Joe Mama's Essentials

Details and Directions

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This is a family friendly event, but you are welcome to BYOB. There is also a distillery that just opened behind my house. They should have some to-go products available soon.

I will send my home address to those who RSVP.

First Time Floating?

There are a few things you will want to bring with you:

  • Sunscreen
  • Hat
  • Sunglasses
  • Old sneakers or water shoes
  • A waterproof bag for keys, cell phone, etc.

There are a few things you will want to have when you are done with the float:

  • A towel
  • Dry clothes
  • Dry footwear (flip-flops/sandals/whatever)

Optionals:

  • Drinks
  • Snacks
  • A small cooler
  • Fishing gear (you need a license to fish)

If you are kayaking, you will need a whistle and a life vest.

Launch and Return Sites

Because we are not using Pennsylvania State and Game Commission or State Park Launch sites, we do not need permits.

There are two places we can access the Juniata River on N Front Street in Newport.

  1. The Paul Reider Bridge across from Kauffman’s Garage
  2. The old brick tunnel near the park towards the end of the street

The float takes about 2 hours if the river has a mild current. It starts on N Front Street and ends at my house. We have a small area cleared for beaching your craft and a pulley system to get kayaks back on land.

Parking

You can park on the street or at the park near the launch site.

You may also come early and park at my house. We will have vehicles to get people, kayaks, and floats to the launch site. Extra trucks and trailers are always welcome!

We have some floats, kayaks, and vests that people can use. First come, first serve via the sign-up sheet below.

If you are looking to buy a float, Intex makes great floats and floating coolers. You can find them by searching online for Intex River Run floats. As of 7/8/2024, Bass Pro had the River Run floats on sale for just under $15. They are available through Amazon, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Ace Hardware, Kohl’s, and several other places as well. I even found them at an Aldi’s one year.

This link will take you to the Sign-up Sheet for food.