Our Paddle Board River Float Adventure

We did it — we made the float! From Chinook to Schroeder Park, the day was filled with sunshine, shallow spots, reggae music, and plenty of laughs as I tried not to fall off my paddle board navigating the little rapids.

The adventure started with me crashing into a rock — I was trying to steer clear, but nope, I hit it hard. Then, while I was still recovering, my partner bumped me off my board with his raft. Yep, two wipeouts in about five minutes!

Luckily, the water was shallow enough to stand up, so I got back on my board, laughing way more than I probably should have.

Floating as a Group and Snack Breaks

Floating as a group was such a vibe. We chatted, chilled under the sun, shared snacks, and soaked it all in. Sometimes, we’d float solo — just me, the water, some reggae playing from my JBL waterproof speaker tucked inside my dry bag, and a pack of Mambas I grabbed at Lil Pantry just before hitting the water.

I was singing off-key, slowly roasting the tops of my legs, and unwrapping candy like it was the most important thing I packed — peak river float behavior, honestly.

Sun Protection Tips: Don’t Forget to Reapply Sunscreen

Speaking of sunscreen, I definitely should’ve reapplied. The tops of my legs got fried. If our son had been with us, I know I would have handled it without hesitation. As a parent, I always go the extra mile for him, but when it’s just me? I tend to let things slide. Next time, I’m putting myself in “mom mode” and actually taking care of it.

What I Learned About Paddle Boarding on the River

Here’s what I learned on this paddle board float:

• I still haven’t stood up on my paddle board, and honestly? That’s fine. Sitting is where I’m at right now. We’re using a board from IROCKER on Amazon that’s perfect for chilling and cruising while I get the hang of it.
• A double-sided paddle would make sitting and paddling easier. Luckily, I already own one — it came with the kayak I inherited from my dad after he passed. I haven’t used it yet, but I’m thinking it’s time to bring it along. Having a piece of him with me on the river feels right.
• Some spots were so shallow that I had to pick up my board and carry it to keep the fins from scraping. Extra arm workout, bonus points!
• I lost half my drink when a rapid bumped it out from between my legs. Cup holder? Absolutely on my wishlist — I’ll be adding this one on Amazon for next time.
• Next up on the gear wishlist: a seat for comfort. This convertible paddle board seat on Amazon is going straight into my cart.

Why This River Float Was More Than Just a Paddle Board Trip

Despite the wipeouts and sunburn, it was such a good day. The kind of day where you laugh at yourself while bouncing through little rapids and come home a little sore, a little red, but really happy.

This float wasn’t just about the river. It was about slowing down, singing to yourself in the sun, laughing through the wobbly bits, and sharing moments that stick with you longer than any bruise or sunburn.

When all is said and done, it’s not about having everything perfect or packed just right. It’s about how it felt to float through those moments — a little clumsy, totally imperfect, and so worth it.

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🛶 I’ll be sharing my favorite paddle board gear and accessories soon — for anyone who loves sitting, snacking, singing, and floating through summer. Keep an eye on opalbri.com for the full gear guide!