Float Fest 2: Tube Fast, Tube Furious

The inaugural Float Fest was such a success we're doing it again. Same plan, but this time we meet at 12 noon. Bring an inflatable tube. We'll board a Metro Transit bus for a short ride to Edina. After a 15 minute walk, we will inflate our tubes and float down Minnehaha Creek back to Minneapolis (final destination: Lake Nokomis).

Our entry point to Minnehaha Creek is Utley Park in Edina. Feel free to skip the bus ride and meet us at the creek. We will enter the creek no earlier than 1:00 pm. There will be one bathroom break at Lynnhurst Park.

NOTES ABOUT SAFETY:

While I love you very much, and will do all within my power as a friend to protect you from harm, I am not legally responsible for your safety. Please consult the Minnehaha Creek Watershed District website for safety tips. I will be monitoring creek flow rate in the days before our journey. If the flow is too fast, I will let you know by email if we need to cancel. RSVP to this event page and provide your email address to stay updated.

Key points:

• Have a waterproof phone case or dry bag to keep your phone safe. People have learned the hard way their phones are not as water resistant as advertised by the manufacturer.

• Wear water shoes or sandals. There are likely to be a couple times where we will need to stand up in the creek to bypass a fallen tree. The bottom of the creek is not safe for bare feet.

• Use your feet to push off obstacles like rocks, walls, or trees.

• Always scan ahead for potential hazards both above and below the water.

• Keep eyes open for rocks or logs just below water level. Rough water or "riffles" can be a sign there is something large under the water. Try to steer around, paddling with your hands, and lift your butt up to avoid making contact.

REAL SERIOUS DISCLAIMER: I am not responsible for your safety during Float Fest 2: Tube Fast, Tube Furious. You are responsible for your own flotation upon entering Minnehaha Creek.

What kind of tube should you get? We recommend Intex River Run series. I use the "Pro" version because I'm a real pro. Others have ridden peacocks or tubes shaped like donuts with a bite taken out of them. Tubers have complained about discomfort after riding tubes without supportive netting in the middle.

Should you bring a pump? If you don't want to bring your own pump, there should be extra to share.

Kyles Jones riding his peacock into battle.