Is THE BIG FLOAT big on safety?
Safety is a critical component of THE BIG FLOAT. The event will be supervised by the Coast Guard, Portland Fire Department and the Multnomah County River Patrol.  Safety kayakers will line the route to provide additional visual survaliance.  Floaters will be debriefed before launching by volunteers and Coast Guard staff. 

Unsafe, unlawful behavior (and alcohol consumption) will not be tolerated and will be enforced by the Multnomah County River Patrol and the Coast Guard.  THE BIG FLOAT reserves the right to reject any "craft" deemed unsafe to float on.

Do I need a life jacket?

Yes, all floaters must wear a life jacket. This will not only help keep you safe, it will make our friends in the local Coast Guard very happy. And we want everyone to be happy.

Why do I need to register?

Participants are encouraged to pre-register to help organizers plan for the event. By filling out the registration and waiver form prior to the event, you won’t have to do it at the start point of the float, saving time. So please be a peach and register.  THE BIG FLOAT will cap participation at 2,000 people, register early.

Are air mattresses allowed?  Water wings?  What other types of watercraft?

Air mattresses – yes.  Anything float-worthy you can sit on or lie on is allowable. You may swim across but must wear a life jacket. 

Where can I get an inner tube?

THE BIG FLOAT sponsor's Popina Swimwear Portland and Les Schwab Tire Centers will be selling inner tubes. 

Can we tie our watercraft together and go as a group?

Yes, but everyone tied together must have a life jacket. 

Can we bring alcoholic beverages with us on our voyage across?

Negative on that. The Multnomah County River Patrol and Coast Guard will be keeping a close eye out for alcohol.

Are kids welcome to float? 

All ages are welcome to participate in The Big Float.

What if it rains the days before or day of the event?

Weather could be a factor in postponement or cancellation of the float. Check this website for last-minute updates.

Where does the name Willamette come from anyway?

Wikipedia states that Willamette derives from the French pronunciation of the name of a Clackamas Indian village. Other sources say Willamette is thought to mean a long, beautiful river. There is no definitive answer. However, it is a fact that the Willamette River is the largest U.S. river lying entirely within one state.

Where’s a good place to get a pirate costume?

Aye, Portland has many good costume outlets, including Hollywood Portland Costumers, Helens Pacific Costumers, and the Lippman Company. Pirates should not board, sink, or pillage other vessels.

Who invented the inner tube? 

In 1911, Philip Strauss invented the first successful tire, which was a combination tire and air-filled inner tube. It is not known who the intrepid individual was who first sailed down a river in one. 

How does one gracefully board an inner tube?

Forget graceful. Just plop your butt in the center of the tube and start paddling.  There will be inner-tube handlers in the water to help you get launched.