Hey there,
I just wanted to start a topic on swift water tubing or pon tooning. I could see right off that a pontoon style float woul dbe better. But I would like to hear from some people who have done it. Has anyone on the board used there floatables on any rivers?
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[cool][#0000ff]Knowing you, I suppose you would try tubing the Grand Canyon if they would let you...but they won't.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]A lot of folks used to float the Green River in tubes, but there is now a state law that you can't float it in anything less than a 9' pontoon. Many other states have similar restrictions. [/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]When I lived in California, before a lot of the current restrictive laws, I floated much of the Sacramento River...from end to end...in a donut.[/#0000ff]
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I float the Snake River.
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[quote flygoddess]I float the Snake River.[/quote]
It would be a challenge at this moment. What CFS do you usually wait for before you float it? I have floated it at around 2500cfs.
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Slow and easy for me...LOL Can't tell you the cfs, because I really have no idea.
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Hi, 'Dude. Anything you care to share about the restrictive laws on the Sacramento appreciated.
Most of my 'tooning is done on moving water. If there are specific questions, let me know.
Generally, if you see open canoes or recreational float tubes on a river you can probably use a pontoon. If you don't know the river, the net can give you some info and nearby outfitters can be even more helpful. Some things to think about are: Launch and pickup areas? Portaging required? Projected weather and water flow conditions for the time you plan to float? What are private waterfront property rights? Will there be jetskis or motorboat traffic where you are going?
I tend to prefer the lightest,strongest and most stable pontoon possible for river use. These are more versatile, being able to float the smallest water and some sections of even the largest rivers. Can't row or use fins to go up river very far, but a small motor may work to do this. Holding position may require a small anchor if banks are steep or feet cannot be used to touch and hold bottom. One must learn to read currents and sections that are likely to hold fish- depth finders not useful. Hazards of underwater stumps boulders and overhanging branches especially in fast water. My favorite parts when floating are the always changing scenery and protection from wind and sun with high or shady, tree lined banks. You can usually float when wind conditions make things impossible on even the smallest lakes. Waterfalls and shallow rapids can be beautiful sights. They can sometimes be safely approached from downriver by motor or hand line if the banks are shallow and/or walkable.
Hope this helps.
Pon
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[#0000ff]When I lived in California, before a lot of the current restrictive laws, I floated much of the Sacramento River...from end to end...in a donut.[/#0000ff][/quote]
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"Hi, 'Dude. Anything you care to share about the restrictive laws on the Sacramento appreciated."
[cool] [#0000ff]I don't know much about current restrictions on the Sacto River. It has been many years since I lived and tubed there. My comments about the restrictions are more toward fishing in salt water bays and harbors...and on some of the lakes...with the quagga and zebra mussel restrictions.[/#0000ff]
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