If Your Boise River Float Feels Faster This Year, It’s Because It Is!

The Boise River is in a hurry this summer!

If it feels like the Treasure Valley's favorite river is zipping along at a faster pace this summer than last, it's because it is!

Heads up, Boise River floaters! According to the Idaho Press-Tribune, the Boise River's flow dropped below 700 cubic feet per second (cfs) during the 2023 float season, making for a laidback three-hour'ish float. This year, FloatTheBoise.org reports the river's flow rate has jumped to a whopping 828 cfs, with wind speeds up to four miles per hour. Yowza, Speed Racer!

Our Family's Lightning-Speed Float

For added perspective, our family of ten people aboard two large rafts tethered together floated the river in just two hours and 20 minutes this past weekend, y'all. And. It. Was wild! 

Was the rush a blast? You betcha! But the amped up speed meant we had to be more vigilant and wield our paddles with a bit more finesse and vigor—a fact that became glaringly obvious after a rough encounter with low-hanging branches and our esteemed captain's hilarious ejection from our vessel 😆 

Control your boat, stay afloat!

All jokes aside, navigating a fast-flowing river means you've got to stay on your toes. Higher speeds give Boise floaters less time to react to obstacles, strong currents, the river's three rapids, and other floaters. 

Not so skilled with a paddle? Doubt your ability to command an inflatable flotilla? No biggie. Plenty of floaters get by and have a great time in donut tubes when the Boise River has a knees-to-chest mentality! We suggest sporting a life jacket if you prefer to go to the donut route.

So, if you're planning to float the Boise River this summer, stay safe, paddle hard, and enjoy the ride!

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