Tube Rental and Equipment for 2025 Season

The 2025 Boise River float season is now open! Starting June 20, 2025, you can experience the beautiful 6-mile journey from Barber Park to Ann Morrison Park. Whether you bring your own equipment or rent from the professional outfitters on-site, floating the Boise River offers one of Idaho's most accessible urban outdoor adventures.

2025 Rental Equipment and Pricing

Barber Park partners with Boise River Raft & Tube (formerly Epley's) to provide professional-grade rental equipment. All rentals are first-come, first-served with no advance reservations available. A credit card and matching photo ID are required for all rentals.

Current 2025 Rental Options

Deluxe Tube: Perfect for solo floaters, these comfortable single-person tubes rent for $18.00 plus tax and deposit for a three-hour rental period. Life vests are available upon request, and you must be 18 or older to rent.

Deluxe Double Tube: Ideal for couples or friends who want to float together, renting for $40.00 plus tax and deposit ($30 on Wednesdays). Offers more stability and comfort than single tubes.

4-Person Raft: Great for families or small groups, these rafts accommodate up to 4 people and include life vests and paddles for $75.00 plus tax and deposit. These offer the driest ride and best protection for cameras and phones.

6-Person Raft: The premium option for larger groups, renting for $85.00 plus tax and deposit for three hours (discounted to $75 on Wednesdays). Includes 6 life vests and 2 paddles. Must be 18 or older to rent.

2-Person Inflatable Kayak: For those wanting a more active floating experience, these kayaks rent for $50.00 plus tax and deposit (includes 2 paddles and 2 life vests). Perfect for navigating the river's gentle currents with enhanced maneuverability.

Tube Rental - Complete 2025 Equipment & Pricing Guide

Everything you need for the perfect Boise River adventure! Whether you're a first-time floater or a seasoned river enthusiast, Barber Park offers comprehensive equipment rental services through our partnership with Epley's Boise River Rentals. With 2025 bringing exciting enhancements and National Geographic recognition, there's never been a better time to experience Idaho's premier urban river floating destination.

2025 Equipment Rental Options & Pricing

Individual Floating Options:

• Deluxe Tubes: $18 for 3 hours - Our most popular choice for solo floating
• Deluxe Double Tubes: $40 - Perfect for couples or friends who want to stay together
• Basic Black Tubes: Available for purchase only (ideal for frequent floaters)

Family & Group Options:

• 2-Person Inflatable Kayaks with Paddles: $50 regular, $40 on Wednesdays
• 4-Person Rafts: $75 plus tax and deposit - Ideal for families with enhanced stability
• 6-Person Rafts: $85 regular, $75 on Wednesdays - Perfect for larger groups

Visit Epley's Boise River Rentals website for current availability

What Makes Our Equipment Special

Professional-Grade Quality: All rental equipment meets the highest safety standards and is regularly inspected. Unlike cheaper alternatives, our deluxe tubes are designed for comfort and stability, featuring enhanced back support and cup holders for a truly relaxing river experience.

Complete Package Deal: Every rental includes life vests (mandatory for children under 14), safety instructions, and access to our professional staff who know the Boise River better than anyone. This comprehensive service sets us apart from basic tube rental operations.

2025 Operating Hours and Shuttle Service

Rental Hours:

• Monday through Friday: 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM
• Weekends and Holidays: 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
• Weather dependent - check conditions before arriving

Shuttle Service: The convenient shuttle service costs $4.00 per person and runs from noon to 9:00 PM, taking you back from the take-out point at Ann Morrison Park directly to Barber Park. This eliminates the need for two vehicles and allows you to park at the free Ann Morrison lot instead of paying the $7 Barber Park parking fee.

Pro Tip: The shuttle runs frequently during peak hours (1:00 PM to 7:00 PM) but less frequently in early afternoon and evening. Plan your float timing accordingly, especially on busy weekends.

Free Air Stations and Personal Equipment

If you prefer to bring your own inflatable equipment, Barber Park provides free air stations throughout the park. These high-capacity pumps can quickly inflate tubes, rafts, and other river gear. The air stations are available during park operating hours and are maintained regularly during the season.

Bringing Your Own Equipment: Many experienced floaters bring their own tubes, kayaks, or rafts. This can be more economical for frequent floaters and allows you to use equipment you're familiar with. Just remember that all floaters must have access to a life vest, which are available at the rental facility if needed.

Comprehensive Equipment Comparison & Selection Guide

Detailed Equipment Analysis

Single Deluxe Tubes ($18): Best for independent floaters who want maximum relaxation and minimal effort. The single tubes offer excellent maneuverability around river obstacles and provide the authentic "lazy river" experience that defines Boise River floating. Ideal for solo adventures, photography enthusiasts, and those seeking peaceful meditation time on the water.

Double Deluxe Tubes ($40, $30 Wednesdays): Perfect for couples or close friends who want to stay together during the float while maintaining individual comfort. These linked tubes provide social interaction opportunities while preserving personal space. Popular choice for romantic outings and friend adventures.

4-Person Rafts ($75): The optimal choice for families with children or small groups prioritizing equipment sharing and dry storage. These rafts offer superior stability for nervous floaters and provide ample space for coolers, cameras, and personal belongings. Enhanced paddle control allows navigation around river features.

6-Person Rafts ($85, $75 Wednesdays): Premium option for large groups, corporate outings, and celebration events. Maximum social interaction capacity with professional-grade stability and safety features. Include comprehensive paddle and life vest packages for complete group coordination.

2-Person Inflatable Kayaks ($50): Adventure-focused option for active floaters seeking enhanced river engagement. Superior maneuverability allows exploration of river channels and provides upper body exercise opportunities. Perfect for outdoor enthusiasts and those with previous paddling experience.

Strategic Booking & Timing Optimization

Peak Season Booking Strategy

Weekend Optimization: Saturday and Sunday demand peaks between 12:00-3:00 PM. Arrive by 10:00 AM for guaranteed equipment selection and minimal wait times. Early arrival also provides optimal parking availability and cooler morning temperatures for launch preparation.

Mid-Week Advantages: Tuesday through Thursday offer reduced crowds, shorter equipment lines, and Wednesday discount pricing on select items. Mid-week floaters experience enhanced wildlife viewing opportunities and more spacious river conditions.

Holiday Period Planning: Memorial Day, July 4th, and Labor Day weekends require arrival by 9:00 AM for equipment availability. Consider alternative dates for first-time floaters to ensure optimal experience quality without crowd-related stress.

Seasonal Equipment Considerations

Early Season (June 20 - July 15): Higher water levels create faster float times (2.5-3 hours). Recommend raft options for enhanced stability and control. Water temperatures range 62-68°F, making wetsuits beneficial for extended comfort.

Peak Season (July 15 - August 15): Optimal conditions with water temperatures 68-72°F and moderate flow rates. All equipment options perform excellently during this period. Float times average 3-4 hours with multiple rest stop opportunities.

Late Season (August 15 - Labor Day): Warmest water temperatures (70-75°F) with gentle flow rates extending float times to 4-5 hours. Tube options provide maximum relaxation during extended river time. Enhanced wildlife viewing as animals prepare for seasonal transitions.

Advanced Equipment Care & Safety Protocols

Pre-Float Equipment Inspection: All rental equipment undergoes daily safety verification including pressure testing, valve functionality, and structural integrity assessment. Customers receive equipment safety briefing covering proper use, emergency procedures, and care instructions.

Damage Prevention: Avoid contact with sharp objects, including jewelry, keys, and rough surfaces. Rental equipment includes damage protection guidelines and replacement cost information. Standard wear is expected and covered within rental fees.

Emergency Equipment Access: Each rental includes access to emergency communication systems and safety equipment. Staff provide emergency contact procedures and location identification information for rapid response coordination if needed.

Life Vest Requirements: While Idaho law doesn't require life vest use for adults, they are strongly recommended and required for all children under 14. Life vests are available with all rentals and can be obtained separately if you bring your own equipment.

Equipment Safety: Rental equipment is regularly inspected and maintained to ensure safety standards. All rafts and tubes are designed to handle the Boise River's conditions, and staff can advise on the best equipment choice based on group size, experience level, and current river conditions.

2025 Season Enhancements & Service Improvements

National Geographic Recognition Impact: Following Boise's inclusion in National Geographic's "Best of the World 2025" destinations, equipment rental services have been enhanced to accommodate increased demand while maintaining quality standards. Expanded fleet capacity ensures availability during peak periods.

Enhanced Service Features: 2025 season introduces improved customer service protocols including equipment pre-selection assistance, group coordination services, and streamlined check-in processes to reduce wait times during peak periods.

Digital Integration: Expanded payment options including contactless payments and digital wallets complement traditional payment methods. Equipment availability updates and wait time estimates available through park information systems.

Group Coordination & Event Planning

Corporate Group Services: Professional event coordination available for corporate retreats, team building activities, and company celebrations. Services include equipment pre-selection, group safety briefings, and coordinated launch timing for groups of 10+ participants.

Family Reunion Planning: Multi-generational family groups benefit from mixed equipment selection allowing different comfort levels and mobility needs. Staff assistance available for equipment matching based on age, experience, and physical considerations.

Celebration Events: Birthday parties, graduations, and special occasions can be enhanced with equipment coordination and group photo opportunities. Consider raft options for shared celebration space and equipment security for gifts or decorations.

Planning Your 2025 Float

Best Times to Rent: Arrive early in the day for the best equipment selection, especially on weekends and holidays. The 10:00 AM opening on weekends often sees the largest equipment variety available.

Wednesday Specials: Take advantage of the Wednesday discount on 6-person rafts ($75 instead of $85) if you're planning a mid-week adventure with a larger group.

Seasonal Considerations: Early season (June-July) offers the highest water levels and fastest float times, while late season (August-September) provides warmer water temperatures and more relaxed floating conditions.

For current river conditions, equipment availability, and any operational updates, contact Boise River Raft & Tube at (208) 577-4584 during the season.

Barber Park - Unofficial Guide - Floating - Event Center - Tube Rental

For more information please go to the Ada County Parks & Waterways website: https://adacounty.id.gov/Parks-Waterways