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What You Need to Shoot the Hooch

It’s summer in Atlanta, and that can only mean one thing — it’s time to Shoot the Hooch! If you’re ready to jump into the Chattahoochee River and cool off, this list will help you come prepared with everything you’ll need for a tubing adventure.

Tubing on the Chattahoochee is the perfect summer activity in Atlanta!

For your first time shooting the Hooch (which is what we call tubing on the Chattahoochee River), you might consider paying an outfitter to provide you with tubes and bus you to and from your starting and end points.

But if you want the adventure of doing it all yourself, you’ll need to come prepared with all the essentials.

TOP PICKS: SHOOT THE HOOCH MUST-HAVES

Don’t have time to read the whole article? Here are the top 3 things you’ll need to shoot the Hooch:

And after going tubing about a million times, I’ve put together the ultimate list of everything you’ll need to shoot the Hooch yourself.

Let’s get ready for your Chattahoochee River adventure!

Tubing the Chattahoochee River

Everything You Need to Shoot the Hooch

You don’t want to get on the river and realize you forgot to pack the essentials. Here’s my Shoot the Hooch Packing List to help you bring everything you need for tubing on the Chattahoochee River.

Shoot the Hooch Must-Haves

The following are all the things you absolutely need to be able to tube on the river.

  • Gotta have a tube! Kevin and I love using this River Run double tube so that we are never separated from each other, and it comes with a built-in cooler! And if others in your group have the same brand tube, the tubes can link together so you won’t get separated from the group.
  • An Electric Air Pump or two for blowing up the tubes quickly so you can get on the river already!
  • One life jacket for each person because it’s the law! You don’t have to wear it on most parts of the river, but you do have to have it accessible on the river. We just clip them to the ropes around our tubes.
River Tubing on the Chattahoochee

Items to Make Tubing the River Easier

The following aren’t necessities, but they sure are nice to have. These items will help save you from losing your phone, getting electronics wet, and avoiding other obstacles you may encounter while you tube the river.

  • A Floating Wrist Strap for your phone, just in case it goes overboard.
  • And of course a waterproof phone case if your phone isn’t already waterproof.
  • A waterproof speaker so that you can jam out the whole way down the river.
  • Paddles come in handy if you get separated from your group, have to avoid river obstacles, or want to speed up your floating so you can get off the river.
  • Water shoes. You never know what’s sitting on the river floor, and you’ll want your feet to be protected. Plus, it will make stepping on rocks to get in and out of the river easier.
  • A waterproof pouch for keys, drivers licenses, and phones. You may also want a bigger waterproof bag to keep your snacks, sunscreen, and other extra large items in.

The Things You’ve Already Thought of But Might Forget to Put In the Car

You’ve probably already thought to bring sunscreen and alcohol (the whole point of shooting the Hooch is to drink in the sun, after all), but I’m here to make sure you actually put it in the car and don’t leave that stuff on the kitchen counter.

  • The sun essentials: Sunscreen, sunglasses, and hats.
  • If you’re like me and attract all the bugs, bug spray never hurts to have on hand.
  • Snacks are really great to have, especially if your river trip turns into full day activity.
  • Ice or ice packs, because although the river is cold, you want your drinks to be colder.
  • Alcohol, alcohol, alcohol — in plastic or aluminum cans, no glass or Styrofoam allowed. I have been reunited with Rekorderlig Cider since it has finally come to Atlanta, and I am in heaven.
  • A bag for trash. Whether it’s a mesh bag, a plastic bag, or your waterproof bag, make sure you store your trash so you can take it with you and dispose of it properly when you leave.
  • Bring towels and a change of clothes to leave in the car so you can dry off before driving home.

Now you’re well prepared for a float down the Chattahoochee!

Chattahoochee River Views

Where to Launch

So you’re all packed up and ready to go, and now you just need to know where you’re going!

We’ve been launching from Don White Memorial Park and floating to Chattahoochee River Park. This usually takes around 2 hours. Once it took nearly 5 hours though, so it just depends on the rapids and on how often you anchor yourself.

We have to do a lot of switch-a-roos with our cars before launching because we always have a lot of people and a lot of floats that need inflating. So we end up bringing two cars to the start point and inflating the tubes using one battery powered and one car powered pump. The two drivers then head out for the end point, leaving one car there and bringing the other car back to the starting point.

Don’t forget to bring keys and licenses in a waterproof bag on the river!

Read next: How to Shoot the Hooch

Where to Stay in Atlanta

Craving More Atlanta Activities?

If you need more things to do while visiting Atlanta, check out these top posts:


Ready to shoot the Hooch in Atlanta, Georgia? Plan your trip with these tips.

  • Book Your Flight: Find the cheapest flights using Skyscanner, my favorite flight search engine.
  • Find Accommodation: You can find top hotels in Atlanta using Hotels.com.
  • Save on Attractions: Save 40% on admission to Atlanta’s top attractions using the Atlanta CityPASS.

Cheers!

Paige

What You Need to Shoot the Hooch

What are your essentials for shooting the hooch? Let me know in the comments!

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4 Comments

  1. This guide is incredibly helpful. You’ve really thought through everything you need to know before planning this type of outdoor activity. Thank you for this helpful resource. Saving this guide for later!

    1. We typically like to stay more north of the city since it seems less crowded and polluted 😉 though if I can talk my giant group into it, I’d like to try other stretches of the river

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