What to Bring While Floating the San Marcos River
One the trickiest parts about floating the San Marcos river is gathering the right supplies and organizing a group to float. Frontera Tours offer float trips from downtown Austin to San Marcos river and provide everything you need to float the river. If you're looking to head to the river and DIY, here are a few items you'll need.
TUBE- The Tube is the most important item you'll need during your river float. We recommend renting tubes at your river location. It's easier than transporting them and way more convenient than trying to inflate them yourself and store them over the winter. Most locations will still charge you for parking, river permits, and the shuttle so you might as well spend a few more bucks and include the tube rental as well. If you do buy your own tube, Academy, buccees, and HEB do have them. Make sure they have cup holders and be sure to inflate them to a solid pressure. There's nothing worse than getting out there and your sinking a bit.
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SUN BLOCK- The Texas heat is no joke. Bring sunscreen and apply it several times during your float. If you pack your sun screen in your ice cooler, It'll stay cold and feel really refreshing when you re apply in the scorching heat. Thats one of our Pro tips! Additionally, bring a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and lightweight, breathable clothing to shield yourself from the sun. Don't ruin your vaca with a burn.
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Water Shoes and Sandals- Water shoes may look dorky but can be life saver when floating the rivers in Texas. Chaco and tevas sandals are our favorite and are great when entering and exiting the river. You can always put your sandals in the cooler tube during your float trip.
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Water & SNACKS- Water and Snacks are crucial out there. Bring an adequate supply of water or other non-alcoholic beverages. It's super easy to jug as many beers as you can during your float but don't forget to drink water here and there. Theres shallow spot and banks that you can stop at to eat a pre made sandwich. pack a cooler and rent a cooler tube.
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Waterproof Bag and Dry Box-Waterproof Bags and Dry Boxes are great for keeping your personal belongings dry, but they do sink so keep an eye out for that. We recommend not taking too much out there. You don't need credit cards or money and some places allow you to leave your keys at the front desk. We've seen tons of stuff go missing out there so don't take anything too valuable. Wedding rings can also slide off pretty easy. Yes, we've seen one of those go missing too. Buzz kill.
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Towels and extra clothes-Towels and extra clothes are essentials when floating the river but don't fret if you forget them. You can always air dry. We recommend leaving towels in the car. Most everything will get we out there and you can always grab it when you get off the river and take the shuttle back.
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Trash Bags- DON'T MESS WITH TEXAS Y'ALL. Help keep the river clean by bringing a small trash bag to collect your trash and dispose of it properly. most places have onion mesh bags that you can use to for trash. They float really well.
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First Aid Kit- It's always a good idea to have a basic first aid kit on hand for any minor injuries or emergencies that may occur.