FOK Float Trips

Friends of the Kaw is currently booking group float trips for the 2012 season which runs from mid April to mid October.

Contact the Kansas Riverkeeper to book a group float trip or for further information.

You can download the registration form from the attachment section at the bottom of the page.

FOK Float Trips

Friends of the Kaw's Float Policy

Friends of the Kaw sponsors both private and public educational float trips from April through October. We are focusing our efforts on scheduling private groups of 16 to 24 people. The advantage of organizing a private group trip is that you pick the date, time and river segment you wish to float and we bring the boats and host an educational “sand bar” seminar followed by a hot dog & marshmallow roast. With the construction of the access ramps at Edwardsville and De Soto plus the new ramp at the Lecompton Bridge we have many more river sections available for trips between 4 and 14 miles. If you have questions or would like to inquire about a private float select "contact us" on the home page of this web site.

Float trips on the Kansas River are appropriate for novice boaters and families however it takes some muscle power to paddle down the river and we advise that participants be in good health and physically in shape. Be advised that it will take extra time and expense (that the individual needing assistance will be responsible for) to receive emergency medical attention while on the river. We also advise that participants drink lots of water the day before you float and bring at least 2 large bottles of water per person on the float trip. We do not allow consumption of alcoholic beverages immediately before or during our float trips.

We recommend that participants wear light weight clothing made out of man made fabrics like nylon and polyester - jeans and sweatshirts made out of cotton are very heavy when they get wet and also make one cold as they don't wick water away from one's body. Also, participants should wear shoes that can handle getting wet and muddy such as old tennis shoes, surf walkers or sandals that securely strap to one's feet (no flip flops or bare feet).

Our policy will be to open private float trips two weeks prior to the float date to assign unreserved canoes on a first come first serve basis. Friends of the Kaw needs least 8 canoes for a viable float trip - trips that do not meet that requirement will be canceled or rescheduled. Reservations can be made by calling (913) 963-3460 or (785) 312-7200 or through contact us page of this website.

Suggested donation for use of a Friends of the Kaw canoe is $60 per day and includes paddles and life jackets. Canoes can accommodate two adults, one adult and one child over 14, two adults and one child over 10 or two adults and one or two children under 10. Friends of the Kaw has recently added 4 double sit-on-top kayaks to our fleet of boats. These kayaks (+ paddles and life jackets) will be available to rent for $70 per day on a first come first serve basis. Kayaks are more stable that canoes and are easier to paddle in the wind and accommodate two adults. All participants must wear a life jacket while on the water, sign a liability waiver, and a parent must accompany any child.

We welcome both members and non-members to participate in our publicized float trips using their own boats. A donation to assist Friends of the Kaw in our efforts to protect and preserve the Kansas River will be gladly accepted.

Friends of the Kaw reserves the right to cancel or reschedule floats due to high winds, eminent thunderstorms or inappropriate river conditions. We float in light rain.