The purpose of our Arkansas River Coalition Mini-floats is to get people on the river, whatever their experience and skill level. Children accompanied by a responsible adult are welcome. We can provide boats, kayak or canoe, and equipment for participants who do not have a boat and recommend going on a couple of floats before purchasing their own.

On a typical float we meet on Saturday at 9:00 AM at the launch site. The first order of business is to arrange the car shuttle, which we expect participants to be willing to help in. Our floats are leisurely, generally 8 to 10 river miles, with plenty of opportunities to observe eagles and waterfowl or examine a beaver slide along the way. We always stop on a sandbar for lunch (byo) and relaxation with arrival at the takeout anytime from 1:00 to 3:00 PM. We generally also offer, optionally, overnight camping on a sandbar for those of us who go for that sort of thing.

These floats are sponsored by the Arkansas River Coalition (ARC) whose Mission Statement is: The Arkansas River Coalition's mission is to protect, restore and improve the entire watershed and enhance the well-being of all life it sustains. We are a nonprofit tax-exempt corporation. The primary purpose of our mini-floats is to promote awareness and appreciation for the river. We do however accept and appreciate voluntary tax deductible donations- $10 or $15 suggested. A donation of $15 or more makes you an ARC member and puts you on the mailing list for our bimonthly newsletter.

Although these floats are on flat water with no rapids, safety is of paramount importance. Participants are required to wear lifejackets (Personal Flotation Devices, or PFDs) at all times on the water. If the water temperature is less that 50 degrees, and/or the combined air and water temperature is less than 120 degrees, all participants are required to have a complete change of clothing secured in a dry bag suitable for carrying in their boat. Trash compactor bags are tough and make excellent dry bags when closed by tightly twisting the top, folding the twisted portion back on itself, and rubber banding in place. In cooler weather, clothing should be synthetic or wool - never blue jeans or heavy cotton - which lose their insulating value and take forever to dry when wet. As it is sometimes necessary to drag boats over sandbars and to wade shallow water when landing, rubber boots at least 10 inches high (knee boots are better) are required in cool weather conditions.

Each participant will be required to carefully read and sign an ARC Mini-float Waiver and Release of Liability. Waivers for minors (under age 18 at time of registration) must be signed by the minor's parent and/or legal guardian. Please download the liability release form and fill one out for each person who will participate. (63K pdf file)

Release form for adults        Release form for minors

For more information on all Mini-Floats, contact:

Leader: Wally Seibel
Phone: (316) 684-0730 (This number is for inquiries about floats only!)
Email: wallyseibel@aol.com

Last updated 08/27/08

For additional information on any of the above contact Web@NaturalKansas.org or:
 Arkansas River Coalition, PO Box 3056, Wichita, KS  67201