Frequently
Asked
Questions

What time does this start?

The official arrival time for this event is 11:00 AM, and we will launch at 12:30 PM sharp. This gives everyone time to shuttle vehicles, inflate tubes, apply an irresponsible amount of sunscreen, crack open a beverage, catch up with friends, and make a few new ones.

Please do not arrive before 11:00 AM unless you enjoy watching volunteers carry coolers, wrestle air pumps, and question their life choices. If that's your idea of entertainment, you might be just a little crazy—and we respect that.

Do I need to bring my own float?

You must bring your own flotation device. While we'd love to provide everyone with a luxury river yacht, this event is organized by a small group of dedicated volunteers—and unfortunately, none of us have won the lottery yet.

Fortunately, river tubes can usually be found for under $20 at Walmart, Target, Amazon, Dick's Sporting Goods, and other retailers. We will have air pumps available to help inflate your tube. If you're able to inflate your own (and maybe help your friends), you'll officially earn bonus community karma points.

We do keep a limited number of emergency backup tubes on hand, but they're reserved for genuine emergencies—not for people who spent three hours picking the perfect outfit and forgot the actual tube.

Most importantly: a pool float is not a river float. We know that giant flamingo is cute, but the river doesn't care about Instagram-worthy. Choose a tube built for the river, unless you'd like to star in this year's Walk of Shame down the riverbank.

How is cell phone service?

Heads up: Cell service can be a little flaky at both locations. If your text goes unanswered, blame the signal—not your situationship.

How long is the float time?

The total float time is approximately 3 to 3½ hours, or about the length of three episodes of Drag Race.

Do you need a life vest?

Life vests are not required, but common sense is strongly encouraged. If you're not a strong swimmer, feel more comfortable wearing one, or just prefer an extra layer of safety, go for it.

Most of the river is calm, but there are a few faster-moving sections, small rapids, and spots where the water is over 8 feet deep. The goal is to spend the day floating with friends—not becoming new friends with the river bottom. (Damon has enough friends.)

Can I Bring a Little Liquid Confidence? (AKA: Adult Beverages?)

We cannot legally tell you to bring alcoholic beverages, encourage alcoholic beverages, or officially comment on what may or may not be inside your cooler.

What we can say is that you're an adult and capable of making your own decisions. If you choose to partake, please do so responsibly, know your limits, stay hydrated, and look out for your fellow floaters.

Remember, the goal is to float down the river—not to spend three hours arguing with a lawn chair because you think it's judging you. (It is.)

What are some pro tips for first-timers?

The river is full of rocks, so water shoes are always a good idea. Crocs work surprisingly well—just remember to put them in Sport Mode. This is not the time for casual Crocs.

Sunscreen should be applied generously and often. The sun reflects off the water, and nobody wants to spend the next week looking like a boiled lobster with bad tan lines.

Drink plenty of water throughout the day. The goal is to make memories, not become one of the safety briefings next year.

A floating dry bag is worth every penny. Your phone, wallet, and keys will appreciate not becoming honorary residents of the Youghiogheny River.

Bring a towel for the end of the float. Despite your best efforts to stay dry, you will get wet. The river has a 100% success rate on that one.

Speaking of keys: leave them at the finish location if possible. Your future self will be much happier driving home than standing in a parking lot several miles away wondering where things went wrong.

What is there’s bad weather or unsafe river conditions?

Mother Nature gets a vote, too. In the event of severe weather or unsafe river conditions, a cancellation decision will be made between 48 and 24 hours before the event. Safety is always our top priority—even if some of us think we're invincible after two drinks and a tube.

Our rain date is Sunday, August 9, 2026 same times. If weather or river conditions are unsafe on both dates, there will be no float event this year. We'd much rather disappoint you for a weekend than have anyone starring in the evening news.

Why do you do this?

Because community doesn't happen by accident. And community matters.

We wanted to create an event that gets people outside, encourages real-world connections, and gives our diverse LGBTQ+ community a chance to come together in a way that's affordable, family-friendly, and accessible to as many people as possible.

You don't need expensive tickets, fancy clothes, or a packed social calendar—just a tube, a good attitude, and a willingness to spend the day with some pretty awesome people.

Sunshine is cheaper than therapy. Also, if we're being honest, it's partly because annoying Gabe with this event has become it’s own cherished annual tradition.

What if I don’t have anyone to float with?

First of all, we're so glad you're coming!

While we strongly encourage the Buddy System for safety reasons, we understand that not everyone has a river crew ready to go. In fact, quite a few people attend on their own each year and leave with new friends.

To help make things easier, we'll have a sign-up option for solo floaters before the event. We'll do our best to connect individuals together into groups so nobody has to feel like they're floating alone.

That said, this isn't speed dating, arranged marriage, or a legally binding friendship contract. We can't guarantee you'll find your new best friend, but we can almost guarantee you'll meet some pretty awesome people.

Remember: every friend group started with someone awkwardly saying "Hi" to a stranger. This is just a much gayer version that happens to involve a river.