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4X4 · 08-07-2008, 12:53 PM

Not only will they fine you for not wearing a lifejacket, they'll boot you off the river. Better hope you're near a bus stop or something.

I love rafting both the Bow and the Elbow. When I do the Bow I always park at the rec area at Shouldice. Make sure you have at least one paddle for the Bow.
When you approach the weir there's tons of signage. How anyone can be so stupid to still go over the thing (lilke that ###### from Quebec) is beyond me. Get out on the right hand side of the river if you're facing downstream. Walk 50 meters and jump back in.
I've never gone beyond the sewage treatment plant because... well... I choose not to.

As previously mentioned, it'll take you all day to get down to Deer Run, but I don't see any reason why not to do it. In fact, I think it's a great idea and maybe I'll do it this weekend.

Some tips for happy rafting:

Get one of those screw cap ziploc containers for soup. These containers are water tight for your phone and keys and stuff. Plus the air in there makes them buoyant.

For "refreshments" bring a backpack that you don't care gets wet and stuff it full of ice and your drinks. As tempting as it is to hang it off the rope and let it be in the water, it makes your beer piss warm.

Don't be an a-hole and throw stuff overboard. And don't bring glass. Cans only!

Bring a hat! A cowboy hat is best.

Get coozies to cover your cans. What the cops can't see they don't really care about.

Everyone has to have their own lifejacket and as soon as you see a cop, put it on. It's not like the seatbelt law where they'll jack you for not wearing it, but they will tell you to put it on and they may notice what you're drinking (or smoking?) while hollaring to you.

Rafting is an awesome way to spend a day. I don't know how much it is to rent, but to purchase a decent raft should cost you around $100+. Don't waste money with cheap plastic beach toy boats. It'll pop and you'll be on the banks patching it.

Lifejackets are anywhere from $30 - $80 at Crappy Tire or WalMart.

Between you and the old lady, you spend $200 on your own lifejackets and a 2 man raft (that will come with cheap plastic oars) and you've got all you need to enjoy many a Saturday afternoon. A solid investment like a tent or anything else that can be reused many times.

08-07-2008, 12:53 PM	#10
4X4 One of the Nine Join Date: Dec 2004 Exp:	Not only will they fine you for not wearing a lifejacket, they'll boot you off the river. Better hope you're near a bus stop or something. I love rafting both the Bow and the Elbow. When I do the Bow I always park at the rec area at Shouldice. Make sure you have at least one paddle for the Bow. When you approach the weir there's tons of signage. How anyone can be so stupid to still go over the thing (lilke that ###### from Quebec) is beyond me. Get out on the right hand side of the river if you're facing downstream. Walk 50 meters and jump back in. I've never gone beyond the sewage treatment plant because... well... I choose not to. As previously mentioned, it'll take you all day to get down to Deer Run, but I don't see any reason why not to do it. In fact, I think it's a great idea and maybe I'll do it this weekend. Some tips for happy rafting: Get one of those screw cap ziploc containers for soup. These containers are water tight for your phone and keys and stuff. Plus the air in there makes them buoyant. For "refreshments" bring a backpack that you don't care gets wet and stuff it full of ice and your drinks. As tempting as it is to hang it off the rope and let it be in the water, it makes your beer piss warm. Don't be an a-hole and throw stuff overboard. And don't bring glass. Cans only! Bring a hat! A cowboy hat is best. Get coozies to cover your cans. What the cops can't see they don't really care about. Everyone has to have their own lifejacket and as soon as you see a cop, put it on. It's not like the seatbelt law where they'll jack you for not wearing it, but they will tell you to put it on and they may notice what you're drinking (or smoking?) while hollaring to you. Rafting is an awesome way to spend a day. I don't know how much it is to rent, but to purchase a decent raft should cost you around $100+. Don't waste money with cheap plastic beach toy boats. It'll pop and you'll be on the banks patching it. Lifejackets are anywhere from $30 - $80 at Crappy Tire or WalMart. Between you and the old lady, you spend $200 on your own lifejackets and a 2 man raft (that will come with cheap plastic oars) and you've got all you need to enjoy many a Saturday afternoon. A solid investment like a tent or anything else that can be reused many times.