Sports & Recreation: Make a splash

Water, water, water—everywhere. After years and years (and years) of drought, Sacramento’s parched rivers are finally overflowing with cold, crisp and fast-moving H2O. If you had to pick only one thing this summer, we’d recommend you choose a trip floating (or racing) down a waterway because, who knows, it could all be gone again within the next few years (hello, climate change). With that in mind, here’s our guide to the best raft rentals in the region. Oh, and a few pro tips: Pack cellphones and car keys in plastic storage bags to prevent any possible water damage. That is, if it’s absolutely necessary to bring them along. Also, be sure to check out www.dreamflows.com—it helps river adventurers check the flow of water prior to trips with its daily and hourly updates.

And, of course, don’t forget sunscreen.

River Rat Raft & Bike

City of trees and farm-to-fork capital aside, Sacramento is first and foremost known as the River City. Every summer the Sacramento and American rivers carry thousands of kayaks, rafts and tubes down its channels, and River Rat Raft & Bike is one company that has helped river-seekers prep for self-guided trips on the waters for more than 30 years. Here, the experienced paddler can rent kayaks and rafts and enjoy a Class I or II float down the lower American River. Gather a group of friends—at least 40 of them—and go on a catered lunch trip with River Rat. For $50 a person, this package includes a raft, life jackets, paddles and a barbecue lunch at Ancil Hoffman Park. And, at the end of the day, a shuttle will take the party back to River Rat.

4053 Pennsylvania Avenue in Fair Oaks, (916) 966-6777, http://river-rat.com.

American River Raft Rentals

On average, an afternoon floating down the river takes anywhere from three to four hours, depending. With that in mind, leave all cares and responsibilities behind (for a day) and float down the river using the four- to 12-person rafts or the one- to two-person kayaks at American River Raft Rentals. Reservations are highly recommended, as the season books quickly, and be sure to think ahead and add the $5-per-person shuttle to haul the group back to where all the responsibilities were left behind.

11257 S. Bridge Street in Rancho Cordova, (888) 338-7238, www.raftrentals.com.

Truckee River Rafting

Owners of this family-run business invite guests to float the very courses that they used to enjoy as children. It’s just over a two-hour drive from Sacramento, so take the day to get out of town and explore a change of scenery in Tahoe City. Truckee River Rafting began renting tubes and rafts in 1973, when the outdoor activity first gained popularity. The Truckee River runs 3 to 4 feet deep with a few ponds that measure up to 20 feet. What’s more, leashed furry friends under 50 pounds are welcome to float along.

175 River Road in Tahoe City, (530) 583-1111, www.truckeeriverrafting.com.