The First-Timer's Guide to Floating with SORC
The Saluda Current
So you've heard about floating the Saluda and you're trying to figure out what the day actually looks like. Good news: it's about as low-stress as an outdoor adventure gets. Here's everything you need to know before you show up.
Start at SORC, End at SORC
All floaters meet us at 1001 Old Easley Hwy, Greenville, 29611-6530, US in Greenville. Park here, sign in, grab your life jacket, and hop on one of our buses to the drop-in point. When your float is done, we'll pick you up and bring you right back to your car. No shuttles to coordinate, no second vehicle, no logistics headaches. Just show up and float.
What the River Is Actually Like
The Saluda River runs about 200 miles total, and different sections of it are completely different experiences. Our stretch? We'd call it the best part, but we're a little biased.
What you'll find here is a genuine lazy river: calm, unhurried sections for drifting and soaking in the scenery, broken up by small rapids that keep things interesting. The water temperature through the summer typically hovers in the 70s, which makes it just about perfect for a hot Upstate afternoon.
Depth varies quite a bit throughout the float, anywhere from a few feet to 30 feet or more in places, so life jackets are required for everyone and provided for you at check-in.
Plan for the float to take somewhere between two and three and a half hours depending on the speed of the water that day. Bring snacks, bring sunscreen, and plan to be out there a while. That's the whole point.
Who Can Float
Adults, kids, and dogs are all welcome. For safety, kids need to be at least 42 inches tall to float with us. Our provided life jackets fit adults and youth sizes between 50 and 90 pounds. If your little one is under 50 pounds and doesn't fit our jackets, just bring a Coast Guard-approved life jacket for them and you're all set.
As for dogs: they float free. The only requirements are that they're well-behaved and adorable, and since we've never encountered a non-adorable dog, the policy has a 100% pass rate so far. Fair warning: your dog will be petted by strangers. That's non-negotiable.
What to Pack
You will get wet. Plan accordingly. Here's the short list:
- Bathing suit or comfortable clothes you don't mind soaking
- Water shoes, sneakers, or sandals that strap to your feet (flip flops have a tendency to disappear in the river)
- Snacks and water for the float
- Sunscreen
- A dry bag for your phone or anything you'd rather keep dry
If you forget something, don't stress. Our shop carries snacks, ice, sunscreen, water shoes, hats, and more. We also offer a key saver service at check-in if you'd rather not bring your keys on the water.
Coolers are welcome on the float, and you can rent a cooler carrier tube for $10 when you book. Just keep it to cans and plastic: no glass bottles or liquor on the river, please.
When We're Open
We run Memorial Day through Labor Day, Fridays through Sundays from 10 am to 4 pm. We also add special summer holiday dates throughout the season, so follow us on social media to stay up to date.
We strongly recommend booking online before you arrive. Summer weekends fill up, and booking ahead means we can get you checked in and on the water without delay.
Weather and Cancellations
We float rain or shine as long as there's no active storm. If the weather looks questionable the day of your trip, don't panic: you can reschedule directly from your confirmation email. If we have to cancel on our end due to weather or river conditions, you'll hear from us and can either reschedule or receive a gift card for a future float.
Groups
Bringing a crew of 10 to 30? Select the Group Tubing Ticket when booking and you'll automatically get the group discount. For groups over 30, give us a call so we can make sure we have enough room on the river for everyone.
End the Day at The Oxbow
After two or three hours on the water, you're going to be hungry. Good news: you don't have to go far.
The Oxbow is our on-site restaurant, and it's the perfect place to dry off and wind down after your float. They specialize in authentic British Fish & Chips, made the right way, and a rotating lineup of homemade ice cream specials that are worth the trip on their own. Whether you're craving something savory after a long float or just need a scoop of something cold before you head home, The Oxbow has you covered.
The Oxbow is open Thursday through Saturday from 4 to 8 pm, so if your float falls on one of those days, plan to stick around a little longer. You earned it.
The first float is always the best one because you don't know what to expect. After that, you'll be the one telling your friends about it. Cold fish and chips and a scoop of homemade ice cream at the end doesn't hurt either. We'll see you on the water.
