Weekend Day Trip: Russian River Canoeing

Every year, my college friend group assembles for the quintessential California summer weekend day trip—canoeing at Russian River.

When we started the tradition seven years ago, the day trip was as an excursion of classy beers (Bud Light Lime), matching life jackets, and the occasional capsized canoe. Today, it’s pretty much the same thing, and it’s fun as hell.

This year’s trip came at a time where I’ve been experiencing some turbulence in my personal life. So in addition to the sun and outdoors, it was a welcome reminder of the closeness of my friends and their unending support. We use this trip to leave our worries in the city and escape for a day, and it’s a worthy escape.

Having done this day trip quite a few times now, I’ve picked up some tips to plan and sustain myself. Here’s my little guide on planning your own canoeing day trip to Russian River—SF summer is just starting, so it’s a good way to make the most of it!

Tips for Russian River Canoeing:

Plan early { Friends have busy and competing summer schedules, so mark everyone’s calendar a month out so you can count on commitment and a cohesive group }

Burke’s Canoes { It’s the first option if you google canoeing and with good reason. Reserve your boats and get ready. }

Water shoes { Not necessary but definitely makes for a better trip. You will 100 percent be submerged at some point and don’t want to cut your feet on rocks. I like these ones. }

Eat { It’s easy to forget when you’re out on the water all day to eat, but with day drinking, you have to! I like Kind bars, chips,  and deli sandwiches }

Bring multiple coolers and ziplock bags { Things are going to get wet quickly. Dispersing food and alcohol mitigates the risk for any one person. Also double-ziplock bag valuables. It still may not save your phone if it falls into the river, but you’re taking your phone on the river, so you’ve already assumed the risk }