Tubing & Kayaking
About US
River Ratz tubing and kayaking
River Ratz is opening for the 2024 season on saturday may 10th.
Please visit our Facebook page for daily announcements and updates.
River Ratz will be located at Cosmic Dog Outpost - 1 Broad St Rome, GA
Come and enjoy a peaceful float in a river tube or an energetic workout paddling down the Etowah River in a Kayak.
River Ratz will provide a River tube or a kayak for your enjoyment.
Pricing information
Our fees include a free shuttle ride to the River. All safety equipment is provided for free as well.
If you have your own kayak, we will shuttle you for free but will charge a $15 handling fee per kayak.
Tube Rental $25
Our tubes have 2 handles, a back rest for support, and a cup holder.
You may choose a tube with or without a bottom for the same price.
*Tubing lasts approximately 4 hours, but depends on current water flow*
Kayak Rental $50
Kayak rentals include all safety equipment and a paddle.
*Kayak lasts approximately 2 hours*
TANDEM KAYAK RENTAL $60
Cooler Carrier Tube Rental $10
*Limited Availability
Please check the regulations page below before renting a cooler tube.
* During weekends and holidays our equipment will be rented on a first come first serve basis, as equipment quantities are limited. However, groups of 15 or more can rent equipment on weekdays.*
All participants must complete a liability waiver before equipment will be issued. You may choose to print your waiver from home and bring it with you in order to save time.
Times
OPENING MAY 6TH FOR 2023 SEASON
Open on Saturdays and Sundays through May (Friday-Monday for Memorial Day Weekend)
Open Friday, Saturday, and Sunday June-July.
Floats beginning at 10:00 a.m. with last tube entry at 2:00 p.m. and last kayak entry at 4:00 p.m.
Please check our Facebook page for daily updates.
River Ratz will not put in tubes or kayaks during dangerously high water levels. Please call ahead to confirm water level.
Shuttles
Shuttles will depart from River Ratz sign-in area (1 Broad St Rome Ga) at the following times:
*Show up 15-30 minutes before each departure time to check in
10 AM
11 AM
12 PM
1 PM
2 PM
3PM
4PM
We will not put tubes in the water after 2:00 pm and kyaks after 4:00 pm
Groups
River Ratz will book groups during the week with a minimum $400 booking cost.
A $25 cancellation fee will apply if reservation is not cancelled by Thursday of the week prior to the reservation.
Make reservations by emailing romeriverratzz@gmail.com
Guidelines
Kayaking and river tubing can be a dangerous sport. River Ratz advises everyone to stay in their group so that in the event someone has a safety issue other group members can help. We recommend everyone wear their personal flotation device (PFD). Children 12 and under must wear their PFD at all times during their float on the river.
Everyone should try on their PFD prior to entering the river. The PFD can be adjusted at this time for a proper fit. A River Ratz employee will demonstrate how to adjust their PFD for a proper fit.
When nearing the end of the float all tubers should work their way toward the right hand side of the river as they pass the Broad Street bridge in preparation to exit the water. You will be exiting at the levee boat ramp just past the intersection of the Oostanaula river. Do not let the current take you past the boat ramp. If you pass the boat ramp, exit the river on the right side immediately and walk back to the boat ramp area.
All tubers and kayakers should avoid the edges of the river where limbs and fallen trees could entangle floaters. Please watch for snags and rocks in the river. Steer yourself away from these objects. To steer using your hands and feet: with your back towards the location you want to go, lay back against the backrest and extend both hands into the water. Begin to pull water from your back toward your feet. Kicking your feet in an up and down motion will also assist.
Regulations
River Ratz does not promote the use of alcohol while tubing or kayaking.
No glass bottles or Styrofoam coolers allowed on the river.
You must be 18 years of age or have a waiver signed by your parent or guardian.
No children under 8 years of age and under 50 lbs can float or kayak in our equipment due to safety issues.
We will not rent equipment to you if you are intoxicated by alcoholic beverages or drugs.
Children 12 and under must wear a personal flotation device (PFD) at all times.
River Ratz recommends that everyone wear their personal flotation device (PFD).
All property along the river is private property. Anyone getting out of the river onto private property could be subject to prosecution.
Water flow varies resulting in faster or slower floats down the river.
For a more precise length of float, visit our Facebook page for daily updates.
All patrons of River Ratz should be in good physical condition and capable of swimming.
All patrons should wear protective shoes such as tennis shoes or water shoes.
All trash should be bagged and brought to the exit point of the river where River Ratz will dispose of it properly.
Do not litter our waterways.
All patrons of River Ratz are responsible for rented equipment. Any loss or damaged equipment will be charged to the patron.
All participants must complete a liability waiver before equipment will be issued. You may choose to print your waiver from home and bring it with you in order to save time.