2026 Great Float Returns With A Pirate Themed Twist
Grab a boat, round up your crew, and join the river for the Great Float — an annual paddle down the Great Miami River, capped off with live music, food, and a little friendly competition on shore.
GET TICKETS
Great Float Registration deadline: Friday, July 24, 2026.
*Register before July 15 for a free Riverway t-shirt with brand new design.
The Route
A 3.5-mile paddle south, taking roughly two hours from start to finish. Gather time is 1:00 PM from Adventures on the Great Miami. Whether you're in your own kayak or one of ours, the river does most of the work — just watch out for pirates, and remember: it's shark week too.
Bring Your Own, or Rent One*
- Personal boat: $15/boat
- Single-person inner tube: $20/tube
- Single-person kayak: $25/boat
- Two-person kayaks: $35/boat
Optional boxed dinner available for $16/person
*Register before July 15 for a free Riverway t-shirt with brand new design.
Float and Give Back
The first 50 participants who agree to take a trash bag and help clean up the river along the way get a discount — bringing the cost down to just $5 with your own boat, or $15 with a rental kayak. Use the code "cleanup" to commit to filling a trash bag.
Limited spots, so register early.
After the Paddle
Pull your boat up and stick around —
· BYOB is welcome once you're off the water (not during the float)
· Live music from the Possum Creek Ramblers takes the band shell from 4–6 PM
· Boxed meals are available for pre-order from Bakehouse Bread & Cookie Co.: $16/person
Pirates of the Great Miami: The Scavenger Hunt
Hidden along the route are clues, sightings, and a few surprises planted by our sponsors. Grab a scavenger hunt card at registration, keep your eyes open as you paddle, and turn your card in at the finish line for a shot at the prizes — including a VIP Experience with the Dayton Dragons.
A Big Thanks to Our Sponsors
This event wouldn't float without the support of our sponsors – Burgess & Niple, Stantec, Miami Conservancy District, and the City of Troy.
Sponsors are featured on event signage and across our social media — and have the option to sponsor a scavenger hunt clue along the route.
Great Float Registration deadline: Friday, July 24, 2026
Free t-shirt deadline: Wednesday, July 15, 2026
Limited capacity — boats and rentals go fast, so don't wait to reserve your spot.
Timeline of event if you are bringing your own boat:
- 1:00pm to1:30pm - Drop your boat at SR 571 River Access - https://maps.app.goo.gl/5jRJq3AqgAwy2bp89
- Drive to Adventures on the Great Miami, 1995 Ross Rd, Tipp City, OH 45371, and park
- Ride A shuttle bus will pick up participants on a continuous loop from 1:15 - 2:15 from this lot. Ride the shuttle to the launch site and check in
- Safety Talk
- Launch - no later than 2:45pm
- Float - the Great Miami River, watch out for pirates, spy hidden items for a chance to win prizes
- Arrive - Adventures on the Great Miami - no later than 4:45pm
- Live Music - 5:00pm plus pick up your t-shirt and Dinner (if ordered)
- 6:30pm - Concert ends
Timeline of events if you are renting a boat:
Drive to Adventures on the Great Miami, 1995 Ross Rd, Tipp City, OH 45371, and park
- Same as above, except you skip the boat drop. Your boat and other equipment will be ready for you at the launch site. Make sure to be parked and ready to catch the last shuttle by 2:15pm.