some Class I or II rapids. I'm sorry I can't recommend a particular outfitter there. But if you get a good one with experienced guides, and you clearly decide with the outfitter the type of water you'll be on, you'll be fine. The good outfitters are very professional and know how to make you comfortable. v Describe what you want, and ask the outfitter what river trip they recommend.

If you find one you like, you can usually do a full day with a simple lunch provided, or a half-day trip with a small snack at the end.

It can be an amazing experience, floating (or flying over the rapids) in a gorgeous canyon on a July afternoon in the Tetons. Truly transcendental!!
:)>-

The trips in the Teton Valley are gentle as I and others have said. And they are about 2-3 hours long. We saw eagles also, at a time they were on the endangered list. Very thrilling. You won't have a problem. I too hate getting in and out of boats!!

Having decided to spend an extra night in Jackson rather than travelling on over a long distance on my birthday, this sounds like an ideal way to spend the day, so, all being well, I will be floating along on the water on 6 July and then finishing off with dinner somewhere nice!

Thanks once again to all for your helpful info.