One of the most popular things to do in Mesa is to float down the Salt River. The 68-degree water is a treat for all ages, and it's also an easy way to get some exercise.
But before you head out to float the river, there are some things you need to know in order to make sure your trip is as safe as possible. Following these tips can help you have a great time, without any hiccups!
1. Prepare Yourself for the Ride
The first thing you need to do before you set off on your float is to pack the essentials. This includes sunblock, a towel, water and snacks. Then, you'll need a pair of good shoes to wear on the tube or raft and a swimsuit. Read more here about this blog post .
2. Bring a Dry Bag to Store Your Personal Items
The most important thing you'll want to bring along on your float is a dry bag to store your phone and keys. You'll want to ensure that these are safe and secure as the river can be very slippery in places.
3. Bring a Hat and Sunglasses
You'll want to take plenty of sunblock with you on your float, especially if you plan on going long. The sun can be pretty intense, and it's easy to forget to apply sunscreen or reapply later in the day.
4. Carry a Snack/Water Cooler
You should also carry a sturdy cooler to keep your drinks and food in while floating the river. Styrofoam coolers break easily and aren't environmentally friendly,
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5. Protect Your Eyes
The salt river can be pretty slick at times, so it's important to protect your eyes. You can use sunglasses to block out the glare from the sun, but you should also use a pair of prescription glasses or goggles to protect your eyes from debris on the water.
6. Bring Water Shoes
The Salt River is a very rocky river, so you'll need to have water shoes. They're essential, as a lack of water shoes can cause significant injury to your feet.
7. Don't Tie Your Tubes Together
While there are plenty of people who will tie their tubes together, this can cause the tubes to fall over and create a dangerous situation for everyone involved. The tying of tubes can also lead to a lot of unnecessary friction and discomfort.
8. Remember to Bring a Life Jacket
While the Salt River is generally very mild, there have been several drownings in the past, so it's always a good idea to bring a life vest along for your float. You should also bring a paddle, so that you can navigate the river and stay out of trouble.
9. Don't Let Your Tubes Become Too Wet
The black tubes you rent for the Salt River can be very hot in the sun, so you'll want to cover them with a sheet to prevent burning. Check out this related post to get more enlightened on the topic: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salt_River_Project .
