Frequently Asked Questions Riverside Rentals Winamac Indiana

Frequently Asked Questions

How late do you stay open?

We are open through Labor Day weekend. We will remain open weekends through September and early October, but you must call ahead or reserve ahead of time to ensure availability.

Can we bring our own canoe, kayak, etc?

We will not haul any personal equipment.

Can I use my personal equipment to get off on your ramp?

Unfortunately, we aren't able to accommodate people using their own equipment. Only customers that are in our boats and tubes are allowed to get off on our private ramp. There are several public access sites you can use that are nearby such as the Winamac Town Park.

How does transportation work?

You arrive at Riverside Rentals location at 589 E Old SR 14. After checking in, we will transport you in our buses about 10 minutes north to the launch site. From there, you'll float back down to our location where your car is parked.

Do we need reservations?

On the weekends, we HIGHLY recommend reserving your trip. We are very busy on the weekends and can possibly run out of equipment if you don't reserve ahead of time. We still allow walk ins on the weekend but we can't guarantee your trip. Reserving online and prepaying/filling out your waivers beforehand will ensure the smoothest and easiest experience for you and your party.

How do the cooler floats work and how big are they?

We rent cooler floats and not coolers. You'll prepare your own cooler before hand, pack whatever you need for the day, and use our cooler floats to have easy access all day on the river. Please refrain from using styrofoam as they break easily and trash can get in the river. We provide cords to easily attach your float to your tube. It will hold one large cooler (50qt cooler) or two small coolers ones and up to 200 pounds. Size is 28 x 17 x 9 inflated interior.

What tubes do you have available?

We have regular adult tubes that are shaped like a donut. We also have red lounge tubes that are shaped like lawn chairs. They have a backrest and room to put your legs out. These are sometimes good for an adult and small child or a person who doesn't want to get as wet in the river. We also have donut shaped tubes with a canvas bottom that are good for children.

Do you offer group discounts?

Our group discount rates start at 50 people. Give us a call; send an email to info@riversidecanoes.com or a message on Facebook to learn more.

What weight limits are there?

Canoes – 1,000 lbs
Double Kayak – 475 lbs
Single Kayak – 275 to 375 lbs
Tubes not weight rated

Can I wear flip flops?

Yes you can, but water shoes are highly recommended as flip flops tend to get lost and aren't as safe as water shoes. We do sell water shoes for $15 to adults and $10 for kids.

Do you have water shoes or other things we can buy?

We do have water shoes available to purchase for adults and kids. We also offer sunscreen, sunglasses, and waterproof cases that can hold a cell phone. Do not take with you anything you do not want wet or lost.

What are your child guidelines?

To sign up for a rental, you need to be 18. If you're under 18, you need to have someone who is sign for you. We provide child size lifejackets and everyone under the age of 13 must wear one. Riverside requires very young children to be standing size. Please no babies or infants.

When is the best time to bring children?

The afternoon on weekends can sometimes get a little bit louder due to the high volume of customers. We'd suggest coming during the week with children, or earlier during the day on weekends.

How often do buses transport customers upriver?

We run our buses constantly from 9am - 2pm EST.

What kind of boats do you have?

We have canoes, double kayaks, single kayaks (sit in and sit on), and tubes.

Do you charge per boat or per person? Do children cost the same as an adult?

We charge per boat. See our pricing HERE. Children do cost less on the tubes if they are 12 and under.

How many people can fit in a canoe?

Canoes are meant for two people, but you can fit a small child or two in the middle of the bottom on the bottom. We recommend this only if they are young as most kids will get bored of this if they are too old.

Do you accept credit cards? Cash?

Yes and yes

Are we allowed to bring our own coolers?

Absolutely! Bring whatever you'd like for a day on the river. If you are tubing, be sure to rent a cooler float. Please don't bring styrofoam coolers as they break easily and can get trash in the river.

Are we allowed to bring alcohol?

Alcohol is allowed on the river if you're over 21 years old. Follow Indiana laws. Please don't bring glass bottles on the river. We have the right to deny services to anyone who is too intoxicated on our property. The river is patrolled and if you are out of line you may get a warning, fined or arrested so please be respectful.

What should we bring on our trip?

We highly recommend the following:

Shoes you don't mind getting wet
Sunscreen
Sunglasses
Change of clothes for afterwards
Dry bag for valuables. ANYTHING YOU DO NOT WANT WET OR LOST, DO NOT TAKE WITH YOU!
Cooler

When is the last reservation?

Our last loads go out at 2:00 pm EST unless otherwise shown on booking pages.

Do you have lockers or places to leave valuables? Place to change?

We do not have lockers, but we do have safe storage for keys in our office so don't hesitate to ask us to hold on to them while you're on your trip. ANYTHING YOU DO NOT WANT WET OR LOST, DO NOT TAKE WITH YOU! We also do have changing rooms.

Are there rapids? How fast it the river?

There are no rapids on our river. It's considered a class 1 river so it's very slow and relaxing.

Should I wear shoes?

Highly recommended! Something you don't mind getting wet of course

Are lifejackets required?

Lifejackets are required to be worn for anyone 12 and under. 13 and over must have one with them (which we provide) but aren't required to wear it. We have all sorts of sizes available for anyone who is wanting to wear one.

When do we need to be off the river?

You must be off the river by 7 P.M. EST on weekend, 6 P.M. EST on weekdays.

Do you sell alcohol or tobacco?

No we do not sell alcohol or tobacco.

Do you have a picnic area, shelter or charcoal grills available?

We have a large picnic area equipped with lots of tables. Please reserve for large groups. We do not have charcoal grills available.

In case of severe weather, what do we do?

If you have already paid, we can and will refund your entire group, as long as you have not launched in the water. If you know you're not coming please let us know before hand. If you're already on the river and it starts to rain, most people will pull off to the side and wait it out. If it does storm while you're out on the river, pull off to the side and wait it out. Our access to the river is limited as most of it is private property. We will do our best to make sure everyone gets back safely.

Do you allow dogs?

Yes we do allow dogs, but please keep them on a leash and clean up after them.

Is camping available?

Camping is not available on our property, but there are a couple campgrounds nearby. The Tippecanoe River State Park and Broken Arrow Campgrounds are both within 10 minutes of our location. Click here to view the camping areas.

What local Winamac food options are there?

Winamac is home to many restaurants.

Bill and Babe's Tavern in Pulaski

Diamond Lil's