FLOATZILLA FAQs
I don't have a canoe or kayak. Where can I rent one?
Floatzilla has coordinated with a number of outfitters from the Midwest to rent canoes and kayaks for the event. If you need a kayak or canoe, CLICK HERE.
When do I need to launch?
The earlier you can launch, the better off you will be. See the 2025 launch sites and times below:
- Illiniwek Park (Dam to Dam Race Only) - 836 State St. Hampton, IL | 10 miles | Launch at 9:30am & 9:40 am
- Empire Park - IL 84 & River Rd. East Moline, IL | 11 miles | 4 hr | Launch 8-9:30am
- Leach Park - 100 12th St. Bettendorf, IA | 6.5 miles | 3.5 hr | Launch 8-11am
- Bass St. YMCA - 1701 1st Ave. Moline, IL | 6.5 miles | 3 hr | Launch 8-11am
- Lindsay Park - 902 Mound St. Davenport, IA | 5 miles | 2.5 hr | Launch 8am -11am
- Marquette St. - 473 S Marquette St. Davenport, IA | 3 miles | 1 hr | Launch 10am- 12pm
- Credit Island - W River Dr. & Credit Isl Ln. Dav, IA | .5 miles | .5 hr | Launch 10am -12:30pm
- Lake Potter - 31st Ave & IL 92 Rock Island, IL | Lake paddling only, no river
When do I need to be at Lake Potter?
To be part of the commemorative group 'floatilla' photo for the souvenir poster, arrive no later than 1:15pm – the photo will be taken at 1:30pm.
Floatzillapalooza schedule:- Obstacle Course - 10am
- Cardboard Boat Races - 11am
- Midwest Bath's Rubber Duck Hunt - 12:30
- Live Music by The Funktastic 5 - 11am-3pm
- Group Photo - 1:30pm
- Shuttle Bus Service - 2pm-4:30pm
What is the schedule for Floatzilla?
Friday, August 15th - Credit Island, Davenport, IA
- Packet PickUp - 4:00-7:00pm at Credit Island Lodge
- Outdoor Expo & Canoe/Kayak Swap - 4:00-7:00pm
- Kayak Fishing Tournamen - 6:00-8:00pm
- Launches - 8:00am-12:30pm (Various locations.)
- Obstacle Course - 10:00am
- Cardboard Boat Races - 11:00am
- Midwest Bath's Rubber Duck Hunt - 12:30pm
- Live Music by The Funktastic 5 - 11:00am-3pm
- Group Photo - 1:30pm
- Shuttle Bus Service - 2:00-4:30pm
When is packet pick-up?
Packet pick-up is on Friday, August 15th, from 4pm-7pm at Credit Island Lodge in Davenport, IA. You can also pick up your packet at your launch site on the day of the race. Please note that if you launch from a different site than you specified in your registration, your packet will be at that launch site and not available at another launch.
How do I get back to my vehicle or boat?
There is a shuttle bus system in place to transport paddlers back to their vehicles. The shuttles will begin boarding at Sunset Park after the group photo and shuttle you back to your parking lot. They run from 2pm-4:30pm. While this is happening you will leave your vessel in the park, where we have a designated area that is guarded and secure. You will have a band on your boat and a matching band on your wrist. You can then drive your vehicle back to your boat to claim it.
Do I have to use a canoe or kayak?
Canoes, kayaks, and SUPs (stand-up paddleboards) are allowed. Please note that ONLY canoes and kayaks are allowed to lock-through the lock and dam. If you are using a SUP, you'll need to launch downstream from Lock & Dam 15. Inflatable kayaks, canoes, and SUPs are allowed. Motors of any kind are not allowed.
Do I need a registration sticker for my watercraft?
The need for a registration sticker is waived for Floatzilla participants.
Will I have to lock-through or portage?
There are volunteers to help portage over Sylvan Island. There are also safety boats and volunteers on the water to help anyone who may need them. Remember that if you'd like to lock-through, you MUST launch from Leach Park, Lindsay Park Yacht Club, or Empire Park. If you'd like to portage you MUST launch from the Bass Street YMCA. If you would like to avoid both, launch from Marquette St. or Credit Island.
Can I change my launch location after registration?
Yes, however, if you do not get your packet on Friday night at packet pick-up and instead plan on picking up your packet at launch on Saturday morning, you'll need to call and let us know, OR pick your packet up at the launch site you specified in your original registration before going to your new launch site.
Are there any age restrictions?
There is no age restriction, however we suggest anyone under the age of 12 be in a boat with a parent or guardian. We recommend those with small children consider putting in at Lake Potter (no river paddling). Everyone MUST wear a coast guard approved personal floatation device (PFD) and at least one paddle is required.
Every participant, regardless of age, MUST be registered for Floatzilla for safety purposes.
Every participant, regardless of age, MUST be registered for Floatzilla for safety purposes.
Where do I stay if I'm from out of town?
Can I get a refund?
We cannot offer refunds under any circumstances. However, you can request to have your t-shirt, stickers, and other memorabilia mailed to you. Also, consider transferring your ticket to a friend.
Why do I have to pay for Floatzilla?
We often get asked why we charge a registration fee to "just float down the river". An incredible amount of work, services, permits, safety measures, transport, equipment, and more go into putting on an event like Floatzilla. Please see our 'Why we charge fees for Floatzilla' page.
