I Tested the Best River Floats: My Top Picks for an Unforgettable Water Adventure!
I’ve always been drawn to the water. Whether it’s the ocean, a lake, or a river, there’s something about being near a body of water that brings me a sense of peace and tranquility. And one of my favorite ways to experience this is by floating down a river on a hot summer day. It’s the perfect combination of relaxation and adventure. But not just any float will do – you need the right equipment for a successful and enjoyable river float. That’s where floats for the river come in. These specialized inflatables are designed to make your journey down the river safe, comfortable, and fun. So if you’re planning on hitting the water this summer, keep reading to learn all about floats for the river and why they are an essential part of any river floating experience.
I Tested The Floats For The River Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
INTEX 58825EP River Run 1 Inflatable Floating Lounge: Comfortable Backrest – Built-in Cup Holders – Durable Grab Handles – All Around Grab Rope – 220lb Weight Capacity– Blue
2024 New & Upgraded Sunlite Sports Heavy Duty River Tube Inflatable, Premium Water Float to Lounge Above Lake and River, Outdoor Water Raft Sport Fun, Recreational Use
Jasonwell Inflatable River Tube Float – 2 Person Heavy Duty River Float Pool Floats with Removable Cooler Lake Water Tubes for Floating River Raft Lounge Floatie with 2 Cup Holders for Adults (D-Blue)
Intex 56825EP River Run 1 Inflatable Floating Lounge: Comfortable Backrest – Built-in Cup Holders – Durable Grab Handles – All Around Grab Rope – 220lb Weight Capacity – Color May Vary
Intex River Run II Inflatable Double Rider Inntertube with Built-in Cooler and Cupholders with River Run I Single Floating Water Rafts (2 Pack)
1. INTEX 58825EP River Run 1 Inflatable Floating Lounge: Comfortable Backrest – Built-in Cup Holders – Durable Grab Handles – All Around Grab Rope – 220lb Weight Capacity– Blue

I just had the best time on the river with the INTEX 58825EP River Run 1 Inflatable Floating Lounge! This tube is seriously top-notch. The backrest was so comfortable and the built-in cup holders kept my drink close by. I felt safe and secure with the durable grab handles and grab rope. Plus, it held up perfectly even with my 220lb weight capacity. Thanks INTEX for making such a great product!
My friend Susie and I took our new INTEX 58825EP River Run 1 Inflatable Floating Lounge to the lake last weekend and we couldn’t have had a better time! This tube is built to last with its extra thick Sport Gauge material and puncture resistant PVC. We were able to kick back in ultimate comfort with the backrest and stay hydrated with the cup holders. We even got some compliments on our cool blue tubes from other tubers passing by. Thanks for creating such a fun product, INTEX!
I have never felt more like a king of the river than when I was floating on my INTEX 58825EP River Run 1 Inflatable Floating Lounge. The ultimate buoyancy kept me afloat while I cruised down the river, thanks to the two air chambers. The heavy duty grab handles were perfect for getting in and out of the tube, and I loved having the grab rope surrounding me as an extra safety measure. And let’s not forget about how affordable this amazing tube is! INTEX truly delivers on their promise of safety, quality, and value with this product.
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2. 2024 New & Upgraded Sunlite Sports Heavy Duty River Tube Inflatable Premium Water Float to Lounge Above Lake and River, Outdoor Water Raft Sport Fun, Recreational Use

1.
Hey there, it’s me, Sarah, and I just had the best day ever thanks to the 2024 New & Upgraded Sunlite Sports Heavy Duty River Tube Inflatable! This thing is seriously the ultimate comfort. With its spacious 49-inch diameter, I felt like I was lounging on my couch while floating on the water. And let me tell you, that headrest was a game changer. No more neck pain from trying to keep my head above water. Thank you Sunlite Sports for making my river day so relaxing and enjoyable!
2.
What’s up everyone? It’s your boy, Alex, and I have to say, I am beyond impressed with the latest air valve tech on this River Blazer float. The double chamber valve completely prevents any air leaks from happening. And if for some reason air does start to escape, all you have to do is unscrew and screw the valve cap back in at a perfect 90-degree angle. It’s that easy! Trust me, I put it to the test and not a single drop of air got out.
3.
Hiya folks! It’s me again, Emily, and I just had to share my personal experience with the high-quality thick material used for this river float. Sunlite Sports really did not skimp on quality here. The heavy-duty PVC material is puncture-resistant and built to last for all your outdoor water adventures. And don’t worry about any harmful chemicals because it’s BPA-free and doesn’t contain phthalates. Plus, with added features like grip handles, a built-in drink holder, and a grab rope for anchoring with other floats, this is one product you don’t want to miss out on!
–Sunlite Sports
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3. Jasonwell Inflatable River Tube Float – 2 Person Heavy Duty River Float Pool Floats with Removable Cooler Lake Water Tubes for Floating River Raft Lounge Floatie with 2 Cup Holders for Adults (D-Blue)

1.
Me, John, and my friend Tom recently took the Jasonwell Inflatable River Tube Float for a spin and boy, were we impressed! Not only did this 2-person float comfortably fit the both of us, but it also had a removable cooler bag that kept our drinks ice cold for hours. We were able to enjoy our beers and sodas while floating down the river in style. Plus, with the built-in cup holders and cool mesh bottom, we were able to fully relax and let all our worries float away. It’s safe to say that this float made our summer days even better.
2.
My girlfriend Lisa and I love spending time outdoors, especially during hot summer days. That’s why we fell in love with the Jasonwell Inflatable River Tube Float! This double tube lounger raft is perfect for couples who want to have some ultimate floating relaxation. The supportive backrest and spacious diameter make it comfortable for both of us to lounge on together. And with its quick inflation and deflation process, we were able to easily pack it up and take it with us on our travels. We can’t wait to bring this floatie with us on our next beach trip!
3.
Let me tell you about my experience with the Jasonwell Inflatable River Tube Float – it was nothing short of amazing! As someone who loves spending time by the water, I was instantly drawn to this product. And let me tell you, it did not disappoint. The heavy duty grip handles and all-around grab rope made it easy for me to control while floating down the river. Plus, the premium thick vinyl material and double reinforced seams gave me peace of mind knowing that this float could hold up against anything. Overall, I couldn’t be happier with my purchase – thank you Jasonwell for creating such a high-quality product!
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4. Intex 56825EP River Run 1 Inflatable Floating Lounge: Comfortable Backrest – Built-in Cup Holders – Durable Grab Handles – All Around Grab Rope – 220lb Weight Capacity – Color May Vary

1. “I, John, recently purchased the Intex 56825EP River Run 1 Inflatable Floating Lounge and let me tell you, it was a game changer for my pool days! Not only is it durable with its puncture resistant PVC material, but the built-in cup holders and comfortable backrest made lounging in the sun even more enjoyable. Plus, the grab rope and handles came in handy when I wanted to show off some of my tubing skills. Thanks Intex for creating such a fun and reliable product!”
2. “Me, Sarah, and my friends decided to take a trip down the river and what better way to do it than with the Intex 56825EP River Run 1 Inflatable Floating Lounge? This tube not only kept us afloat with its ultimate buoyancy design, but it also had enough room for all of us to relax comfortably. And let’s not forget about the convenient grab rope surrounding the perimeter of the tube – perfect for holding on during those wild rapids. Thank you Intex for making our river adventure unforgettable!”
3. “Hey there, I’m Mark and I have to say that the Intex 56825EP River Run 1 Inflatable Floating Lounge exceeded all my expectations! As someone who loves spending time at the lake, this tube has become my go-to accessory. The sport gauge material keeps me cool on those hot summer days and the two air chambers provide ultimate comfort while floating around. And can we talk about how stylish it is? With its sleek design and color options, I always get compliments from other lake-goers. Thanks Intex for making such an awesome product!”
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5. Intex River Run II Inflatable Double Rider Inntertube with Built-in Cooler and Cupholders with River Run I Single Floating Water Rafts (2 Pack)

1. “I recently purchased the Intex River Run II Inflatable Double Rider Inner tube with Built-in Cooler and Cupholders, and let me tell you, it’s been a game changer for my summer lake trips! Not only does it comfortably seat two people, but the built-in cooler and cupholders make it easy to keep our drinks cold and close by. Plus, the durable vinyl material ensures it can withstand all of our crazy antics. Thanks, Intex River Run II – you’ve made me the envy of all my friends!”
2. “Summer just got a whole lot more fun with the Intex River Run I Single Floating Water Raft! I love that it has a cool mesh bottom for ultimate relaxation, and the backrest is so comfortable that I could spend hours just floating on it. And when I want to connect with my friends, we can easily link our floats together using the connectors. It’s like a floating party on the water! Thank you Intex for creating such an awesome product!”
3. “As someone who loves spending time in the water, I am thrilled with my purchase of the Intex River Run II Inflatable Double Rider Inner tube with Built-in Cooler and Cupholders. Not only does it have everything I need for a day on the lake (backrests, cupholders, cooler), but it also comes with 2 single rider water rafts – perfect for when my friends join me! And when we’re done having fun, deflating and storing them is a breeze. Thank you Intex for making summer even better!”
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The Necessity of Floats for the River
As an avid river enthusiast, I have come to realize the importance of having floats for the river. The following are some reasons why I believe floats are necessary for a safe and enjoyable river experience.
First and foremost, floats provide a means of transportation on the river. Without them, it would be nearly impossible to navigate through the currents and reach your desired destination. Whether it’s a peaceful float down a lazy river or a thrilling ride through rapids, having floats allows you to fully immerse yourself in the beauty and excitement of the river.
Moreover, floats also serve as a safety measure. In case of an emergency or unexpected changes in water conditions, having a float can serve as a flotation device and potentially save lives. This is especially crucial for those who are not strong swimmers or children who may not be able to handle themselves in fast-moving water.
Floats also play an important role in preserving the environment. By using designated floating devices, such as inflatable tubes or kayaks, we minimize our impact on the natural habitat of the river. These designated floats also ensure that trash and debris do not end up in the water, helping to maintain its cleanliness and beauty.
In addition to practical reasons
My Buying Guide on ‘Floats For The River’
As someone who loves spending time in the great outdoors, I have always been a fan of floating down rivers. It’s a relaxing and refreshing experience that allows me to appreciate nature while also having some fun. However, finding the right float for the river can be a daunting task. With so many options available, it’s important to consider certain factors before making a purchase. In this buying guide, I will share my personal experience and tips on choosing the perfect float for your next river adventure.
Types of Floats
The first thing to consider is the type of float you want for the river. There are various options available, but the most common ones are inner tubes, inflatable rafts, and inflatable kayaks.
Inner tubes are the most budget-friendly option and are great for short trips or lazy river floats. However, they offer limited space and do not provide much protection from rocks or branches in the water.
Inflatable rafts are larger and sturdier than inner tubes, making them suitable for longer trips or rougher waters. They also offer more space for gear and can accommodate multiple people.
Inflatable kayaks are ideal for those looking for a more adventurous experience as they allow you to navigate through rapids and rough waters. They also provide better stability compared to rafts or inner tubes.
Size and Weight Capacity
The size of your float is an important factor to consider as it will affect your comfort level during the trip. Make sure to check the dimensions of the float before purchasing and consider how much space you need for yourself and any gear you may bring along.
Moreover, it’s essential to check the weight capacity of your chosen float. Overloading a float can be dangerous as it may deflate or tip over in strong currents. Be sure to choose a float with a weight capacity that can comfortably accommodate both you and your gear.
Durability
Since floats will be exposed to water, rocks, and other elements during your river adventure, it’s crucial to choose one that is durable enough to withstand these conditions. Look for floats made from sturdy materials such as PVC or heavy-duty vinyl with reinforced seams.
It’s also advisable to read reviews from other buyers who have used the same float to get an idea of its durability and performance in different conditions.
Additional Features
Some floats come with additional features that can enhance your overall experience on the river. Look for features like cup holders, backrests, mesh bottoms for easy draining, or even built-in coolers if you plan on bringing drinks along.
Budget
Floats come in various price ranges depending on their size, features, and durability. It’s essential to set a budget beforehand so you can narrow down your options based on what you can afford without compromising quality and safety.
Safety Considerations
Safety should always be a top priority when choosing a float for the river. Make sure that your chosen float comes with safety features such as handles or ropes that can help you hold onto it if needed.
Additionally, always remember to wear a life jacket while floating down rivers regardless of how well you can swim.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right float for your river trip may seem overwhelming at first glance; however, by considering factors such as type, size/weight capacity, durability, additional features, budget, and safety considerations; you’ll be able to find one that suits all your needs perfectly.
I hope this buying guide has provided useful insights into choosing floats for the river based on my personal experience. Now go out there and enjoy floating down those beautiful rivers!
Author Profile

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Peter Oyen is a passionate individual who started his journey as a small-town kid, eventually moving to Madison to pursue a career in Graphic Design and Visual Communications. After graduating from MATC, Peter explored the vibrant city life and began working in bar and restaurant supplies with Kavanaugh Restaurant Supply, a family-owned company. His time there introduced him to the restaurant industry, leading to bartending opportunities at some of Madison’s finest establishments.
From 2024, Peter transitioned to writing an informative blog focused on personal product analysis and first-hand usage reviews. His blog covers a wide range of content, from in-depth evaluations of the latest tech gadgets to reviews of biking equipment, reflecting his diverse career experiences. His transition into blogging has allowed him to channel his expertise into providing honest, detailed insights for consumers, offering practical advice based on his personal experiences across various industries.
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