RAFT TRIP

This wet and wild LPAC family event takes place every year on the Saturday of the Fourth of July holiday “bye” weekend. We reserve rafts for what is usually a slow, gentle ride down the scenic Stanislaus River. Small rapids add to the excitement, but are tame enough for first-time rafters. Penguins and parents are welcome to join in the fun!

Part of the LPAC tradition includes attacking other boats with water guns and buckets to see who is truly “King of the River.” If you prefer a less intense experience, you can designate your raft as a “dry boat.”

Many families choose to spend the night in Oakdale either Friday or Saturday night (or both) and make it a fun family weekend.

 

Raft trip on river

Details

  • Date: Saturday, July 6, 2024
  • All participants must be 5 or older
  • Time: 9:00 am until around 3:00 pm
  • Cost: TBA (plus $5 for parking at Knights Ferry)
  • REGISTRATION DEADLINE TBA
  • How to Sign up & Reserve your spot:
    1. Use the Online Registration Link
      • To register online, enter your cardholder information, contact information, billing address, and payment information.
      • **CALCULATE YOUR AMOUNT DUE**: Scroll to the bottom of the page, where there is a green box and choose “Pay Custom Amount.” Enter the amount that you owe by multiplying the number of people you are paying for by $43. Examples:
        • 1 person: 1 x $43 = $43
        • 2 people: 2 x $43 = $86
        • 3 people: 3 x $43 = $129
        • 4 people: 4 x $43 = $172
        • 5 people: 5 x $43 = $215
        • and so on…
      • You will receive an email confirmation from Sunshine Rafting after your payment is made.
    2. Alternatively, you can call Sunshine Rafting at: 1 (209) 848-4800, and indicate that you are part of the LPAC group on July 1, 2023.
  • Print and sign separate waiver forms for each person who will be rafting and turn in forms to the “RAFT TRIP” folder by June 25th.
  • Contact: Ken Dougherty 
  • For more information: Sunshine Rafting

Location

Knights Ferry Recreation Area
18210 Sonora Rd, Oakdale, CA 95361

Lodging

If you’d like to stay over either Friday or Saturday night (or both), the team has traditionally stayed at the Motel 6 in Oakdale (825 East F Street). Members of our team will receive a discount when they mention LPAC or Los Paseos Aquatic Club. The discounted price is TBD + tax per night for a room with one king bed, or TBD + tax per night for a room with two queen beds. These rooms go quickly, so call 209-847-8181 and mention LPAC to make your reservations ASAP.

There are also other lodging options available. Directly across the street is the Holiday Inn Express (209-847-8181), and there is also a Best Western in town (209-845-2500). Each family is responsible for making their own hotel reservations and payments.

General Info

  • There is a maximum of eight riders per raft; please plan ahead who will be on your boat.
  • Everyone must sign a release waiver for Sunshine Rafting. Minors will need a parent signature on a release form.
  • Meet at the Knights Ferry recreation area no later than 9:00 am.
  • You must park in the Sunshine Rafting designated area; look for the sign.
  • There will be a short safety presentation, and everyone will be fitted with a life jacket and oars.
  • We will stop halfway down the river for lunch, so make sure you bring a lunch packed in a medium-sized cooler.
  • Sunshine Rafting will provide bus transportation back to the parking lot.
  • This trip does often sell out, so turn in your form ASAP to reserve your spot!
  • For more details, see the Sunshine Rafting Trip Guide

What to bring

  • Signed waiver forms
  • Footwear that can get wet but will stay on (not flip-flops — they will fall off!)
  • Plenty of sunscreen (seriously — don’t forget this!)
  • Hat
  • Sunglasses with a strap
  • Medium-sized cooler with snacks, lunch and water (must fit on your lap during bus ride back to parking lot)
  • Water weapons of your choice
  • Dry clothes and towels (leave in car)
  • If you must bring your cell phone, bring a waterproof bag or case to put it in
  • Waterproof bag for your car keys
  • $5 for parking

What not to bring

  • Glass bottles
  • Styrofoam or oversize coolers
  • Water balloons
  • Expensive cameras or other electronics
  • Electronic key fobs
  • Anything that should not get wet!