There has been a ton of questions about the river conditions in Blythe. There a lot of sand bars and a few sketchy areas, but with some knowledge, its not that bad.

I highly suggest getting sunglasses that are polarized. This helps significantly as it cuts the glare down off the water so you can better see the different shades of the river. Stay in the darker green areas and watch for ripples. A long consistent ripple line in a calm river is a good sign there is a shallow area there. If you are not sure and unfamiliar with the river, just ask someone to follow. Everyone is more than willing to help lead the way, just make sure you give everyone enough room. Don't follow too close and don't drive in peoples blind spots. The path is very twisty, so expect people will be zig zagging up and down the river to avoid sand bars....and of course look over your shoulder before you turn.

Other than the sand bars, there are 2 areas you should be concerned about. Just above the 10 freeway, there is a large stump and sand bar just under the water. As long as you stay close to the California side, you should be ok. Also, just down river from Jungle Beach there is an island. Between this island and Jungle Beach on the CA side, there is a ton of logs under water. Stick to the AZ side.

I suggest you open up Google Maps and turn on the Satellite view and study the river. You can very easily see where the deep and shallow areas are.

It goes without saying, this is just a guide to help you navigate. I, SoCalJetBoats.com, or any affiliates are not responsible for any mishaps on the river.








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SoCalJetBoats.com does not condone wreckless driving, driving while intoxicated, or breaking the law. SoCalJetBoats.com and any affiliates of this event are in no way responsible for any damage, injury or death as a result of attending this event. The Staff at SoCalJetBoats.com would like to remind you to boat safe, boat smart, and have fun.

Just wanted to add that the water levels are typically low all day Thursday and Friday. It will be up Saturday morning and will drop off a little in the evening.

Just another note..If you go up river north of jungle beach, there is a no wake zone just north of hidden beaches resort. One resident, who lives there part time, WILL call the Sheriff's department and demand a private person's arrest for reckless operation if you are identified. He's gone as far as video taping etc. Once you're past his place it's nice water all the way up to the diversion damn if you feel like a nice cruise.


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I stumbled across this place and obey'd the no wake zone.....a resident flagged me down as I passed by and he said as long as you are on the east side of the buoys, you are fine. its just between the buoys and the shore. When I came back down river, I stayed on the east side of the buoys, and got mean mugged by other boats as I went by. So what is the actual no wake zone - seems REAL unclear to me.

It's my understanding that channel is the no wake zone, doesn't matter which side of the buoys.


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Maybe I misunderstood him and its no wake zone on the other side of those islands.

What time is everyone trying to leave from Riviera Fri and sat? We will be in the mini with the whacker on it and I'm not familiar with the river there been there a bunch but the mini had issues last season and this is our first trip this year out there and I'd like to follow someone if possible the first time up if our times don't line up I'll figure it out but with the lady and little one I'd rather be safe than sorry.

Awesome I'll probably try to launch around the same time and follow you when you head up then the if that'd cool

Beware, at Arizona oasis launch ramp there is an island. On the north side of that island there use to be a dock. The dock is gone but the piles are still there. If the waters low you will see them, if it's high they are barely submerged. You do not want to get tangled up in those.

I was looking at it on Google maps. How deep is it? I actually planned on swimming the boat out to the river of possible

I was looking at it on Google maps. How deep is it? I actually planned on swimming the boat out to the river of possible

Are launching at Arizona oasis

If you goggle earth that part of the river, you will see that island. But the piles are on the north side of that island and they go out into the river about 20 feet or so.

Yeah i planned on launching there then swimming out to the river on the East side of the island. So i should try to navigate to the east about 50 feet or however far is possible to avoid those sticks?

Yeah i planned on launching there then swimming out to the river on the East side of the island. So i should try to navigate to the east about 50 feet or however far is possible to avoid those sticks?

If your there on Friday you probably won't get you boat off the trailer at that ramp, if you do it deeper going down river. The piles are going up river on the river side.. Not in that channel. If the waters high, up river is about 5 feet deep.

Is it really that bad ?

Anytime. If it's to low you can go next door to river breeze and ask to launch there. They usually ask for a donation for the vets.

thanks, i plan on walking out and checking it out first. you knwo basically swimming it

No.

Last year on Friday of the stwd regatta, I launched at McIntyre and drove all the way up to Riviera with no issues. I am not an expert of this part of this river. It all depends on how aware you are of your surroundings and reading the water.

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I've made the same trip even up past the 10 pretty much to jungle beach. But ive only ever launched at Mac or Riveria