Ready to add a splash of adventure (and a little sunscreen) to your day? In Roanoke, you don’t need a big budget or fancy gear—just a life jacket, a sense of fun, and a willingness to get a little wet! My sons and I have road-tested nearly every offbeat trail, bike path, and lazy river float this region has to offer. As a single mom, I quickly learned that sometimes the best adventures start with a “why not?” (and, always, a cooler or dry bag of snacks). Even now, with my kids grown, you’ll still find me roping friends into river trips and spontaneous tubing escapades.
Since I’ve probably answered the “Where do you even GO to float around here?” question at least a dozen times, I figured it was high time to share my tips, favorite spots, and—most importantly—how to stay safe while making a splash on Roanoke’s rivers. Let’s get ready to float, laugh, and maybe earn a few funny stories for the next family get-together!
Tubing and floating on the river can be a memorable experience, but safety should always come first. Here are key things to keep in mind for a safe outing on the Roanoke River or other local waterways:
1. Check Water Quality and Levels Advisories
- Before heading out, confirm that the river is open for recreational use and at a safe level, especially after hard rains. It’s not always about how high and “rough” the waters may be. It could be they are “butt draggin'” low. Let me tell you, that is no fun! Here’s where you can check out levels for the Roanoke River Blueways and the James River (we LOVE floating the James in Buchanan):
- James River Levels https://howsthejamesrva.com/map/
- More info from Roanoke Mountain Adventures
2. Wear Appropriate Safety Gear
- Life Jackets: Every member of your group, especially children, should wear a properly fitted, Coast Guard-approved personal flotation device—even if they are good swimmers. I can tell you from personal experience how grateful I am for a life jacket on the river. Just remember, always, the wild is just that…wild! We can not predict or control any of the outcomes. I am a pretty strong swimmer, and have been on a kayaking trip where I dragged by bottom at least 1 miserable mile, but ended up ,kayak upside down, thankfully a sit inside- so I had an air bubble, and my life jacket propelled me to the surface and likely saved my life. Duh, the purpose.
- Footwear: Wear water shoes or closed-toed sandals to protect feet from sharp rocks and to prevent shoes from washing away. Flip-flops and bare feet are not recommended.
3. Know Your Route and Plan Ahead
- Be familiar with the entry and exit points for your float. Study maps, scout the route if possible, and make sure everyone knows where to get out.I also highly recommend crowd sourcing this information and there are social media groups that can help.
- Double-check shuttle arrangements if using an outfitter or planning a point-to-point float.I’ve also had to adbandon particularly bad floats and because we are in an urban area in Roanoke/Salem- I was able to use Lyft to get back to my vehicle. I also do not worry much about my gear getting stolen, which is a concern if you have to do this, but I know how much work it is to haul it myself, so it has always worked out here.
4. Supervise Children Closely
- The river is unpredictable. Keep young children and less-confident swimmers within arm’s reach at all times. Some local outfitters require children under 16 to stay in shallower parts and to wear life jackets.
- Do a test run without small children, or float in a group with otheNow r adults for added safety.
- Use ropes and caribeaners to stay connected during the float.
5. Pack Smart and Protect Valuables
- Only bring what is necessary on the river. Use waterproof bags for essentials like phones or keys; leave valuables such as rings and electronics at home. Waterproof bags for kayaking are the best, but freezer zip lock bags also help.
- Bring sunscreen, hats, sunglasses, and water bottles or camel backs to prevent sunburn and dehydration.
9. Follow Local Laws and Guidelines
- Familiarize yourself with local rules, swimming abilities, and legal age or life jacket requirements for children.
- Only tube when conditions are safe and outfitters or authorities have given the all-clear .
Enjoy tubing and floating, but always prioritize safety by staying informed, prepared, and respectful of river conditions. When advisories are in effect, seek alternate recreational activities until the river is confirmed safe again for you and your family…